For the second time in 2021, although for the first time on a traditional Saturday, it is “Football Time in Tennessee”.
The Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) will host the Pittsburgh Panthers (1-0) in the Johnny Majors Classic this Saturday. The game from Neyland Stadium will kick off at noon ET, and ESPN will have the broadcast immediately after college gameday.
Tennessee began the season on the right note after defeating Bowling Green 38-6. However, Pittsburgh was also dominant in their opening week against UMass. The Panthers took down the Minutemen by a score of 51-7, in which Pitt threw for 375 yards while picking up 223 on the ground.
In Tennessee’s win over Bowling Green, quarterback Joe Milton III threw for 139 yards on 11-of-23 passing. Meanwhile, Tennessee had a massive game from both of their running backs. Jabari small led the team in carries (22) and had 117 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, JUCO transfer Tiyon Evans led the team in rushing yards (120) on 16 attempts. However, Evans’ status for Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh remains unclear.
How to Watch – Bowling Green at Tennessee:
- Start Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Online Streaming: WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN App
- Radio (Knoxville): The Vol Network/The Vol Network App
Odds and Statistics
- Fanduel Sportsbook
- Spread: Tennessee +3.5 (-128)/Pittsburgh -3.5 (+104)
- Moneyline: Tennessee +132/Pittsburgh -162
- Total: O/U 56.5 (-110)
- DraftKings
- Spread: Tennessee +3 (-105)/Pittsburgh -3 (-115)
- Moneyline: Tennessee +135/Pittsburgh -155
- Total: O/U 56.5 (-110)
- ESPN‘s Football Power Index also gives Pittsburgh a 58.5 percent chance to win, according to their database’s algorithm.
Previous Matchups
Pittsburgh and Tennessee have met up twice before on the football field, with their third meeting coming on Saturday. Even though each of the two prior meetings has been in Knoxville, Pittsburgh came away with a victory in both games. The two meetings between the Vols and the Panthers took place from 1980 to 1983, so, there’s no doubt that this matchup could use some fresh, new air.
- 1980: Pittsburgh – 30, Tennessee – 6
- 1983: Pittsburgh – 13, Tennessee – 3
Statistical Leaders (Yards)
Tennessee:
- Passing: Joe Milton III – 11/23, 139 yards, 1 TD
- Rushing: Tiyon Evans – 16 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: Jalin Hyatt – 4 receptions, 62 yards
Pittsburgh:
- Passing: Kenny Pickett – 27/37, 272 yards, 2 TD’s
- Rushing: Rodney Hammond Jr. – 8 carries, 45 yards
- Receiving: Lucas Krull – 5 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
