Through 3 Quarters
The South Alabama Jaguars typically have all the answers at home, but the Tennessee Volunteers are posing a tough problem. Three quarters in and Tennessee’s offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating the Jaguars 49-7 three quarters in.
QB Hendon Hooker has led the way so far for the Volunteers, as he has passed for two TDs and 273 yards on 20 attempts in addition to punching in one rushing touchdown. Speaking of playmakers, WR Velus Jones Jr. went all the way with a kickoff return for touchdown in the second quarter.
South Alabama has been relying on WR Jalen Wayne, who has caught two passes for 55 yards, and QB Desmond Trotter, who has passed for one TD and 144 yards on 26 attempts.
This is tied with the least points South Alabama has had yet this year going into the fourth quarter.
Who’s Playing
South Alabama @ Tennessee
Current Records: South Alabama 5-5; Tennessee 5-5
What to Know
The Tennessee Volunteers will play host again and welcome the South Alabama Jaguars to Neyland Stadium, where kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday. Both of these teams will be looking for a pick-me-up after considerable defeats in their previous games.
The Volunteers found themselves the reluctant recipients of an unpleasant 41-17 punch to the gut against the Georgia Bulldogs last week. Tennessee’s loss came about despite a quality game from WR Cedric Tillman, who caught ten passes for one TD and 200 yards.
Meanwhile, the afternoon started off rough for South Alabama last week, and it ended that way, too. Things couldn’t have gone much worse for them as they lost 31-7 to the Appalachian State Mountaineers. South Alabama was surely aware of their 21.5-point disadvantage in the point spread, but the foreknowledge did nothing to prevent the result. QB Desmond Trotter wasn’t much of a difference maker for South Alabama; Trotter threw two interceptions.
Since the offense as a whole struggled to get points on the board, South Alabama’s defense had to pick up the slack, as it collected two interceptions and two fumbles. The picks came courtesy of CB Devin Rockette and CB Darrell Luter Jr..
Tennessee is the favorite in this one, with an expected 28-point margin of victory. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (3-1), so they might be worth a quick bet.
The losses bumped both teams down to an identical 5-5. A couple defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: The Volunteers are stumbling into the game with the 225th most rushing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 22 on the season. The Jaguars have had an even harder time: they are 162nd worst in the nation in rushing touchdowns allowed, with 13 on the season. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee
- TV: ESPN University
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $18.00
Odds
The Volunteers are a big 28-point favorite against the Jaguars, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Volunteers as a 27.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -111
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Series History
This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last six years.
