Butch Jones and Bobby Petrino both got off to winning starts at their new schools last weekend, and in Petrino’s case, he’ll be going for his second win against an SEC East team in a row. Jones is still looking for his first win against an FBS team at Tennessee--the Volunteers played FCS Austin Peay in Week 1.
How to watch WKU vs. Tennessee 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Two first-year coaches, two 1-0 teams. Here’s what you need to know ahead of Saturday’s game between the Hilltoppers and Volunteers.
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While the Hilltoppers looked solid in beating Kentucky, there were also some clear signs of worry, particularly on the defensive side. Kentucky averaged just about seven yards per snap, and it’s a fair bet that if Tennessee does the same, WKU isn’t walking out of Knoxville with a victory.
The numbers
Rankings and records: These two teams have met once prior to this season; Tennessee blew out the Hilltoppers 63-7 back in 2009, when WKU was much worse than it is now. The winner of this game will improve to 2-0, but it isn’t going to crack the polls as a result.
Weather: The high is expected to hit the mid-80s in Knoxville, and no rain is expected.
Three names to know
Brandon Doughty -- One of the question marks for WKU coming into the year was quarterback, but maybe that won’t be anything to worry about after all. Doughty was outstanding against UK, completing nearly 80 percent of his throws for 271 yards and a score.
Rajion Neal --Neal needed just 16 carries to pile up 141 yards on the ground against Austin Peay, and now he’s up against a defense that allowed Kentucky to average 6.8 yards per carry. It might be another big afternoon for Neal and the rest of the Tennessee running backs.
Justin Worley -- Worley didn’t need to do much passing in the Vols’ romp last weekend, but that may change this week, giving the first-year starter a more serious test. Then again, if Neal is gashing WKU, Worley may not be needed much at all.
Two things at stake
Tennessee really needs to win this game if it hopes to become bowl eligible this season. There’s a gimme against South Alabama on the horizon, but there are also games against Oregon, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama coming up. Better get a win while you can, Butch Jones.
A win for WKU here probably doesn’t make too many waves nationally considering the Volunteers are coming off a 5-7 season, but it would be a big deal for a mid-major program with a brand new coaching staff. Starting the season 2-0, and doing so by beating a pair of SEC teams, would be a nice confidence-booster for the Hilltoppers as they ready for league play.
How to witness
TV: SEC Network (Noon ET)
Radio: Here are Tennessee’s affiliates, and here are WKU’s.
Online streaming: ESPN3
Further reading
Tennessee blog Rocky Top Talk has plenty of WKU, including a podcast, as well as multiple previews.
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