Steve Sarkisian leads the top-ranked Longhorns into a deafening Neyland Stadium to battle Tennessee’s high-tempo offense in a high-stakes, first-ever SEC clash in Knoxville.
In previewing his top-ranked Texas Longhorns clash with Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on Saturday, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian offered a cautious warning about both teams' first SEC game of the season.
"In this conference, I've said it time and time again, from top to bottom, anybody can beat anybody," Sarkisian said.
That's especially true when the other "anybody'' is as good as the Vols, who are ranked No. 14 in the nation.
And of course, the hits will keep on comin' in the SEC.
"I think that's the challenge of our conference: being mentally and physically prepared to play week in and week out,'' he said. "And for us this week, it's no different."
We've pinpointed five questions ahead of the 11 a.m. CT kickoff ... with five answers to go along with them, capped by our prediction for the biggest game of the weekend.
To wit ...
"We're going into what I would probably consider is the loudest stadium in the country, Neyland Stadium," Sark said.
Texas is 2-1 all-time against their fellow orange-laden UT, but Saturday will be the teams' first-ever meeting in Knoxville.
While the Volunteers have become known for explosive downfield shots under Josh Heupel, Sarkisian noted that the true freshman quarterback, Faizon Brandon, and Tennessee's rushing attack, led by Desean Bishop and Duane Morris, pose a unique obstacle for Texas.
The backfield pair rushed for 158 of Tennessee's 268 yards rushing in last week's 42-9 win over Kennesaw State.
"Gotta be able to play both," Sarkisian said about defending the Vols' offense. "And gotta play against the tempo and how fast they go.
1. How do the Longhorns manage the emotions that come with an SEC opener on the road?
Said Sark: "We've got a heck of a challenge going into a hostile environment."
Texas’ first-ever game in Neyland Stadium is sure to live up to the expectation, and Sarkisian has issued his respect for the Vols’ home atmosphere. It was a forgetful conference opener on the road last season that the Horns are hoping to rebound from.
2. How healthy is a Longhorns star?
The line of scrimmage, particularly for a Texas defense that could be without star edge rusher Colin Simmons, is what this game is all about. Tennessee has a collection of running backs that split carries and add depth to their offense attack with freshman QB Faizon Brandon.
3. Who might be a Texas wild-card winner?
Let's watch 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 create excellent ways for Texas to spark momentum in hostile territory.
4. Is there a highly-regarded area that needs to play up to its billing?
Arch 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.
5. What's our final score prediction?
Give us ... Texas 28, Tennessee 17
