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Scouting Report: Arkansas State Red Wolves at Tennessee Volunteers
By Jason Hall
Published:
In advance of this weekend’s season-opener, Saturday Down South’s Jason Hall breaks down the scouting report for Tennessee’s showdown against Arkansas State
Arkansas State Red Wolves at Tennessee Volunteers
(12 PM ET, SEC Network)
THE SKINNY: Tennessee is coming off a 38-7 season opening win over Utah State. Although many predicted the Vols to be favored, the dominant performance came as somewhat of a surprise against a talented Aggies team. Tennessee shut down dual-threat quarterback Chuckie Keeton and will look to do the same against Arkansas State’s Fredi Knighten. The Red Wolves will look to follow up their 37-10 victory over Montana State.
KEY PLAYER: Once again, Justin Worley needs to have a big game for the Volunteers. The quarterback is coming off a career day that saw him total 273 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-38 passing. Worley exploited an inexperienced Utah State pass defense that returned just one previous starter. Against Arkansas State, he will face a group of defensive backs that includes two preseason Thorpe Award watch list nominees in safety Sterling Young and cornerback Rocky Hayes.
WHAT TO WATCH: Tennessee saw 21 freshmen receive playing time last weekend. With the Vols heavily favored, Butch Jones may continue to hold an open audition and have many first-year players see the field on different rotations. Jalen Hurd will compete with senior running back Marlin Lane to become the Vols’ featured rusher. Last week, the two backs split carries evenly at 11 a piece.
FINAL SAY: Tennessee will continue its success from last weekend with another big victory against a talented mid-major program. The Volunteer defense will provide an answer for the elusive Knighten as A.J. Johnson will be a major factor in this game. The senior is coming off a stellar opening night performance and should continue to show why he is not only the team’s defensive leader, but also known as “The Beast”. Offensively, the Vols will see improvement in the trenches after cutting down penalties in the second half of last week’s game.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
