It’s the true first road game for Tennessee football this season. The Vols visit the undefeated Mississippi State Bulldogs Saturday in a game that will test MSU but could derail Josh Heupel’s team and their hopes for reaching the College Football Playoff. To avoid that, here are the key UT players who have to step up in Starkville, Miss., on Saturday.
5. Andre Turrentine
Jeff Lebby is a disciple of the Heupel offense, as he was Heupel’s offensive coordinator with the UCF Knights. That means he loves to take deep shots. Andre Turrentine is limited athletically but is experienced and had an interception last week. Given the Vols’ injuries at cornerback and the deep balls Blake Shapen will throw, it’s crucial that he stay in the right spot. Otherwise, they can get hit with big plays.
4. Star Thomas
For the year, Mississippi State is No. 68, highly mediocre, in yards per carry allowed, and that’s despite them having a strength of schedule outside of the top 100. In their one Power Five game, they allowed two Arizona State Sun Devils to go for over 100 yards. As a result, UT’s running backs will be key win this game. DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis count in that, but Star Thomas is their best ball-carrier, so he’s most crucial.
3. Wendell Moe Jr.
Obviously, if Tennessee football is going to run the ball, the Vols’ offensive line will have to step up. Jesse Perry and Lance Heard have been elite on the outside, but Wendell Moe Jr. has been the highest graded PFF interior offensive lineman in three of four games this year. That’s where the run game will start. Sam Pendleton and Shamurad Umarov have been solid, but Moe has to be key here.
2. Bryson Eason
Just like the Vols, MSU’s offense starts with a vertical rushing attack. UT is still banged up on the defensive line with Daevin Hobbs certainly out, and that means the one healthy proven contributor, Bryson Eason, has to step up. Eason should be able to snuff out running plays easily, and he will also be critical in the most important aspect of this game, which leads to our next player.
1. Joshua Josephs
MSU has allowed six sacks on the year, and against ASU, they gave up three. Two were to Clayton Smith. Joshua Josephs is an edge rusher of Smith’s profile. If Eason gets the pressure in the middle, Josephs should feast. Tennessee football is tied for fifth in the nation this year with 15 sacks, and they will need to do that to shut down MSU Saturday. Josephs gives them the best chance.
