Although the media and Vols fans alike may be looking forward to the matchup next week against Oklahoma, the Vols do in fact play a game this week. The team will face off against the Kent State Golden Flashes in Neyland Stadium on September 14th.
The Vols should have an easy outing, but still need to come at this game like every other. Vols fans know all too well that overlooking a team can result in major heartbreak. As long as these key players and position groups play to their standard, the Vols should exit this match feeling like it was no more than a tune-up game.
#7 Vols Take on Kent State
Offensive Line
While the Golden Flashes have very little to show for, their most impressive player is EDGE Kameron Olds. Olds has three sacks on the season so far. Shutting him down is vital for the offense to succeed, and for Nico Iamaleava to have the necessary time in the pocket. Olds typically lines up against the left tackle when on the field, so expect him to be matched up with Lance Heard.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Lance Heard, Cooper Mays, John Campbell Jr.
When I tell you the @Vol_Football TE’s are the difference makers right now……….also, Dane Davis/Lance Heard pic.twitter.com/T6UgwMu1VI
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 11, 2024
Defensive Line
The defensive line performing well is key to winning any game, no matter the opponent. An effective D-Line can completely disrupt the offense’s gameplan. Luckily, Tennessee has one of the most effective defensive lines. Kent State does not have an effective run game, totaling only 185 yards on the year, and their offensive line has allowed six sacks already. The Golden Flashes should be outmatched in just about every aspect of the trenches. Expect James Pearce Jr. to finally get going, after having a rather slow start to his season, and we should get a good look at some of the younger guys as well.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
James Pearce Jr., Omari Thomas, Jordan Ross, Jonathan Josephs
College GameDay's Rece Davis had some strong words for Tennessee’s defensive line 😳pic.twitter.com/gU5mqOF2QQ
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) September 10, 2024
Nico Iamaleava
Nico Iamaleava is coming off of a game where he torched N.C. State’s defense through the air and on the ground, accounting for 276 total yards and three touchdowns. N.C. State’s defense is far better than that of Kent State. That is no disrespect to the Golden Flashes, it is just the cold, hard truth. The talented quarterback should have no problem picking this defense apart, and should fully assert himself into the Heisman conversation moving forward.
Manning Award QB of the Week@nico_iamaleava8
Shout out #VolNation for voting!#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/zhB6D9cINc
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 11, 2024
Wide Receivers
There has been no clear cut WR1 for the Vols yet. Against UTC, Dont’e Thornton Jr. led the team in yards. However, in the game against N.C. State Thornton received no targets, and Squirrel White was the primary target at receiver. This matchup is a perfect opportunity for one of those guys to assert themselves as the team’s #1 receiver. This game is also a great opportunity to get a look at the younger guys in the position group. Guys like Kaleb Webb, Nathan Leacock, and Chas Nimrod should receive a fair amount of playing time in the second half.
Another thing to lookout for is the potential debut of the duo of highly touted freshman receivers, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley. Both have yet to make an appearance on the field in the orange and white, and Vols fans are greatly anticipating getting to see the future of the receiver room.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton Jr., Mike Matthews
Overall, the Vols should have an easy tune-up game ahead of them. Heupel has a good track record of keeping his guys focused on the current week, and not whatever matchup lies in the coming weeks. As long as the Vols don’t get caught looking ahead, they should get out of this one unscathed, rolling into a big time matchup in Norman.
PREDICTION:
Tennessee: 63
Kent State: 13
Follow me on X (Twitter) @JacksonVols24 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!
