They bring back 6 starters on offense and 9 on D. The losses on offense are 3 WRs and a couple lineman. In spite of losing two, their OL is still pretty good but the passing game may suffer a bit from the loss of WRs. Their QB was the highest rated in their conference (SBC) last year. They piled up 270 yards per game on the ground (albeit against a cream puff schedule). Our ability to stop or at least slow their rushing attack is key. We finally have depth on the DL, though we lack it at LB. Should be an interesting matchup.
On defense they return everyone but two, but one of the two is a 3-time all conference DE and was considered their best player last year. I think that really helps us given the style offense we run. More time for Dobbs to throw and an easier time for him scrambling. They had a solid run D at 134 yards/game, 3.4 per carry,but again against a creampuff schedule. Then again they held Clemson to 140. Then again, Clemson pasted them 41-10.
Speaking of Clemson, they played Clemson on the road in their 2nd game last year and lost by the aforementioned score. While I am not quite prepared to say this year's Vols are at the same point as Clemson was last year at this time, I think we are definitely close enough.
Their other loss last year was to Arkansas State and they let a mediocre Troy team take them to OT.
They might be the spread, but I am hoping for a Clemson-style blowout.
And that the rest of the season goes like it did for Clemson last year, save the last game.
