The Tennessee football Orange & White Game will look different this year, as capacity is limited to just 10,000 fans for the spring game on Saturday at Neyland Stadium due to ongoing renovations. Some things will remain the same as in previous years under head coach Josh Heupel, though, with the offense wearing white jerseys and the defense wearing orange jerseys. The offense, led by star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, will alternate possessions for Orange and White, and normal game scoring will be in effect. Saturday’s game begins at 1 p.m. ET, with two 15-minute quarters in the first half and a running clock in the second half.
Tennessee’s official season does not begin until Aug. 31 when the Vols host in-state foe Chattanooga, but fans will get an early look at the roster on Saturday. Heupel is plugging in new pieces on both sides of the ball, with Iamaleava being the headliner. If you want to see the latest Tennessee football news, you should join GoVols247, the 247Sports affiliate that covers the Tennessee Vols.
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The team at GoVols247 has extensive coverage heading into Tennessee’s spring game, including injury information and potential depth chart changes. Head to GoVols247 and join now to see the latest updates regarding spring practice and the 2024 Orange & White Game.
Tennessee running back competition
One storyline Tennessee fans will be monitoring on Saturday is the running back depth chart. Though head coach Josh Heupel’s offense is often thought of as pass-first, the Vols led the SEC in rushing in 2023 and haven’t finished worse than sixth in that category since Heupel arrived in 2021. Dylan Sampson was a breakout star in the Citrus Bowl, rushing for 133 yards on 20 carries. He’s entrenched as the starter heading into 2024.
However, Heupel likes to rotate two or three backs and there aren’t many certainties behind Sampson. Sophomore Cameron Seldon rushed for 55 yards in the bowl win and is No. 2 on the Tennessee football depth chart, but a shoulder injury has him out for the spring. Sophomore Khalifa Keith is the only other scholarship running back who has seen game action. Look for Keith and redshirt freshman DeSean Bishop to get plenty of the work as the Vols look to build depth at a position that was a strength in 2023. Join GoVols247 for the latest on the running back depth chart.
Tennessee injuries on the O-line
Another thing to keep an eye on is Tennessee’s injury situation along the offensive line. The Vols have been impressive on the defensive line throughout spring practice, but they have not been facing a full-strength offensive line. Starting right guard Javontez Spraggins and left guard starting candidate Andrej Karic have been sidelined all spring, while starting center Cooper Mays has been limited. Multiple reserves are banged up heading into the Orange & White game as well, with eight total linemen dealing with injuries.
While coaches and fans never want to see their starters sidelined due to injuries, this has created an opportunity for young players on the roster. The second-team unit is almost entirely composed of freshmen, which could allow Tennessee to create some depth before the season begins. Saturday’s spring game gives those players a stage to compete against a veteran defensive line, so that will be one aspect for fans to keep an eye on. Join GoVols247 to read the latest VIP article regarding some of those younger linemen.
Tennessee new-look secondary
While the Vols should be stout up front, there are some questions surrounding the new-look secondary. Six key contributors from last year’s unit left either via graduation or the transfer portal, most notably cornerbacks Doneiko Slaughter (portal) and Kamal Hadden (graduation) and safety Jaylen McCollough (graduation).
A pair of second-year players — Rickey Gibson III and Jordan Matthews — are in line to step up at corner. Freshman safety Boo Carter has been standing out this spring and he might be the player fans are most excited to see on Saturday. He was the No. 3 ranked player in the state of Tennessee via 247Sports in the 2024 class and he’s pushing for early playing time. See the rest of the details about Tennessee’s secondary here.
Other storylines to monitor on Saturday include the wide receiver battle, Tennessee’s elite defensive line and additional injury updates.
How to get insider information on Tennessee football
The GoVols247 team has VIP information on the running back battle, the injuries on the offensive line and the revamped secondary that you won’t get anywhere else. Join GoVols247 to see it all and get all the latest Tennessee football spring game news.
Who are the top players that Tennessee fans should watch for on Saturday, and which new wide receivers could change the offense? Join GoVols247 to see all the latest Orange & White Game news, all from a team of reporters with decades of experience covering the Vols, and find out.
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