The first week of the college football season continues with the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers hosting the Bowling Green State Flacons Saturday. Tennessee is looking for an SEC East title, while Bowling Green is looking to pull the upset.
Tennessee Outlook:
If Joshua Dobbs takes the next step, Tennessee could have a loaded offense. Jalen Hurd is solid at RB, and the Vols have several weapons at WR. The defense was in the middle-of-the-pack in the SEC last season, but should be better this year. Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett form a great pass rushing duo. Butch Jones has brought in some great talent in his three recruiting classes, and now it's time for the young players to step up.
Bowling Green Outlook:
The Bowling Green offense is "Falcon Fast," running a new play in under 20 seconds on average. Under head coach Dino Babers, Bowling Green loves to air it out. The Falcons get back QB Matt Johnson, who missed almost all of last season with a hip injury. He was one of the best players in the MAC before getting hurt. Bowling Green's defense is a major liability and that will hurt them against the Vols.
What To Watch For: The Quarterbacks
Joshua Dobbs could have a breakout season. Matt Johnson hasn't played a real snap since the first game of last season, but could return to form. It'll be interesting to see how the two QBs perform. Dobbs should outplay Johnson.
Prediction: Tennessee Wins 42-27
With Oklahoma next week, this could be a trap game for Tennessee. Bowling Green's defense isn't very good, but the Falcons' tempo is something the Vols haven't seen before. It will be close early, but Tennessee will hold off Bowling Green for a win. There should be a lot of scoring in this game.
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