The vast majority of sports bettors will look at the final score in Tennessee’s win over Western Kentucky (52-20) and reach the erroneous conclusion that the Hilltoppers were mishandled in every facet of the game. However, variance played a significant role in determining the final score as Tennessee returned two interceptions for touchdowns Saturday, while the Hilltoppers turned the ball over five times in a span of six snaps during the first quarter. Western Kentucky finished the game with seven turnovers, including five interceptions by quarterback Brandon Doughty. Two of those five interceptions occurred in the end zone, thereby taking automatic points off the board for the Hilltoppers.
Despite the five turnovers in the first quarter, Western Kentucky actually outgained Tennessee 236-84 and controlled the ball for over 20 minutes in the first half. For those of us who watched the game, the takeaway was obvious – Western Kentucky was the better team and Tennessee has a lot of work to do before becoming competitive again in the SEC. The Hilltoppers displayed incredible poise in light the massive turnovers as they scored two touchdowns with relative ease in the final seven minutes of the second quarter to cut the lead to 31-17. Based on the numbers below, Tennessee earns our misleading final score alert for week two of the 2013 college football campaign.
Team Statistical Comparison:
Western Kentucky Tennessee
First Downs: 21 20
Total Yards: 393 382
Passing Yards : 222 142
Possession: 32:36 27:14
Turnovers: 7 1
The biggest issue for Tennessee is the lack of a passing attack at the Volunteers lost their top four receivers from last year (3 in NFL), while starting quarterback Justin Worley inspires little confidence behind center. Tennessee is also learning new schemes on both sides of the ball with the arrival of head coach Butch Jones and two of his coordinators from Cincinnati. With that said, Tennessee possesses an outstanding defense that should improve upon last year’s disappointing numbers. While Tennessee will secure a bowl berth in 2013, its offense will keep them from reaching double-digit wins this season.