Three keys to a Tennessee upset over No. 1 Texas

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon and running back DeSean Bishop will face off against No. 1 Texas in a game that could reveal both teams' strengths and weaknesses. Texas has already proven their mettle this season, defeating Ohio State in a thrilling comeback win, but Tennessee's Faizon Brandon has established himself as the consensus top five overall prospect.

The odds favor Texas with a 4.5-point spread, but Tennessee has the potential to upset the highly ranked Longhorns. The key to Tennessee's success might be a strong ground game. Their offensive line has been inconsistent, and DeSean Bishop remains injury-free. Additionally, Bishop should have the reliable Javin Gordon back in the backfield, giving the Volunteers confidence in their running game.

Brandon's athleticism adds a new element to the rushing attack, providing Will Muschamp with more challenges. To pressure Texas' quarterback Arch Manning, Tennessee must focus on generating pressure on dropbacks lasting 2.5+ seconds. This approach was effective against Ohio State, where Manning completed only 44% of his throws of 15+ yards outside the red zone.

With Texas relying heavily on downfield passing, the aggressive Tennessee defense could force Manning to shorten his throws. The Tennessee playbook should remain diverse, perhaps incorporating new formations or strategies, given the absence of veteran Ethan Davis. The game is scheduled for a noon ET kickoff, providing ample opportunity for Tennessee to showcase their skills and potentially pull off an upset.