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College Football Week 2 Preview: Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee

By Eric Robinson

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) and defensive back Emmanuel Moseley (12) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) and defensive back Emmanuel Moseley (12) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 53-28. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 53-28. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Tennessee Will Win 

For the Volunteers, it all starts with their talented duo at running back in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. The skill set of both complements each other as Hurd brings the tough running on the inside while Kamara is a lightning bolt of speed and agility. Hurd rushed for 110 tough yards on 28 carries in week one and will called upon early to set the tone for the offense. Quarterback Josh Dobbs is the biggest question mark on the offense with his inconsistent play. If Dobbs can find his stability, he has a receiving corps full of speed and athleticism in Josh Malone, Preston Williams, and Josh Smith that can add with the run game and present a scary offensive machine.

There are potential first-team All-SEC members at each level of defense for the Volunteers. Defensive end Derek Barnett recorded 10 sacks last season and 69 total tackles along with 12.5 tackles for loss. In this new era of linebacker play, Jalen Reeves-Maybin fits the mold to the tee. Middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., led the team in tackles last week with nine and is clearly overshadowed by a few of his teammates. Keep your eyes on cornerback Cameron Sutton. The athletic corner is a future first rounder and his ability to cover takes away one-third of the field for the defense.

Next: Why Virginia Tech Will Win

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