Friday, September 29, 2006
3 Thoughts and a Cloud of Dust: Memphis [State] Predictions
--The recent firing of Memphis State defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn will break one of two ways for the Vols. Either Memphis State is completely unpredictable on defense and discombobulate Ainge and the offense, or the Tigers' defense shows us all why coach Tommy West had to fire Dunn two weeks into the season. I'm guessing the latter. I posted yesterday about the importance of big plays to this Tennessee team, and that trend will continue Saturday. UT had a season high eight 20-yard plays last week against Marshall, and the Vols will better that number this week with nine plays of 20 yards or more.
--LaMarcus Coker has been involved with 4 of Tennessee's 20-yard-plus plays (3 rushing, 1 receiving), which is pretty remarkable considering the limited playing time he's had. Let's see Coker add another 3 big plays to his resume, to go along with a rushing day of over 100 yards.
--Robert Meachem enters the game with seven of Tennessee's plays over 20 yards. Jayson Swain has five. All of the plays Meachem has made his year will be a focal point for Memphis State and open up opportunities for Swain. The pass-catching duo will leave the game tied in the 20+ category, 3 big plays for Swain and 1 for Meachem.
Go Vols!