3. Contain Syracuse's talented group of receivers
Tim Banks' secondary will have their hands full with a group of receivers that is likely the most talented position on Syracuse's roster this season. It consists of Texas transfer Johntay Cook, a junior in Darrell Gill Jr. who had 570 receiving yards last season, a senior in Justus Ross-Simmons who had 1,148 yards and 71 catches the last two seasons at Colorado State, and former Michigan transfer tight end Dan Villari. There's also South Carolina transfer receiver Tyshawn Russell and redshirt junior Umari Hatcher, who has the most collegiate starts (17) in the room.
Then there's Notre Dame transfer quarterback Steve Angeli taking the reigns at quarterback. He'll look to take advantage of a Tennessee secondary that won't have All-American corner Jermod McCoy. In addition to Boo Carter's limited availability at STAR.
Not so fast, my friend. There's still plenty for Banks to work with. Rickey Gibson III is capable of being an All-American, Colton Hood — McCoy's replacement — has impressed since transferring from Colorado, and Vol fans aren't talking enough about what they have in Jalen McMurray, who will start at STAR.
The matchup between Tennessee's corners and Syracuse's receivers is one for the football purists. It'll be a stout test for the Vols with Georgia right around the corner. More importantly, it's one they'll need to pass if Tennessee is going to win.
Tennessee redshirt sophomore defensive back Colton Hood. (Photo: Brianna Paciorka/Knoxville News Sentinel, USA TODAY Sports)