Ohio at Tennessee Capsule Preview
Published 1:43 am Friday, September 16, 2016
Ohio (1-1) at No. 15 Tennessee (2-0), noon (SEC Network)
Line: Tennessee by 27.
Series Record: Tennessee leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Tennessee is seeking its ninth straight victory over the last two seasons and is attempting to carry a perfect record into Southeastern Conference competition next week. Ohio is attempting to beat a Power Five team for the second straight week after winning 37-21 at Kansas.
KEY MATCHUP
Ohio offensive line vs. Tennessee defensive line. Ohio leads the Mid-American Conference with 283 yards rushing per game and is one of six Football Bowl Subdivision teams that haven’t allowed a sack yet this season. The Bobcats will have a tough time keeping that streak intact against a deep Tennessee defensive line, though an ankle injury will prevent senior DE LaTroy Lewis from playing for the Volunteers this week. Tennessee DE Derek Barnett, who recorded 10 sacks each of the last two seasons, is still seeking his first this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ohio: QB Greg Windham. This fifth-year senior finally earned a starting spot this season and has made the most of the opportunity. Windham is averaging 280 yards passing and 91.5 yards rushing per game. He ran for 146 yards on 16 carries against Kansas.
Tennessee: RB Jalen Hurd. His string of four straight 100-yard rushing performances ended last week when he gained 99 yards in a 45-24 victory over Virginia Tech. Hurd’s longest carry of the season is just 18 yards.
FACTS & FIGURES
Tennessee has won all six of its previous meetings with current MAC teams. … Ohio is 2-11 against current SEC members, with both wins coming against Kentucky. … Ohio K Luis Zervos leads FBS with nine field goals. … Ohio had two 100-yard rushers (Windham and Dorian Brown) against Kansas, which marked the first time since 2005 the Bobcats had two players run for 100 yards in the same game. … Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs rushed for 106 yards against Virginia Tech to improve his career total to 1,431, the most ever by a Vols quarterback.