The Tennessee Volunteers and TN-Martin Skyhawks clash Saturday in week 8 college football action from Neyland Stadium. TN-Martin is fresh off an open week. The Skyhawks last played in a win over Murray State. As for Tennessee, they took on Alabama over the weekend. The Volunteers ended up bagging an upset victory. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
TN-Martin started off their year with a 42-25 win over Western Illinois before dropping consecutive games 35-30 versus Missouri State and 30-7 to Boise State. The Skyhawks hit their stride from there with a 56-26 win over Lindenwood and a 46-28 win over Tennessee Tech.
The Skyhawks kept the win streak going in their last outing versus Murray State. TN-Martin scored 24 points in the final quarter during a 45-16 victory. QB Dresser Winn managed 439 yards with a pick, and Sam Franklin had 157 yards and two scores off eight carries.
Over on the Tennessee side, they kicked off their season with a 59-10 blowout win over Ball State and a tense overtime victory versus Pittsburgh 34-27. The next trio were all wins for the Vols as well: 63-6 over Akron, 38-33 over Florida and 40-13 versus LSU.
In the Alabama game, the Volunteers took a 28-20 lead into halftime. Tennessee was ultimately able to hang on to get the thrilling 52-49 win. QB Hendon Hooker led the charge on 385 yards and five touchdowns. Jalin Hyatt caught all five scores along with 207 yards on six grabs.
PICK: I might take a stab on TN-Martin here; the line seems pretty generous. The Skyhawks seem to have hit their stride over the past few games. TN-Martin posted 31 first downs and 689 total yards in their win over Murray State, even though it took a while for the team to really get things going. TN-Martin has little chance of winning this one of course, but the team is on a roll and may be able to stay in range for a cover.
As for Tennessee, they’re coming off a gutsy win over Alabama despite giving away a couple of turnovers and only holding the ball for 22:31. The Vols benefitted from 17 Tide penalties and a career outing from Hyatt, but they’ll be back to business here. I still think the Skyhawks can get in on a cover, though.