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Tennessee Football: 5 Things to watch for in the UTEP Game

By Stetson Marlin

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

#4 – Discipline

This one might not seem like a big deal, but it could be the deciding factor in the next few weeks. The Volunteers will look to play a clean game this week against UTEP. The Volunteers did a good job last game, only committing three penalties for 19 yards.

I’m sure the coaching staff has been preaching this point to them all offseason and throughout the season so far.

With an easy opponent this Saturday, I would look for the Volunteers to be disciplined, meaning no stupid penalties like a false start, offsides, or a holding.

This will be a game the Volunteers look to stay away from making mistakes, whether that is making sure the offensive lineman picks up the right guy or the defense doesn’t blow a coverage.

It will be key for the Volunteers to stay disciplined this week, leading up to a tough matchup next Saturday against Florida. A dumb penalty like a false start or a holding might not be a big deal against the UTEP Miners, but it could potentially hurt the Volunteers next week against Florida. Cleaning up small things like that could turn out huge for the Volunteers, especially as they go down this very tough stretch in a few weeks.

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