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Tennessee vs. Appalachian State prediction and game preview for the opening weekend matchup between the Volunteers and the Mountaineers.

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Tennessee vs. Appalachian State Game Preview

Broadcast Info

Date: Thursday, September 1

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

Television: SEC Network

Main Tennessee vs. Appalachian State Storyline

All the preseason talk is now over, and it is time for Tennessee to prove that it’s worthy of the hype. Meanwhile, Appalachian State looks to spoil another top-10 team’s opener like it did against Michigan in 2007.

The Volunteers’ backfield is loaded, with veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs able to do it all while also having the benefit of handing the ball off to Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. The Mountaineers aren’t lacking on defense, though, as they return nine starters, including linebacker John Law Sr., from a unit that finished No. 11 in total defense last season.

Appalachian State can light up the scoreboard as well, and quarterback Taylor Lamb and running back Marcus Cox lead an attack that averaged 36-plus points per game last season. Tennessee will counter with a defensive four, led by Derek Barnett and Kahlil McKenzie, who could be as dominant as any in college football.

Here’s a look at some of the statistics as we head into the season opener.

Statistics reflect the 2015 college football season.

Tennessee Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 198.6 ypg (No. 92 in the nation)

Rushing Offense: 223.69 ypg (No. 20 in the nation)

Total Offense: 422.3 ypg (No. 52 in the nation)

Scoring Offense: 35.2 ppg (No. 29 in the nation)

Appalachian State Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 195.8 ypg (No. 93 in the nation)

Rushing Offense: 271.46 ypg (No. 6 in the nation)

Total Offense: 467.3 ypg (No. 26 in the nation)

Scoring Offense: 36.7 ppg (No. 23 in the nation)

Tennessee Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 210.4 ypg (No. 47 in the nation)

Rushing Defense: 151.62 ypg (No. 45 in the nation)

Total Defense: 362.0 ypg (No. 36 in the nation)

Scoring Defense: 20.0 ppg (No. 16 in the nation)

Turnover Margin: 0.54 tpg (No. 28 in the nation)

Appalachian State Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 182.9 ypg (No. 14 in the nation)

Rushing Defense: 131.54 ypg (No. 27 in the nation)

Total Defense: 314.5 ypg (No. 11 in the nation)

Scoring Defense: 19.1 ppg (No. 14 in the nation)

Turnover Margin: 0.15 tpg (No. 51 in the nation)

Tennessee vs. Appalachian State Betting Odds

Spread: Tennessee -21

Over/Under: 57.5

Tennessee vs. Appalachian State Prediction

Don’t be surprised if the Mountaineers hang in there for a while due to both talent and some early Volunteer jitters. Tennessee will eventually get going and avoid a major upset at the hands of giant-killer Appalachian State.

Final Score Prediction For Tennessee vs. Appalachian State: Tennessee 42, Appalachian State 17

MORE: 2016 College Football Bowl Projections