The Tennessee Volunteers are set to open the 2022 season against Ball State this Thursday night. After a 7-6 overall finish to the season last year and months of offseason work, the Vols are ready to open the season inside of a newly renovated Neyland Stadium under the lights.
Tennessee returns to the field with higher expectations than they did last year. The Vols’ high-powered offense isn’t a late-season secret anymore, and Tennessee has added depth on both sides of the ball without losing too many key starters. The Vols have been talking all training camp about the evolution that they have implemented into their schemes, which will be on full display moving forward starting this Thursday.
More from RTI: Tennessee Football 2022 Season Predictions
How to Watch – Ball State @ Tennessee:
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022
- Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- TV: SEC Network
- Online Streaming: WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN App
- Radio (Knoxville): The Vol Network/The Vol Network App
Betting Odds
| Sportsbook | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Tennessee -35.5 (-110) Ball State +35.5 (-110) | Tennessee -10000 Ball State +3300 | Over 68.5 (-110) Under 68.5 (-110) |
| DraftKings | Tennessee -35 (-110) Ball State +35 (-110) | NA | Over 68 (-110) Under 68 (-110) |
| FanDuel | Tennessee -35.5 (-110) Ball State +35.5 (-110) | Tennessee -10000 Ball State +2400 | Over 68.5 (-105) Under 68.5 (-115) |
| Caesars | Tennessee -35.5 (-110) Ball State +35.5 (-110) | NA | Over 68 (-110) Under 68 (-110) |
- ESPN‘s Football Power Index also gives Tennessee a 95.1 percent chance to win, according to their database’s algorithm.
Previous Matchups
This will be the first-ever meeting between the University of Tennessee and Ball State University on the football field.
Stat Leaders (2021 Season)
- Passing (2021): Hendon Hooker – 206/302, 2945 yards, 31 TDs, 3 INT
- Rushing (2021): Jabari Small – 140 carries, 792 yards, 9 TDs
- Receiving (2021): Cedric Tillman – 64 receptions, 1081 yards, 12 TDs
- Tennessee returns their leading rusher, receiver, and passer from the 2021 season.
- Passing (2021): John Paddock – 18/26, 132 yards, INT
- Paddock was the backup quarterback last year to Drew Plitt, who threw for more than 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns.
- Rushing (2021): Carson Steele – 192 carries, 891 yards, 6 TDs
- Receiving (2021): Jayshon Jackson – 69 receptions, 829 yards, 5 TDs
- Ball State returns their leading rusher and receiver from the 2021 season.
Tennessee Week One Depth Chart
Tennessee’s Week One depth chart against Ball State: pic.twitter.com/2kT4qROVLA
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) August 29, 2022
Tennessee Week One Hype Video
Game week is officially here 🏈#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/xIApx5jB8n
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 28, 2022
