Over the last several weeks Coach Pruitt has spoken about the need for his defense to create turnovers. Tennessee lost the turnover battle in four of their first five games this season, each resulting in a loss on the scoreboard. In the lone win — against UT-Chattanooga, as we all know — the Vols created five turnovers, and committed zero themselves. It is clear that when the Volunteers create turnovers — and by extension more chances for an offense that has struggled to produce points — they are a much more competitive squad.
On Saturday against Mississippi State the Volunteers managed to get back into the win column, thanks in part to winning the turnover battle for the second time this season.