Appalachian State at Tennessee: 3 Things Recap

We gave you three key things to focus on during Tennessee’s game against Appalachian State. Now we will recap how those things played out and how it affected the game. Off we go.

1. How Accurate Will Joshua Dobbs Be?

Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) looks to pass against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

In the preview I stressed that Dobbs would have to improve his accuracy, particularly on deep passes if Tennessee wanted to be successful this season. He certainly didn’t show much improvement against Appalachian State. He blatantly missed several wide open receivers and threw an extremely ill-advised interception.

In fairness, he did manage to hit Josh Malone on a game-tying go route and made several plays with his feet. However, the kind of performance Dobbs had last night won’t be good enough to beat Florida or Alabama. It may not be good enough to beat Virginia Tech next weekend. But we will see.

2. How Will the Offensive Line Perform?

Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee returned four out of five starters on the line. The only new face was former five-star recruit Drew Richmond at left tackle. In theory, the Volunteers should have mauled the minuscule Mountaineer front, but it didn’t happen that way.

Instead, the Appalachian State defensive line used their quickness to shoot through the gaps and harass Dobbs all night. Drew Richmond was beaten badly on multiple occasions. Dobbs’ athleticism bailed his team out on multiple occasions.

Things were no better in the run game. Tennessee failed to get much of a push. And it was only through the brute strength of Jalen Hurd that they were able to grind out yards. As a team the Volunteers averaged a paltry three yards per carry on the night. Again, that simply isn’t good enough.

3. Will the Vols Fall Into the Trap?

In the preview I stressed how vital it was for Tennessee not to buy into their own hype and overlook a dangerous Appalachian State team. Clearly, they didn’t read my preview. They fell right into the trap and only through Appalachian State’s incompetence and blind luck were able to climb out of it. The Volunteers had better consider this a wake up call. Games are won on the field, not in the newspapers.

Conclusion

Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones celebrates with the team after winning in overtime against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Thank you for reading. What were your takeaways from the game? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter. Check in next week to see which three things to watch for as the Volunteers face off against the Virginia Tech Hokies.