CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – MR. SMITH GOES TO CHARLOTTE: Tennessee is counting on a healthy season from offensive tackle Trey Smith, who missed spring practice due to blood clots in his lungs. Smith was a second-team all-SEC pick as a true freshman last year and was the only Tennessee player to earn all-SEC honors.
EXPERIENCE VS. YOUTH: West Virginia has arguably the nation’s most potent pass-catch combination with Grier throwing to David Sills, whose 18 touchdown catches last season tied for the Football Bowl Subdivision lead. They’ll test a Tennessee secondary that figures to start a true freshman at cornerback. Tennessee’s depth chart indicates one of two freshmen – Alontae Taylor or Bryce Thompson – will fill one cornerback spot.
NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP: Tennessee is attempting to bounce back from a 4-8 season in which it set a school record for losses. But the Vols have a history of success in neutral-site games. They’re 5-0-1 in season-opening neutral site matchups, including an overtime victory over Georgia Tech in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium last year.
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AP Sports Writers Steve Megargee in Knoxville, Tennessee, and John Raby in Morgantown, W.V. contributed to this report.
