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Indiana Football: Early look at Gator Bowl opponent Tennessee

By Adam Childs

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 26: Linebacker Reakwon Jones #7 of the Indiana Hoosiers leads the team in the fight song after the win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 26: Linebacker Reakwon Jones #7 of the Indiana Hoosiers leads the team in the fight song after the win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers passes against the Missouri Tigers in the first quarter at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers passes against the Missouri Tigers in the first quarter at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Top players

Quarterback – Jarrett Guarantano

Guarantano hasn’t been great this year and he isn’t going to beat you by himself but he has been solid for the Volunteers. On the year he has thrown for 1,937 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

His best game was a 415 yard, two-touchdown performance against Missouri in their second to last game of the year. He has been a solid leader for the Vols in a season that started off so poorly.

Running back – Ty Chandler, Eric Gray, and Tim Jordan

Chandler, Gray, and Jordan have all carried the load for the Volunteers this year, with each getting at least 87 carries and rushing for at least 424 yards. Chandler is the leading rusher with 620 yards rushing but Gray has the best yard per carry average at 5.2.

Gray had a breakout game against Vanderbilt in their last game as he rushed for 246 yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns. While all three of them are capable, the fact that Gray had a breakout game would trend towards the Volunteers wanting to establish him again in the bowl game.

Wide receiver – Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway

While the Volunteers have six players with at least 10 receptions this year Jennings and Callaway are the most explosive. Callaway is averaging just over 21 yards a reception and Jennings is just over 16. Combined they have scored 14 touchdowns this year and are definitely Guarantano’s favorite targets.

dark. Next. Way to early look at 2020 Hoosiers schedule

They will be a tough matchup for the Indiana secondary who has struggled this year. The Volunteers like to stretch the field with these guys and it will be key for the Hoosiers to slow them down.

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