Halftime Report: Tennessee vs. Austin Peay

The Tennessee Volunteers didn't have an ideal start against Austin Peay and need to put in some work during the second half.

To say things haven't gone how Tennessee envisioned thus far would be an understatement. The usually potent offense looks quaint against Austin Peay. Quarterback Joe Milton III has missed several routine throws thus far, and it doesn't help that there were a few drops in the first quarter.

Credit goes to Austin Peay. They are well-prepared and fight hard. The Governors have maintained a physical edge while playing in control, a sentiment that generally applies to Tennessee. However, the Vols look out of sorts today. The defense has played well - it's impossible not to give up points with how often they've been on the field. Austin Peay is playing ball control, and it's working. Tennessee hasn't really opened up the playbook yet - they have to in the second half if they want to come out of this game feeling good about themselves.

The Vols haven't run consecutive passing concepts since the first quarter. Everything is a screen to the boundary right now, and they have to be able to trust Milton if they are going to let him pilot this offense. We will see what the second half holds in a very interesting game in Knoxville, Tennessee.

How To Watch: Austin Peay vs. Tennessee

• Gameday: Saturday, September 9th, 2023.
• Game time: 5:00 pm ET
• TV: ESPN+ / SEC Network+
• Stadium: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tennessee)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

Tennessee Volunteers HC Josh Heupel during the game against Austin Peay on September 2nd, 2023, in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Randy Sartin of USA Today Sports)

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