Game Analysis

TENNESSEE (-11 ½)  30   Virginia Tech  18

Both of these teams struggled offensively last week, as Tennessee averaged just 4.6 yards per play in a 20-13 overtime win over Appalachian State while Virginia Tech managed just 5.2 yppl against FCS rep Liberty, who would allow 7.0 yppl on the road to an average FBS offense. Virginia Tech has been below average offensively for 4 consecutive years and that trend doesn’t look like it will change in year one under new coach Justin Fuente.

Tennessee was only 0.3 yards per play better than average last season (5.5 yppl against teams that would allow 5.2 yppl to an average team) so I wasn’t shocked by their offensive struggles against a good Appalachian stop unit. Both of these teams are good defensively but I do think Tennessee can have decent success running the football while I don’t see Virginia Tech being able to run or throw against a solid and well-rounded Volunteers’ defense. I don’t really have an opinion on the side but I lean with the under (54 ½) in this game.