Bold Predictions: Tennessee looks to end bowl drought
The Tennessee Volunteers (5-5, 2-4 SEC) look to extend their two-game winning streak Saturday as they host No. 19 Missouri (8-2, 5-1) at Neyland Stadium. The Vols are a 3.5-point favorite, despite facing the defending SEC East champion and current division leader.
Tennessee is 2-0 since naming Joshua Dobbs its starting quarterback. Prior to the change, the Vols were winless against SEC teams and lost five of six games. Tennessee looks to capture its first win against a ranked opponent and secure bowl eligibility.
Here are some bold predictions for Saturday’s game:
Shane Ray will not record a sack: Ray leads the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (18.0, tied with Tennessee’s Derek Barnett). The redshirt junior faces an offensive line that ranks No. 117 overall in sacks allowed. However, the Vols have given up just three sacks since Dobbs’ first appearance.
Jalen Hurd will rush for over 100 yards: Jalen Hurd has increased his production since Dobbs’ addition to the starting lineup. The freshman has over 100 yards in back-to-back games, including a career-best 125 yards against South Carolina. Hurd leads Tennessee in rushing yards and has had big games against solid defenses.
Tennessee will win 31-10: The Vols offense has seen back-to-back games of over 500 total yards. Tennessee’s defense looked refreshed last Saturday coming off its second bye week after seven consecutive games. Missouri is fortunate to have the SEC’s third weakest strength of schedule.
Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk has struggled to find his consistency and is turnover prone. Tennessee must exploit Mauk’s shortcomings and force turnovers. The Vols will also have a home field advantage on senior night and should play well on Saturday.