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Virginia won three games last season, it was picked to finish last in the ACC this year, and the Cavaliers will start an FCS transfer at quarterback in its season opener against No. 10 Tennessee on Saturday in Nashville.

No wonder the Vols are a 28½-point favorite.

Josh Heupel’s teams are adept at steamrolling mediocre or meek opponents – anyone remember last season’s 56-point win over Vanderbilt? – and this matchup has the makings of a rout.

Not only is this a chance for Tennessee to start 1-0, it’s an opportunity to calm a few lingering concerns.

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss what they need to see from Tennessee in this opener.

Joe Milton will grab the reins of Tennessee’s offense, but Milton’s performance isn’t an expected area of concern entering the season.

Some areas for UT to address against Virginia: Offensive line stability, pass coverage and pass rush.

Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. 

Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/

Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

Virginia won three games last season, it was picked to finish last in the ACC this year, and the Cavaliers will start an FCS transfer at quarterback in its <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2023/08/29/nissan-stadium-nashville-parking-nearby-restaurants-bars-routes-to-the-game/70697693007/" aria-label="Link season opener against No. 10 Tennessee on Saturday">season opener against No. 10 Tennessee on Saturday</a> in Nashville.
No wonder the <a href="https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2023/08/29/tennessee-football-game-sold-out-vs-virginia-nashville-nissan-stadium/70618870007/" aria-label="Link Vols">Vols</a> are a 28½-point favorite.
Josh Heupel’s teams are adept at steamrolling mediocre or meek opponents – anyone remember last season’s 56-point win over Vanderbilt? – and this matchup has the makings of a rout.
Not only is this a chance for Tennessee to start 1-0, it’s an opportunity to calm a few lingering concerns.
On today's episode, hosts <a href="https://twitter.com/btoppmeyer" aria-label="Link Blake Toppmeyer">Blake Toppmeyer</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSparks" aria-label="Link Adam Sparks">Adam Sparks</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/johnadamskns" aria-label="Link John Adams">John Adams</a> discuss what they need to see from Tennessee in this opener.
Joe Milton will grab the reins of Tennessee’s offense, but Milton’s performance isn’t an expected area of concern entering the season.
Some areas for UT to address against Virginia: Offensive line stability, pass coverage and pass rush.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. 
Connect on Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/">https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/</a>
Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

A Tennessee Vols podcast from the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee.

The Volunteer State

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer.

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