There are games with bigger names that will rightfully take center stage on college football’s opening weekend. However, the Utah State-Tennessee game has several compelling storylines, and it could end up being a very good game in its own right.
How to watch Utah State vs. Tennessee: Preview, TV schedule, odds
This is low-key one of the better games of college football’s opening weekend.
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The Volunteers are entering year two of the Butch Jones era, and after enjoying much success on the recruiting trail, they’re still searching for success to show up on the field. Rebuilding Tennessee was going to be a process, and the fans are willing to be patient, but many of them need to see some substantive improvements this year to keep total faith.
To Vols fans, even their worst teams aren't supposed to lose to programs like Utah State. But the Aggies have one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country in Chuckie Keeton, and although they have to replace a number of skill players, they're still going to be a tough test for Tennessee. That will make this matchup a fascinating one to watch.
How to witness
TV: 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Radio: Vol Network, Utah State Radio Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Utah State went 7-1 in the Mountain West, winning the Mountain Division, and finished 9-5 overall. Tennessee went 2-6 in the SEC and 5-7 overall.
Vegas: Tennessee is a 4-point favorite, with an over/under of 51.
Weather forecast: 79 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms at kickoff.
Three names to know
1. Chuckie Keeton, QB, Utah State: Keeton was a star last year before his injury, and even after he got hurt, Utah State was a formidable team. Now, Keeton will have to do a lot himself in the early going as the new skill position players find their way in the offense. Utah State is promoting him as a Heisman candidate. This is his biggest opportunity to prove he is one.
2. Justin Worley, QB, Tennessee: All eyes at Neyland Stadium on Sunday will be trained on Justin Worley. Worley threw 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions last year before a thumb injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season in October. Has he improved since 2013, and is he capable of improving the offense, despite major turnover in the trenches? The Aggies will present a test.
3. Tennessee offensive line: The Volunteers are replacing their entire offensive line this year. The new group has only six total starts collectively. While Utah State’s defensive line is rebuilding, too, the Volunteers offensive line is under more pressure. If the Vols can’t protect Worley in this game, it could get ugly.
Two things at stake
1. This game is an excellent barometer of where we’re at in the Butch Jones era. Are we still waiting for the future, or can this team actually make some noise in 2014? Beat Utah State, and there’s hope that it could be a semi-successful year (relatively, of course). Lose this game, and the fan base could start to get antsy, even if the Aggies end up being a pretty darn good team.
2. From a national respect standpoint, this game holds more potential for Utah State than any game the rest of the year. The Aggies will play better teams, but a convincing win in Knoxville could help boost this team near the top 25 and set off the “Chuckie for Heisman” craze. Lose this one, and Utah State is just a solid Mountain West team that’s still behind the big boys.
Further reading
Read Rocky Top Talk for more on Tennessee and Mountain West Connection for more on Utah State.
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