Tennessee @ NC State preview
Georgia Dome
Tennessee’s depth took a bit of a hit when 1,000-yard receiver Da’Rick
Rogers was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules last week.
Still, the Volunteers are optimistic they can turn around their fortunes
after suffering two straight losing seasons for the first time since
1911. Beating a solid North Carolina State squad Friday at the Georgia
Dome to begin that quest would be a big boost. Even without Rogers, the
Volunteers' passing game should be tough to stop with improving
quarterback Tyler Bray at the helm and receiver Justin Hunter returning
from a torn ACL. They will receive a great test from the Wolfpack, who
return their entire secondary from a defense which led the nation with
27 interceptions – 13 by All-American David Amerson. Quarterback Mike
Glennon (31 touchdown passes in 2011) leads an N.C. State offense that
could be lethal.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET. ESPNU. LINE: Tennessee -3
TENNESSEE (2011: 5-7, 1-7 SEC): Derek Dooley begins his third season with his most talented group. Bray comes back after a season, shortened by a broken thumb, in which he threw for 17 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He still has Hunter and junior college transfer Cordarrelle Patterson takes Rogers’ spot. The Volunteers will have to get more from their running game, coming off a season in which they rushed for their least yardage since 1964. Rajion Neal gets the first chance to make an impact on the ground. Linebackers Herman Lathers, who missed last season with an ankle injury, and talented A.J. Johnson lead what can be an improved defense.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE (2011: 8-5, 4-4 ACC): The Wolfpack finished 6-2 in their last eight games, including a victory over Louisville in the Belk Bowl. Glennon came of age, throwing for 3,054 yards and completing 62.5 percent of his passes. Wide receiver Tobais Palmer could be ready for a breakout season after catching 37 passes for 496 yards in 2011. Versatile James Washington (897 yards rushing in 2011) and Tony Creecy give N.C. State a 1-2 punch at running back. Seven starters return on defense, but talented linebackers Audie Cole and Terrell Manning must be replaced. Starting cornerback C.J. Wilson isn’t expected to play because of an eligibility issue.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The teams last met in 1939, a 13-0 victory for Tennessee.
2. Tennessee won its first two games at the Georgia Dome, but has lost six straight.
3. Only Phillip Rivers has more touchdown passes (34) in a single season for N.C. State than Glennon last year.
PREDICTION: Tennessee 23, N.C. State 21
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET. ESPNU. LINE: Tennessee -3
TENNESSEE (2011: 5-7, 1-7 SEC): Derek Dooley begins his third season with his most talented group. Bray comes back after a season, shortened by a broken thumb, in which he threw for 17 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He still has Hunter and junior college transfer Cordarrelle Patterson takes Rogers’ spot. The Volunteers will have to get more from their running game, coming off a season in which they rushed for their least yardage since 1964. Rajion Neal gets the first chance to make an impact on the ground. Linebackers Herman Lathers, who missed last season with an ankle injury, and talented A.J. Johnson lead what can be an improved defense.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE (2011: 8-5, 4-4 ACC): The Wolfpack finished 6-2 in their last eight games, including a victory over Louisville in the Belk Bowl. Glennon came of age, throwing for 3,054 yards and completing 62.5 percent of his passes. Wide receiver Tobais Palmer could be ready for a breakout season after catching 37 passes for 496 yards in 2011. Versatile James Washington (897 yards rushing in 2011) and Tony Creecy give N.C. State a 1-2 punch at running back. Seven starters return on defense, but talented linebackers Audie Cole and Terrell Manning must be replaced. Starting cornerback C.J. Wilson isn’t expected to play because of an eligibility issue.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The teams last met in 1939, a 13-0 victory for Tennessee.
2. Tennessee won its first two games at the Georgia Dome, but has lost six straight.
3. Only Phillip Rivers has more touchdown passes (34) in a single season for N.C. State than Glennon last year.
PREDICTION: Tennessee 23, N.C. State 21