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Tennessee's pass protection left a lot to be desired in Game 1 but this is the same group that allowed just 4 sacks in 2007.
Jonathan Crompton struggled mightily in Game 1, whereas UAB's Joe Webb already appears to be in midseason form.
They may not be Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, but UT's Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty might be the best tailback tandem in the SEC this year.
John Chavis says UAB's Frantrell Forrest could start for anyone in the SEC. Then again, Tennessee has three guys who already ARE starting in the SEC.
Vol tackles Demonte Bolden, Dan Williams and Walter Fisher played much better than expected vs. UCLA. They give UT a big edge in this category.
UAB's Joe Henderson and UT's Rico McCoy are on the 2008 Butkus Award watch list. The Vols rate the edge due to the stellar play of Ellix Wilson in Game 1.
The return of cornerback Brent Vinson from a one-game suspension makes a talented and experienced Vol secondary even more talented and more experienced.
UT appears to be excellent on punt/kickoff coverage and returns. Still, I can't give the Vols an edge in this category after they missed four field goals (one negated by penalty) and had a punt blocked in Game 1.
Tennessee is playing at home and looking for redemption after laying an egg in the opener. The Vols may be flat, however, especially with arch-rival Florida next on the schedule.
UAB allows 577.5 yards and 47 points per game, and there's a reason for that: The Blazers have a porous defense. That's just what the doctor ordered for a UT offense coming off a dismal showing in Game 1. Tennessee 47, UAB 13.
