Tennessee has entered the 2022 season with high hopes. After an exciting up-tempo display last year, the Vols and Heupel look to continue where they left off and improve on this new culture. An opener against Ball State on a Thursday is not exactly the excitement Vol fans want, but there is plenty to talk about and look forward to. This will be the eye test of the game Thursday.
Air Raid
Hendon Hooker continued where he left off last year, going 18-25 for 221 and 2 TDs, also 2 touchdowns on the ground in goal-line situations. The Vols showed great depth at the wide-out position with 3 different players having over 50 yards receiving, also Holiday, Hyatt, and Merrill each with a TD. Being the first game of the year, some rust is expected. Good news for Vol fans it looks like Tennessee will pick up right where they left off in the passing department.
Ground Attack
Now for the ground game. With Tiyon Evans transferring out many were concerned with the backfield this year. Sharing touches with Evans last year, Small looks for help at that end. He got it from Jaylen Wright last night. Combining for 151 yards on 13 touches each, Small and Wright each scored once. With the speed Tennessee plays with it was a great game for the O-line. With LT concerns coming into the game, only 1 sack was given up. They created big holes in the run game and looked in-shape the whole game.
Defense Eye Test
Now finally, the defense. With a 59-10 score-line, it was a dominate game. Despite that, there are always areas to improve on. From the secondary, the two interceptions are a plus. The main issue for the Vols last year might repeat itself. 269 passing yards given up against Ball State, could worry some people. Many missed tackles and opportunities by DB’s, could spell trouble for them through the year. On the D-line we saw some improvement. Holding Ball State, and their star back Carson Steele to just 74 rushing yards. Making the average 2.4 yards per carry for the team. In the pass game, 0 sacks were made. No reason I could see, any game why Ball State should have more sacks than Tennessee. An issue that needs to be looked at.
Week 0
Again, it is the first game of a new season. There is lead way being this early in the year, and I am sure to see improvements all around the board. No doubt it will be an exciting season again in Knoxville. For more coverage of your favorite teams and updates, visit Gridiron Heroics.
Football vs Ball State on 9/1/2022 – Box Score – University of Tennessee Athletics (utsports.com)
