The Texas Longhorns and quarterback Arch Manning are opening up SEC play against an undefeated Tennessee Volunteers team ready to prove the future is bright with signal caller Faizon Brandon.
This week's Roundtable College Football Game of the Week features one of the nation's most talked-about players and programs heading to their first SEC competition of the season as quarterback Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns are prepare to face the Tennessee Volunteers in an electric Neyland Stadium environment.
The Longhorns (3-0) are likely still riding high after a big victory against the Ohio State Buckeyes two weeks ago, while the Volunteers (3-0) are facing their first ranked opponent of the season.
The battle of these two SEC undefeateds will be the talk of college football after an eventful Saturday in Knoxville, Tenn.
We reached out to our Longhorns Roundtable publisher Mike Fisher and Vols Roundtable publisher Al Lesar to answer five key questions headed into this SEC matchup.
1. What is the biggest story for each team heading into the matchup?
Longhorns RTB: How the Longhorns manage the emotions that come with an SEC opener on the road, Texas’ first-ever game in Neyland Stadium is sure to live up to the expectation, and Steve Sarkisian has issued his respect for the Vols’ home atmosphere. It was a forgettable conference opener on the road last season that the Horns are hoping to rebound from.
Vols RTB: This is a program-defining game for Tennessee. Even if the Vols lose, what freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon gains from this will be crucial.
2. What is the most important matchup in this game?
Longhorns RTB: The line of scrimmage, particularly for a Texas defense that could be without star edge rusher Colin Simmons. Tennessee has a collection of running backs that split carries and add depth to their offensive attack with freshman QB Faizon Brandon.
Vols RTB: Vols spy linebacker on Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
3. Which player isn’t talked about enough but could play a huge role?
Longhorns RTB: Longhorns kick returner Ryan Niblett. The speedy All-American got his first true chances to take off in the return game last week, and more big opportunities could provide a key spark for Texas to build momentum in hostile territory.
Vols RTB: Linebacker Jeremiah Telander has assumed a hybrid role so far this season. With a lack of depth at edge and an abundance of talent at linebacker, he has been used as a speed rusher in passing situations.
4. What is each team's biggest Achilles heel?
Longhorns RTB: Manning has led an offense that has been inconsistent at times. There is a lot of noise building up this game, and even-keeled quarterback play will best set up the Longhorns to capitalize on offense. That’s still easier said than done.
Vols RTB: Unusual happenings on the availability report. Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop, who was hobbled last week, was not listed. Texas running back Hollywood Smothers was questionable.
5. What is your final score prediction?
Longhorns RTB: Texas 28, Tennessee 17
Vols RTB: Texas 31, Tennessee 27
