Tennessee Football: 5 Things to watch for during ETSU game

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: The defense of the Tennessee Volunteers watch as David Sills V #13 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops a pass in the endzone during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

#3 – The Vols secondary and how they rebound

The Volunteers secondary was very bad last Saturday. Granted they faced one of the best quarterbacks in the country, but they still looked very bad. The Volunteers allowed 429 passing yards last week to Grier. If the Volunteers want to make it to a bowl game, the secondary will have to be much better.

The Volunteers are very young at the defensive back position. Both Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor started in their first-ever collegiate game last Saturday, with guys like Trevon Flowers also getting their first-ever reps. Baylen Buchanan also struggled last weekend.

One thing that is really hurting this group is youth. These guys have talent, but they haven’t been on the field enough and have mental lapses time and time again. I believe once these guys see more action, they will have more success.

I was disappointed in the Volunteers safeties last weekend. Both Micah Abernathy and Nigel Warrior looked out of place. Hopefully the game this Saturday will get them back into the swing of things.

If the Volunteers secondary struggles this week against ETSU, it will be a very long year for the Volunteers.

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