Coming off a bye week, Tennessee Football is playing a tough team in the Arkansas Razorbacks that would be 5-0 if not for clock mismanagement by Sam Pittman. Josh Heupel’s team is looking to deliver a blowout, though. How can they pull that off? Let’s break that down now. Here are the five key Vols to watch for against the Hogs.
5. Dylan Sampson
After playing great defense against the Oklahoma State Cowboys rushing attack, Arkansas’s rush defense has struggled recently. Le’Veon Moss of the Texas A&M Aggies just had 117 yards on 13 carries. As a result, Dylan Sampson, who has been UT’s greatest offensive weapon to this point, should be able to go off.
4. Bru McCoy
Noah Thomas of A&M, who is 6’6″, had six catches for 109 yards against the Hogs. KeAndre Lambert-Smith of Auburn had five catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns the week before. Bru McCoy is the go-to receiver for Tennessee Football, and his physical presence should be way too much for Arkansas if Heupel and co. use him properly.
3. Keenan Pili
Taylen Green isn’t that accurate, but Arkansas’s offense is dangerous because he is a dual-threat quarterback. As a result, Keenan Pili will be crucial to keeping this offense in check. Pili is proving early he has great lateral quickness and is also able to stay in position. Arion Carter will likely make more plays, but Pili needs to focus on containment.
2. James Pearce Jr.
Last week, Arkansas gave up two sacks to Nic Scourton of A&M, who is built as a hybrid defensive lineman. They also gave up two sacks to Obi Ezeigbo of Oklahoma State, who is an edge rusher. That means Tyre West or James Pearce Jr. could go off. It’s time for Pearce to explode for Tennessee Football coming off a bye, so he makes this list.
1. Nico Iamaleava
Arkansas easily has the best offense Tennessee Football will have faced this year so far on Saturday. That means the Vols will finally need Nico Iamaleava to win a game with his arm. As a result, not only will Pearce need to finally emerge to live up to expectations, but it’s time for Iamaleava to begin his Heisman campaign off the bye, albeit a bit late.
