Captain Obvious time.
The homerism abounds on the boards for both teams' fans. And they, we, are kidding themselves, particularly if both play "pretty good" but not outstanding -- that's a toss-up. If one team has its "A" game and the other its "B-" (or worse) game, it'll be a fun night for the "A" squad -- which could be either team. Too many unknowns at this point for both teams, too much uncertainty re who will "step up" to replace those players absent due to injury or suspension.
Neither team will start a QB with much experience -- possibly none. That vaunted Tenn o-line not only took a hit this week with the suspension, but according to practice reports, they've not yet gotten into the continuity with a firm set of starting five operating together; that could help Tech's questionably effective front 7. The Vols' receiver corps, on paper, doesn't look like all that much, certainly no more than average by Power 5 standards, but they have an excellent TE who, undoubtedly, will hurt Tech's defense several times. If Tech's new kicker doesn't get kickoffs at least deep into the end zone, TN could really do some field-position damage.
Both secondaries look pretty damn good. The Vols' linebackers, missing Kirkland, are a huge weak link on paper, even homer Vol fans worry about it, and if the Vols start leaning on the secondary for run support, well -- we know what that opens up for Tech.
If Tech's o-line wins enough -- not all, just enough -- battles with the Vol d-line, if Tech's WRs do their typically solid job of blocking, Tech should have ample opportunity to eat clock, get some big gainers, and score enough to win. If Tech has mesh problems with whichever QB and whichever B-back, however -- uh oh. I'll expect a couple of fumbles, hopefully not giving a real short field to the Vol offense; anything more than two Tech fumbles, I believe the Vols win. Unless they too have a crappy night.
Opening game. Some newbies and back-ups having to step up for both teams. Anyone firmly believing a particular outcome is a highly probable thing is kidding himself. It could be a barn burner, a slug fest, or one team putting a major hurt on the other. And I've run out of platitudes.
