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The Matchups: Vols-Wolfpack

Cincinnati 44 NC State 14

N.C. State senior quarterback Mike Glennon

Our final game predictions will come later in the week, but let’s start looking at how Tennessee matches up with Friday’s neutral-site opponent — the N.C. State Wolfpack.

Wes Rucker

    • Very good and interesting analysis Wes. The only issue that I may disagree with is the x-factor. I think the new energy brought in with the new coaches is something to consider as an x-factor, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, (Ya know what I mean) and on the offensive line and at RB. Then to top it off, this is one pissed off Tennessee team. They have had to live with the sting of the Kentucky loss, uncertainly over the HC's future and a fan base that has had moments of not being the most supportive. I think this is a team that has talent, building depth and a chip on their shoulders the size of the mountain they hiked in the Smokies during the summer. They have something to prove to the football world and the premier in finally upon us! GO BIG ORANGE!!!

      volviking

    • So many unknowns -- I'm sure this was a tough article to write.

      UTFPMD

    • When will you do "to know a foe"?

      This post was edited by OrangeVol79 on 8/29/2012 at 8:05 AM

      OrangeVol79

    • Hopefully we can set these guys up with double moves and pump fakes. To get that many picks you're taking a lot of chances. Obviously they are winning with taking those risks most of the time, but I still think Tennessee can pass on these guys. Maybe not huge numbers but Bray should have time to find the targets. Just can't force stuff. Check down if necessary.

      jcolquitt

    • Wes, what are your expectations for our defense? By that I mean do you expect them to be hungry and aggressive with multiple blitz packages? If so, are they likely to get burned by Glennon as his numbers aren't a bit shabby? Do you also think Dooley has turned the reigns over to Sunseri to put lots of heat on opposing offenses this year rather than the bend but don't break Wilcox philosophy?

      volnsetn ●

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      JB11

    • This post is for members of GoVols247 or All Access VIP members only. Start Free Trial

      Ryan Callahan

    • Ryan, can you please respond to the question I posed for Wes? What are your expectations for our defense? By that I mean do you expect them to be hungry and aggressive with multiple blitz packages? If so, are they likely to get burned by Glennon as his numbers aren't a bit shabby? Do you also think Dooley has turned the reigns over to Sunseri to put lots of heat on opposing offenses this year rather than the bend but don't break Wilcox philosophy?

      volnsetn ●

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      Ryan Callahan

    • Great stuff Wes, but I think you may have left out ! very important X Factor. The Dome is gonna be packed with Orange-clad, rabid, victory-hungry fans that will outnumber State fans at least 2-1 if not greater. We will back our Vols! Orange. GO VOLS!

      OrangeNCarolina

    • Highlights from the Vols practice Tuesday as they prepare for the season opener against NC State.

      Play

      http://www.youtube.com/v/YhXtS0pYh58

      echapin

    • echapin said...

      Highlights from the Vols practice Tuesday as they prepare for the season opener against NC State.

      Thanks! By the way, nice avatar.

      Ryan Callahan

    • echapin said...

      Highlights from the Vols practice Tuesday as they prepare for the season opener against NC State.

      Heck Yeah! +1 Ready of some football. GO VOLS!

      OrangeNCarolina

    • It’s funny… this article takes on the same tonality as so many other articles and blog posts about UT… cautious optimism! You can tell Wes wants to give UT a significant edge, but is hesitant to fully commit on taking that position. However, it’s nice to see so much more optimism this year… even if it is cautious. Can’t say we’ve even had that the last several years going into the season.

      TriGuy1252

    • I would think one of the X factors would be the "neutral site" should have a disportionate # of UT fans giving us more of a "home field" type advantage. I'd guess it will be 80/20 in terms of UT vs NC State fans? Then again, I know little about their program and perhaps the their fans travel well?

      memphischic

    • Yeah, Michael Patrick always takes the most flattering pictures of me.

      BTW, here's Evan Woodbery's video of today's practice:

      This post was edited by echapin on 8/29/2012 at 10:51 AM

      Play

      With 'Rocky Top' blaring, Tennessee practi...

      Coaches piped in music as Tennessee practiced Aug. 29, 2012, in preparation for the season-opening game against N.C. State. The video includes the receivers going through drills.

      http://www.youtube.com/v/5jgbvOmVWeg

      echapin

    • What about the X-Factor of the BLACK JERSEYS?!?!?!?! roflmaosarcasm

      RockyTopRev

    • memphischic said...

      I would think one of the X factors would be the "neutral site" should have a disportionate # of UT fans giving us more of a "home field" type advantage. I'd guess it will be 80/20 in terms of UT vs NC State fans? Then again, I know little about their program and perhaps the their fans travel well?

      A Clemson-fan friend of mine at work said NC St fans do not travel well. He couldn't understand why they were chosen as part of a season-opening game. That said, maybe they'll travel better this year when they're hoping their team will be better than it has been since the 70's? Even if that's true, Atlanta's really close to K-town, and Vol fans always travel well; best NC St could seem to hope for is 50/50 fan split.

      ericstubb

    • Eager for the game, I did a Wes-style breakdown on it earlier in the week and wondered about a few things I didn't see in the article. Given UT's line had good pass protection last year and return nearly all the same guys, won't Bray (with all his passing talent) have lots of time to pick a target? In addition to the receivers Wes mentions, there's also Rivera & Bartholomew as an H-back.
      On the other side, how has Sunseri's D done in defending UT's offense's passing game in practice? NC St's line seems weaker in pass protection than ours, and even assuming Glennon and Bray are equals, NC St doesn't sound like they have the 3 likely future 1st round draft picks at WR that Sunseri's D practiced against in off-season. Wagner may not be Amerson but he was either playing safety or playing it safe at CB last year; he or Gordon or others in the secondary may be a surprise to Amerson -- all the moreso if Amerson's in a hurry from our front 7 and makes a few mistakes.

      ericstubb

    • OrangeVol79 said...

      When will you do "to know a foe"?

      Early this evening.

      Wes Rucker

    • volnsetn said...

      Wes, what are your expectations for our defense? By that I mean do you expect them to be hungry and aggressive with multiple blitz packages? If so, are they likely to get burned by Glennon as his numbers aren't a bit shabby? Do you also think Dooley has turned the reigns over to Sunseri to put lots of heat on opposing offenses this year rather than the bend but don't break Wilcox philosophy?

      They will bring plenty of heat — that's what Dooley, Sunseri and the players all want to do — but if they do that they have to affect the QB. If they don't, they won't win this game, IMO.

      Wes Rucker

    • Wes Rucker said...

      They will bring plenty of heat — that's what Dooley, Sunseri and the players all want to do — but if they do that they have to affect the QB. If they don't, they won't win this game, IMO.

      Thanks Wes! Great article and brutally honest! I hope Dooley succeeds as the last thing this program needs is another coaching/staff turnover! BTW, is it true that Rogers was belligerent to the coaches in public? If so, why so long in truly dealing with the problem?

      volnsetn ●

    • Very fair and detailed analyses followed by many 'Advantage: Even's means this will likely be a very close game.

      423VOL

    • Obviously because they needed him last season especially once Hunter went down. Heard last summer was the worst with DR being immature and very self centered from what i understand. He got the boot for the failed drug test coupled with his attitude and the totality of his past issues. And we have some talented WR depth this season...

      Tithulta

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