The picks are in -- how will the Vols fare against the Akron Zips

Josh Heupel looks to keep the Vols momentum going as Tennessee host Akron Saturday night at 7pm est. in Neyland Stadium. A win would set the stage for a showdown as week from Saturday against the visiting Florida Gators as SEC play starts. But first Tennessee must take care of business against the Zips. The Volquest staff offers up how they see this week’s match up.

Brent’s pick

This game is pretty simple to me. It’s all about Tennessee and their maturity. Can they take care of business out of the gates and end it early like they did against Ball State. I’m not saying interception and touchdown on the first two plays, but can this team handle some success and all the Florida talk next week. 

They have evidence to do so given what we saw around the country last week. You don’t let teams hang around. 

Bottom line is Vols are a nearly 50 point favorite. Akron shouldn’t be in this game and it’s on Tennessee’s veterans to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

Josh Heupel and his staff should get an early look at some young players and they should take a long look at them to determine who can help them in SEC play and in the month of October. They won’t have another chance to look at them against an inferior opponent. 

They must take advantage of that Saturday. 

TENNESSEE 52, AKRON 3

Austin’s pick

I think a lot of people around the program are pushing this team to make sure they don’t get caught looking ahead this week and give an uninspired performance against Akron. Nobody wants to sit around all day and have it be a clunker.

This game will test the maturity of this team in my opinion. Players like Hendon Hooker, Omari Thomas and Trevon Flowers will need to show their leadership skills early to make sure this group is focused.

It’s an excellent shot to get in, get out and roll off another blowout win. Another excellent chance to play the young guys.

I’ve said it all week and I’ll reiterate it, that this game is important to get Joe Milton some run just to keep him sharp.

Tennessee wins this one handily as it’s a stats stuffer game.

TENNESSEE 52, AKRON 10

Rob’s pick

It’s a good time for a breather after a tough road trip to Pitt and before next week’s mega-showdown/SEC opener against Florida.

Tennessee should have its way with Akron on Saturday. It looks like a ‘name your score’ match-up on paper and I’ll be surprised if the Vols aren’t up by five touchdowns at halftime. Heupel called the dogs off in that situation against Ball State two weeks ago, I’d expect him to do the same on Saturday.

This is a game where Tennessee needs to work on some areas that have looked like question marks in the first two weeks. To me that’s the ground game and the secondary.

Secondary play has been ok, but this should give the staff a chance to look at some different personnel and see if there are any combinations that might have potential.

As for the running game, give me Tennessee ‘over 200+ yards rushing’ in this one as I think that will be a point of emphasis this week.

The Vols might face a similar defensive game plan that they saw against Ball State, which means Hendon Hooker could see a lot of eight man drops. If he does expect him to stay patient and give his receivers a chance to feast underneath.

TENNESSEE 62, AKRON 10

Eric’s pick

Empty the freakin’ bench. This isn’t a game to sugarcoat anything. The Vols should absolutely roll in this one and it should be from the get-go.

We as media, and you as fans, can overlook this game. We can look forward to the SEC opener next week against the Gators in front of a sold out crowd at Neyland Stadium. It’s human nature. But the players in that locker room probably aren’t. Alex Golesh joked with the media Tuesday leaving his press conference, saying ‘remember, we play Akron this week.’ You best believe that message has been heard loud and clear in that locker room, especially after Josh Heupel said the team wasn’t as mentally focused as it should have been heading into the Pitt game.

I expect Tennessee to come in prepared and get off to an early lead. I believe the run-game will be a focus as they look to get both Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright going – knowing the Vols will need to run the football to win against Florida next week. I’m anticipating a lot of early rotation on defense (like in the Ball State game), but for them to leave no doubt and continue to get after the passer like last game.

This is a game where you come out and handle business. Akron’s best player, quarterback DJ Irons, is potentially a no-go after leaving the Michigan State game with a lower body injury in the second quarter. The rush-defense is nonexistent and loaded with transfers aiding a 2-10 ball club from 2021. Joe Moorehead is a good get for the Zips, but he won’t have much luck at Neyland Stadium tomorrow.

Tennessee will do its part and get the young guys some much needed reps. Blowout Vols.

TENNESSEE 62, AKRON 13