Scouting the opponent: UMASS

Tennessee's fourth opponent this September — UMASS — is coming into 2017 looking to improve off a very disappointing 2-10 season a year ago.

The Minutemen struggled in a lot of areas in 2016, but none greater than defense where they gave up 53 touchdowns and 426 total points. Offensively, it was no walk in the park either, as they struggled to run the ball.

The skinny on the Minutemen offense is that they weren't very good in 2016. UMASS rushed for 142 yards a game and they gave up 45 sacks last season.

That struggling offensive line only returns two starters from a season ago.

UMASS got solid quarterback play from Andrew Ford, who completed 61% of his throws with 26 touchdown passes. But he threw 14 interceptions.

The bottom line for the Vols opponent is that they must find better play in the trenches if they are going to be better offensively and improve on their 2016 record of 2-10.

Massachusetts' defense returns 10 starters from a unit that struggled all year, but really struggled down the stretch of the season. In the last three games, the Minutemen defense allowed 149 points.

The struggles for the defense centers around the inability to make plays. Last season, they had just four interceptions and gave up 27 touchdown passes.

They generated 25 sacks and return their defensive front as a part of the 10 returning starters. But in seven of their twelve games last season, UMASS' defense allowed quarterbacks to complete 60% of their throws.

The Minutemen struggled last season. Their struggles centered around their defense. UMASS finished 2016 minus-10 in the turnover margin, as they only generated 15 turnovers to go with their 25 sacks.

The offense generated 28 points or more 5 times in 2016 which isn't bad considering their lack of ability to run the football.

The matchup is a sandwiched game between a trip to Florida and a home game against Georgia.

But Tennessee is a more talented team and should handle business inside Neyland Stadium.