The CheckerBoard

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!!!

When will you do "to know a foe"?

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?

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!

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?

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

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.

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.

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