No. 19 Tennessee takes SEC break hosting 1-win UConn Huskies for homecoming

UConn (1-7) at No. 19 Tennessee (6-2, No. 17 CFP) Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (SEC).

Line: Tennessee by 35 1/2 according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Tennessee gets a final break in its Southeastern Conference schedule hosting the one-win Huskies for homecoming. UConn keeps losing close games, dropping a 21-14 decision at Boston College last week. The Huskies’ last three losses have all come by seven points or fewer. The Vols are looking to put on a show for the home fans and extend their 13-game winning streak at Neyland Stadium before two big SEC East showdowns. The Vols visit No. 14 Missouri next and then host No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 18.

KEY MATCHUP

Tennessee’s running game against UConn’s front seven. The Vols rank seventh nationally and lead the SEC averaging just under 221.8 yards per game on the ground. The Huskies rank 97th in run defense, giving up an average of 167 yards. This could be a big game for the Vols’ trio of running backs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UConn: QB Ta’Quan Roberson. The junior who started his career at Penn State dealt with a torn ACL last season. He has thrown for 1,275 yards, eight TDs and three interceptions this season.

Tennessee: RB Dylan Sampson. Normally the third option off the bench, the sophomore established himself in crunch time against Kentucky last week. He accounted for 90 all-purpose yards and a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

FACTS & FIGURES

Tennessee’s opponents the last two games (Alabama and Kentucky) have had zero live-ball penalties. … The Vols have punted 31 times this season. Only three have been returned for minus-2 yards. … Since losing to Georgia on Nov. 13, 2021, Tennessee has won 13 straight home games. … Tennessee has won 13 straight homecoming games. … Tennessee has had 12 straight games with a sack and ranks No. 6 in the country (3.62 per game). … This will be the Huskies second game this season against a nationally ranked opponent after losing in September to No. 18 Duke 41-7. … The Huskies have lost 11 straight on the road to ranked teams. Their last win came in 2012 at No. 19 Louisville, 23-20 in three overtimes. … Tennessee will honor legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt with a commemorative cup raising $1 for Alzheimer’s research at the University of Tennessee Medical Center from each cup sold.

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