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College Football: 5 things I’m excited to watch in Week 2

By Harris Jacobs

Sep 3, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers calls a time out against the Purdue Boilermakers during the fourth quarter of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Purdue defeats Tennessee 48-45 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers calls a time out against the Purdue Boilermakers during the fourth quarter of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Purdue defeats Tennessee 48-45 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2. Will Josh Heupel notch a signature win?

For Josh Heupel’s Tennessee Volunteers, Saturday’s matchup against the 17th-ranked Pitt Panthers is nothing short of a must-win. After going 7-6 a year ago, Heupel is under immense pressure to take the next step in year two on Rocky Top.

This is the first season in a handful of years where there is no quarterback controversy in Knoxville. Hendon Hooker is the unquestioned starter and has the potential to be one of America’s best in 2022. The offensive line is experienced, and he has one of the SEC’s best receivers in Cedric Tillman.

Now it is time for Heupel and Co. to put it all together against a formidable non-conference opponent. After watching Pitt’s defense surrender almost six yards per rush in their win over West Virginia, I am confident that running back Jabari Small will have an absolute field day.

The offensive-minded Heupel has constructed an up-tempo offense that surely will give opponents headaches — yet the Vol defense is the biggest question mark. A year ago, Tennessee surrendered 27.5 points per game, which, according to ESPN, was the third-highest in the SEC

If Tennessee wants to get revenge after losing to Pitt last season, the defense is going to have to make plays. It will be crucial to slow down Panther quarterback Kedon Slovis, who looked very sharp in Week 1.

Many Volunteer fans think that this 2022 team could be the group that notches the program’s first nine-win regular season since 2007. While this Pitt team is a tough matchup, they don’t compare to teams like Georgia and Alabama, who are on Tennessee’s schedule later this season.

Now that the Volunteers are ranked for the first time under Heupel, it will be interesting to see how they perform under pressure. In order to get to nine regular-season wins, a victory in Pittsburgh is imperative.

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