|
KICKOFF: Saturday, 4:00 p.m. EST
GAMEDATE: 9/8/12
SITE: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
SURFACE: Grass
TV: VideoSeat PPV
SERIES:
0-0
RECORDS: Tennessee 1-0, 0-0 SEC; Georgia State 0-1, 0-0 Colonial
|
|
KEYS TO THE GAME:
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (1-0, 0-0 SEC)
For Tennessee, one of the biggest keys will be to come through this contest healthy. Their SEC opener with Florida in week three is looming and the Vols will need all hands on deck.
If the Vols can jump out to an early lead you will get a good glimpse of the future of the program with second-stringers playing early and often. Fans should get a good look at sophomore quarterback Justin Worley.
GEORGIA STATE PANTHERS (0-1, 0-0 Colonial)
For the Panthers, they must avoid the deer in the headlights affect. Neyland Stadium will be full of screaming Tennessee fans that have high hopes of a big 2012 season. It will be unlike anything they have ever seen. They can’t come out in shock and let the Vols strike early.
FAST FACTS:
— The Vols are 91-18-5 (.820) all-time in home openers, including 17 consecutive victories dating back to 1994.
— Tennessee is hosting an FCS opponent for the third consecutive season.
— The Vols are 3-0 against current members of the Colonial Athletic Association.
— Georgia State is in its third season of the program; in 2013 the Panthers will move into the FBS ranks in the Sunbelt Conference.
— This is the first-ever meeting between Tennessee and Georgia State.
— Head coach Bill Curry will be the first person ever to face the Vols as a head coach for four different teams (Georgia Tech, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia State).
2012 STAT LEADERS:
Tyler Bray — 27-41, 333 yds., 2 TD/0 INT
Marlin Lane — 9 att., 75 yds., 0 TD
Justin Hunter — 9 catches, 73 yds., 0 TD
Kelton Hill — 7-13, 76 yds., 0 TD/1 INT
Donald Russell — 12 att., 120 yds., 0 TD
Albert Wilson — 3 catches, 44 yds., 0 TD
WHAT A WIN MEANS:
A win for the Vols vaults them into their Week 3 matchup with the Florida Gators. This game is just a warm-up contest for one of the biggest games of the 2012 season. The Vols will have an opportunity to build the confidence of some newcomers that could be needed later in the season.
A win for the Panthers would make the front page of the ESPN College Football page. It would be a national story much like the victory Appalachian State stole from Michigan a few years ago. It’s just not going to happen, but if it did it would be the biggest in their three-year history.