The Tennessee Volunteers kick off their 2013 season at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, hosting the Austin Peay Governors. Television coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
How to watch Austin Peay vs. Tennessee 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Tennessee starts their quest for their first winning season since 2009.
Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
The Vols have suffered three straight losing seasons, and are looking to get back to form under new head coach Butch Jones. Austin Peay is an in-state opponent, and Tennessee is hoping to recover from their last in-state matchup, when they lost 41-18 to Vanderbilt late last season.
The Governors are an FCS program that went 2-9 last season, giving up more than 40 points in losses to their two FBS opponents (Western Kentucky and Virginia Tech).
The numbers
Rankings and records: Tennessee received one vote in the Coaches Poll but none in the AP Poll.
Vegas: Tennessee is a 50-point favorite Saturday. No over/under is listed. OddsShark has details and wagering information.
Weather: The forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms, a 30 percent chance of rain, and a high of 90 degrees Saturday in Knoxville.
Three names to know
The Volunteers named Justin Worley as their starting quarterback Monday, and he comes into the job with experience as Tyler Bray's former backup. Worley did well as a freshman against Middle Tennessee State, completing 23 of 32 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown, but has thrown five interceptions with no touchdowns in his other eight collegiate games.
Rajion Neal and Marlin Lane Jr. will be getting carries in the backfield behind one of the premier lines in the conference. Neal, a senior, carried the ball 156 times for 708 yards and five touchdowns last season, while Lane, a junior, had 120 carries for 658 yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side of things, three senior linemen look to lead the pack. Tackles Maurice Couch and Daniel McCullers and end Jacques Smith combined for 16.5 tackles for a loss last season, and will look to turn those numbers into more sacks this year (just four between the three of them last season).
Two things at stake
This is a game the Volunteers should win easily, but the team has a lot of questions, especially on the offensive side of the ball. A strong showing would go a long way toward kick-starting the season.
The Governors haven’t had a winning year since 2007, and have been consistently blown out by higher division opponents.
How to witness
TV: Pay-per-view in Tennessee
Radio: Here’s a list of Tennessee radio affiliates.
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Further reading
Make sure to read Rocky Top Talk for previews, depth charts, analysis, and everything Tennessee.
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