Seriously. NIU played really smart the first half. Shortened the game. Less plays mean more variability. More variability means the "better talent" can lose more often. Lot easier to beat the better guy across 100 plays than across 200 plays.

With that. Let's look at how this game started and how Tennessee - Arkansas started last year.

First drive:
NIU - 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:19 clock, 3 points
Ark - 16 plays, 74 yards, 9:12 clock, 3 points

Both teams took the opening kickoff and said they were going to bleed as much clock as possible - shortening the game. Pushing it towards 120 play/game average.

Playing a "quick strike" team like Tennessee - keeping away from their offense is key. Keeping them from getting in rhythm. Heupel runs a lot of the same concepts as Lebby as they're from the same coaching tree. So defense will need to not get burnt. We've seen quite a bit of that happening lately but for things to work out like we need we need a similar thing to happen - where Tennessee gets only 3 plays in the first quarter. Arkansas last year did it - we can do it.

We showed this past weekend that we can flip the switch to grind it out ball control offense.
13 plays 75 yards 5:53 - TD
15 plays 54 yards 7:47 - FG

Also a couple of 40ish yard 8 plays drives ending in TDs.

The ideal scenario is to be midway through the second quarter up 14-0 or even 10-0 and having run 30 plays to Tenneseee's 3. That's absolutely something possible in a vacuum. This gets Tennessee on their heels and pressing. Then it's more likely to cause more ****ups and Punts. I don't think the quick strike strategy against Tennessee and then hoping they 3 & Out 3 straight times in the first quarter will be successful. Different mindset down double digits in the second and having a rowdy crowd screaming at you.

If we can get this type of start, then it feels winnable. And this type of start is completely possible against Tennessee. Their defense is not that good.

I truly think with the crowd - if we get to the 4th quarter and are within a score - this team might get willed to victory. Especially if we're both under 30. If it's a 40 and over game, then I fear Tennessee will boat race us.

Arkansas won 19-14 against this high flying attack last year. Totally possible for us to do so as well.