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Former Alabama QB points out surprising fact about Tennessee that will be important against Missouri

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 11/9/23

Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy, now an analyst for ESPN, pointed out a surprising fact/stat about the Tennessee Vols that could be important as UT takes on the Missouri Tigers in Columbia on Saturday.

While previewing the game on Always College Football, McElroy noted that Tennessee is No. 2 in the nation in allowing the fewest yards per play. Essentially, they don't give up big plays very often.

"Missouri wants to push the ball down the field a little bit," said McElroy. "They're not a team that's just going to take shots over and over again. But Tennessee's really good at kinda keeping the ball in front of them. For as aggressive as they are, they don't give up a lot of big plays, which I think is shocking. They're actually No. 2 in college football right now allowing just 6.3 yards per attempt. That's pretty significant."

McElroy also pointed out that Missouri gives up 5.1 yards per run between the tackles. That could lead to some big gains for the Vols' potent rushing attack, which likes to run between the tackles.

The ability to prevent big plays while also having a strength that lines up with one of Missouri's biggest weaknesses is part of the reason why McElroy is picking Tennessee to beat Missouri on the road on Saturday.

Tennessee has to show up for 60 minutes against the Tigers. But if the Vols play their game and keeps their edge, they should be able to get past an improved Missouri team on Saturday in Columbia.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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