Outback Bowl Preview: Tennessee Volunteers v. Penn State Nittany Lions

Outback Bowl, Tennessee Volunteers v. Penn State Nittany Lions
UT rush v. PSU defense	UT pass v. PSU defense	PSU rush v. UT defense	PSU pass v. UT defense	Kicking	UT punting v. PSU punt return	PSU punting v. UT punt return
						Push

 

Tennessee running game v. Penn State defense

LaMarcus Coker is out of the dog house, but he's not going to start against the Nittany Lions. Add to that (1) the fact that the Tennessee offensive line has not shown that it can both run block and pass protect in the same game, (2) the fact that Jacques McClendon will be starting in place of an injured Anthony Parker, and (3) the fact that PSU is ranked 10th in the nation against the run, and things could get hairy for the Vols' rushing game. Hardesty and Foster especially will struggle against PSU's front four. Sure, 12-game starter Ed Johnson has been suspended, but we'll still have to deal with tackle Jay Alford, who can wreak havoc in the backfield. Expect UT to double-team him and still struggle to gain yards on the ground. If by chance a ball carrier gets by the line of scrimmage he'll likely be blown up by PSU's awesome linebacking corps, headlined by Paul Posluszny. If Coker gets in early, he could do some damage. Coker's gained 660 yards this season in limited playing time, and Penn State is particularly susceptible to Coker's strength -- outside speed. Don't be surprised if Coker has another 80- to 90-yard jaunt like he did against Marshall and Vanderbilt. Still, you have to give a clear advantage to the Penn State rush defense.

Tennessee passing game v. Penn State defense

The Vols have proven this year that they really don't need to rely on the running backs to move the ball. Nobody, save for Arkansas' corners wrestling Meachem to the ground at the line of scrimmage, has had an answer for Ainge-to-Meachem. If Penn State tries too hard and devotes too much attention to this effort, Ainge will simply check off to Jayson Swain or Bret Smith, assuming he gets academically eligible in time to play. The size of the receivers should give the secondary problems, and their speed should give the linebackers problems. And don't forget the tight ends. Brad Cottam has been coming on, and if what Mike says about PSU being vulnerable to good tight ends is right, Cottam could have a banner day. Clear advantage to Tennessee's passing offense.

Penn State running game v. Tennessee defense

Penn State's running game is merely average, but Tennessee's rushing defense (71st in the nation) has shown a knack for making average rushing attacks look exceptional. The Vols' front four is simply too young and too shallow. PSU running back Tony Hunt is apparently prone to fumbling, though, so there's that. Unless the linebackers can knock the ball loose a time or two, look for the Nittany Lions to eat up yards and time of possession on the ground. Clear advantage for PSU here.

Penn State passing game v. Tennessee defense

Penn State's receiving corps -- Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood -- appear to be quite solid. Fortunately for the Vols, however, they'll be going against the strength of UT's defense. The Jonathans (Wade and Hefney) are ball hawks that should be good for an interception or two in this game. The entire secondary excels at baiting the QB by playing off their man and then utilizing their speed to close the gap and out-battle the receiver for the ball. The PSU QB, who apparently isn't all that accurate anyway, may misjudge the speed of the secondary and give up an interception or two before realizing he's being baited. Add to that the fact that the QB's decision-making falls into the questionable category when under duress and the fact that the line's pass protection often breaks down, it could be a good night for the Volunteer secondary. Advantage for Tennessee.

Tennessee kicking v. Penn State kicking

Tennessee's James Wilhoit is solid, has great range, and only misses field goals in non-pressure situations. PSU's Kevin Kelly is fine at field goals, especially inside the 40, but is not as consistent as Wilhoit. Penn State kickoff return men Rodney Kinlaw and A.J. Wallace are capable of taking it the distance, while Tennessee's return men (whomever they are) can only run to the 15 and fall down. Fortunately, most of Wilhoit's kickoffs result in touchbacks, so the danger for the Vols should be held in check. Give Tennessee an advantage due to Wilhoit and Colquitt.

Tennessee punting and punt coverage v. Penn State's punt return game

Britton Colquitt is superb for the Volunteers, combining distance, height, and placement as the situation dictates, all of which is often negated if the punt returner is allowed to catch the ball and run with it. Nittany Lions' return man Derrick Williams is dangerous, so this will all come down to Colquitt's ability to keep it away from him, which he should be able to do. Advantage Tennessee.

Penn State punting and punt coverage v. Tennessee's punt return game

Penn State's punter, Jermy Kapinos, is solid, but he'll be kicking to Tennessee's Jonathan Hefney, who is also solid and who can even break a long one every now and then. Penn State's punt coverage is apparently excellent, though, as its net punting yardage is only about a yard and a half off its gross. Call this one a push.

What will happen

PSU will lean heavily on running back Tony Hunt, who will be effective eating up large chunks of yards and minutes on the ground, but will fumble at least once at a particularly inopportune time. Success in the running game will lead to what PSU QB will deem to be play action opportunities but which will be defended well and/or intercepted by the speedy UT secondary. Penn State will shut down UT's running game, except for one long run by Coker around the edge, but it won't matter, as Ainge in Orange will pick the Penn State secondary apart, utilizing a healthy dose of Meachem and a dash of Swain, Smith, and Cottam.

Prediction: Volunteers 27, Nittany Lions 16