Tennessee football opens up its 2023 season Saturday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville when they face what’s expected to be an overmatched Virginia team.
Each week, Rocky Top Insider will take you behind the scenes with a question and answer with a media member who covers Tennessee’s opponent.
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I think fans are realistic about where this program is. Looking at this schedule, especially the brutal start, I think getting to four wins would be a major accomplishment. What we need to see from Virginia this season is a solid definition of its offensive identity. Elliott wants to be a run-first, play-action team. The Cavaliers struggled massively adjusting to his pro-style, timing-based offense last year. Progress on that front is a must this season, though the offensive line may not be good enough to truly get that in gear.
What stands out about Tony Muskett’s game and what has been the buzz around him this fall camp?
Muskett is a bit of a mystery. Will he be the FCS transfer who turns out can excel at a higher level of football, or will he be overmatched. He certainly has more talent around him at the skill positions at UVa than he had at Monmouth, but he’ll be facing better defenses. Muskett has impressed his teammates with his confidence and leadership, right from the jump. His receivers say he throws an accurate and catchable ball. Buzz is probably a strong word, but I think there’s an optimism that Muskett is a good fit for Elliott’s system.
Virginia’s defense seems to be its strength entering the season. What are the expectations for that group?
UVA’s defense was vastly improved last season and the expectation is for the group to be solid again this year. It’s deep and talented on the defensive line, has a blend of experience and athleticism at linebacker and has veteran safeties. The question will be at the corner positions where Virginia lost a pair of All-ACC performers in Anthony Johnson and Fentrell Cypress II. It brought in a trio of transfers at the position but ultimately, the best player at the spot may be converted safety Coen King.
How does defensive end Chico Bennett’s absence affect Virginia’s defense?
Bennett is the best player on that defensive front and not having him for the toughest game of the year isn’t a good thing if you’re UVa. But the Cavaliers are remarkably deep on the defensive line and Ben Smiley, who is likely to see the snaps that would have gone to Bennett, has been a supposed emerging star for two years now. Kam Butler, Paul Akere and Smiley should provide Virginia with ample pass rush in Bennett’s absence. Bennett suffered a knee injury and underwent a minor procedure to remove bone fragments. He’s expected back for the Cavaliers’ second game, at home against James Madison.
What does Virginia have to do to make this game more competitive than people are expecting?
Block. If the offensive line exceeds expectations, and Muskett proves capable, Virginia actually has a talented group of skill players. But it all starts up front. Virginia can’t be a run-first, play-action team if the offensive line is a weak spot all season.
Final score prediction?
Tennessee 34, Virginia 17
