Tennessee vs. West Virginia Preview

Tennessee football is back! The 2018 season kicks off today against No. 17 West Virginia and Vol fans are as excited as ever. The game will be played at Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers, in Charlotte North Carolina. You can catch the game at 3:30 on CBS. The Jeremy Pruitt era officially begins as the Vols face West Virginia for the first time in school history. Not only is this the first time since 2007 in which the Vols face a ranked opponent to open the season, but it is the first time that Tennessee's history that a head coach has begun his career against a ranked team.

Last season, West Virginia averaged 34.5 points per game (PPG), while allowing 31.5 PPG. They ran the ball for 150.3 yards per game and allowed 204.2 rushing yards per game. Additionally, the Mountaineers allowed 241.4 passing yards per game. Their efficient offense, which averaged 459.6 total yards per game was led by quarterback Will Grier. He threw for 3,490 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 250-388 passing. West Virginia finished the 2017 season with a record of 7-6, losing their final 3 games after a 7-3 start to the season. Grier has made a reputation for using banned substances, so whether he is clean or not, Tennessee will look to make him uncomfortable in the pocket.

This off-season has been one of the most eventful off-seasons in Tennessee's history. After Tennessee's fanbase was harassed for their so called "mob mentality" after rightfully blocking Greg Schiano from being hired, the Vols have found their guy in Jeremy Pruitt. New athletic director, Phillip Fulmer will make sure that the program is handled properly. With that being said, as the voices of Bob Kesling and Tim Priest come on the radio and the SEC on CBS theme begins playing, Vol fans will know that a new era of Tennessee football is mere moments away. Tennessee has won their last 9 season openers, along with 12 consecutive non-conference victories. I believe that this streak will continue, as the offense should be much more efficient than last season. I also expect the Vols' defense to put pressure on Will Grier, forcing him into 2 interceptions today. It should be a great day for week one of college football and I am stoked to see the Vols kickoff the 2018 season!

Preston's Pick: Tennessee 35  West Virginia 31

Alex's Pick: Tennessee 27  West Virginia 33