After a month long wait, team #118 returns to the field Friday afternoon in their final game as a team as they take on Iowa in the Taxslayer Bowl. What's key for the Vols if they are going to finish the year with a winning record for the first time since 2009? Here are four keys in our gameday cheat sheet.
1. Win first down -- The stats don't lie. Tennessee's offense is clearly at it's best when they are ahead of the chains and winning on first down. When the Vol offense is in third and long bad things happen. In this game however, winning on first down is more important for the Vol defense than the Vol offense. Iowa wants to run the ball down hit straight at you. They are committed to it and they are patient with it. They are more than satisfied with a 3-4 yard run. If Iowa can stay ahead of the sticks it could make for a long day for the Vols defensively. Iowa is not nearly as successful and comfortable in third and passing situations. Tennessee must get them there which means they must win on first down.
2. Protect the football -- Tennessee has been pretty solid in possessing the football. The Vols have thrown just 13 interceptions and have only fumbled 8 times. Anytime you have a month off from playing, tackling and turnovers are key concerns. Iowa has not had great success in forcing turnovers. The Hawkeyes' defensively have only forced 15 turnovers all season. Tennessee can't afford turnovers and must not give the Hawkeyes as short field. On the flip side, the Vols are looking for the short field, in Iowa's five losses they turned it over 13 times. In their seven wins, they only turned it over 7 times. Turnovers particularly after a month layoff are always an unknown.
3. Win in the redzone -- The Vols height advantage at receiver has been greatly diminished with season ending injuries to Marquez North and Jason Croom. The Vols have spent a great deal of time this month adjusting some of their redzone offense with the loss of the fade and jump ball throws. Regardless of who is on the roster and healthy, Tennessee must score in the redzone. Since Dobbs arrived on the scene at quarterback, the Vols have had 21 trips into the redzone and have scored 13 touchdowns and 7 field goals. When in the redzone, the Vols must have points and need more touchdowns than field goals.
4. Dobbs' legs -- Dobbs is the second leading rusher on the team with 393 yards on the ground. He's averaging 4.3 yards a carry and that includes losing 110 yards in sacks. His legs have obviously been a key to the Vols' November close. Against the Hawkeyes, Dobbs' legs could be a real factor. Iowa's defense hasn't handled mobile quarterbacks really well. Iowa gave up 114 yards to quarterbacks in a loss to Maryland, 77 in a loss to Minnesota as well. It will be interesting to see if Iowa is able to contain Dobbs.