Players to Watch Tonight for Tennessee Against Ball State

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Tennessee opens it season tonight against Ball State at 7 pm ET on the SEC Network. The Vols open the season on a Thursday night for the second time in as many years. Tennessee will look to get off to a fast start with hopes of getting as many players snaps as possible, ahead of what will likely be a top-25 matchup against Pitt next week. Ahead of tonight contest, the Volunteer Country staff shares the players they are watching in tonight contest. Bru McCoyMcCoy is eligible for the 2022 season, and in talking with multiple sources, he is ready to go. He is listed as a co-starter with Walker Merrill, opposite Cedric Tillman, but it would be somewhat surprising to see McCoy on the sideline when the Vols snap the ball the first time Ben Bolton Jersey. He has continued to shake off rust and make strides. We continue to hear he is one of the hardest workers on the team. Understandably, McCoy will likely have some pent up agression to get out of his system after having multiple things go against him over the past 18 months. He will definitely be a focal point to watch. Dylan SampsonTennessee is thin at running back and both freshmen are likely to get their chances. Sampson has made significant strides since getting to campus, and it would be a surprise to see him not get at least a few meaningful touches tonight. He has game breaking speed but how he adjust when the bright lights are on will be key. There is a reason Alabama, LSU and others tried to flip him late in the 2022 recruiting cycle. Justin Williams-Thimas will have his chances too, but all signs point towards Sampson having the inside track towards being a serious contributor in Tennessees offense Jackson Hannah Jersey. Jeremiah Crawford/Gerald MinceyTennessees staff has been adamant that both of these guys will get their shot in this battle.