ETSU vs. Tennessee Preview

Tennessee kicks off their 2018 home-opener against the ETSU Buccaneers on Saturday. The game will start at 4:00, airing on the SEC Network from inside Neyland Stadium. This meeting marks the first time the 2 schools have met. The Vols have won 22 of their past 23 home-openers, with the only loss in that time frame coming against Oklahoma in 2015. Tennessee has won 13 consecutive games versus in-state, non-conference opponents, holding a record of 70-3-2 all-time against those teams. The previous 4 Tennessee head coaches have been victorious in their first game inside of Neyland Stadium. Jeremy Pruitt will look to keep this streak alive on Saturday. Last week, as Guarantano completed a career-high of 19 passes, the Vols scored their first points of the season on a 17-play drive. This drive was the longest touchdown drive for Tennessee since their matchup with South Carolina on November 2, 2002. The Vols' offense should be even more explosive against ETSU.

While Pruitt is beginning his tenure in Knoxville this year, ETSU's head coach, Randy Sanders is entering his first year with the Buccaneers. Sanders was a quarterback at Tennessee from 1984-88 and was on the Vols' coaching staff from 1989-2005. Last week, the Buccaneers defeated Mars Hill by a score of 28-7. Quarterback Logan Marchi completed 17-29 passes for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quay Holmes, a running back, carried the ball 17 times for 188 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, wide receiver Quan Harrison made 5 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, while Kobe Kelley recorded 3 receptions for 28 yards and 1 touchdown. ETSU totaled 511 total yards of offense in their week 1 win.

In a game in which Tennessee is heavily favored, I expect them to show improvement in many aspects, especially defense. The Vols had several missed tackles against West Virginia, so I expect them to clean up their fundamentals for this week. Pruitt played 8 true freshman last week and even more young players should receive playing time on Saturday. On the offensive side of the ball, Tim Jordan will look to build off his impressive 118-yard performance from last week. It is the first home game of Pruitt's tenure and the home-opener to a new era of Tennessee football, so Neyland Stadium should be deafening, per usual. Unlike last season, when the Vols struggled against inferior opponents, I expect Tennessee to handle business against the Buccaneers. I am excited to see Tennessee take the field on what should be a very positive day.

Preston's Pick: Tennessee 42  ETSU 14

Alex's Pick: Tennessee 31  ETSU 17