Tennessee got its first answers against Furman. Saturday should bring a much tougher test.
The Vols travel to Atlanta for their first road game of the season against a Georgia Tech team capable of challenging areas that went largely untested in Week 1.
Former Tennessee defensive back Todd Kelly Jr. believes the Vols have the talent advantage, but identified several matchups that could determine whether Tennessee separates from the Yellow Jackets.
Here are three keys to Saturday’s game.
1. Keep Alberto Mendoza from extending plays
Tennessee’s defensive front limited how much its secondary was tested against Furman. Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza could change that.
Mendoza can escape the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield, forcing defensive backs to remain in coverage longer.
“You really have to be disciplined with your eyes and not forget what your assignment is,” Kelly said Friday on Live Ball. “The true definition of plastering and really sticking to your man is going to be essential.”
That puts pressure on Tennessee’s front to make Mendoza play on schedule.
Kelly pointed to Xavier Gilliam, Tyree Weathersby and Jordan Norman as players who could make the difference.
“The more pressure we put on Alberto Mendoza, the better chance we have of really, really dominating this game,” Kelly said.
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2. Unlock more of Tennessee’s receiving corps
Mike Matthews showed Tennessee’s explosive potential in Week 1.
Now comes the opportunity to show its depth.
Kelly expects Braylon Staley to become more involved against Georgia Tech, particularly if the Yellow Jackets devote additional attention to Matthews.
“This is a game where your slot receiver can really take that next step,” Kelly said.
Radarious Jackson is another receiver Kelly expects to emerge. Add Tennessee’s tight ends and running backs, and true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon could have significantly more options than Georgia Tech can comfortably account for.
“When you’ve got to circle five or six people, it makes it that much more tough,” Kelly said.
Kelly predicted Brandon will throw for more than 200 yards Saturday and believes either Matthews or Staley will eclipse 100 receiving yards.
3. Keep Justice Haynes under control
Kelly’s biggest concern for Tennessee is Georgia Tech running back Justice Haynes.
Haynes can hurt Tennessee on the ground and as a receiver, putting additional responsibility on a linebacker room that gets Arion Carter back from his one-game suspension.
Tennessee’s tackling will also have to improve after Furman found more success on the ground later in the opener.
“If we don’t clean that up, Justice Haynes is going to have a long, long day,” Kelly said. “We’re going to have to stop him early and often.”
Kelly believes Tennessee will.
He predicted Haynes will finish below 100 rushing yards and picked the Vols to win 38-17.
Saturday should provide a much clearer picture of Tennessee than its opener.
If the Vols can contain Mendoza’s off-script ability, spread the field around Brandon and keep Haynes from controlling the game, their first road test could also become their second convincing win.
