As Tennessee prepares for its matchup against Kent State, a familiar question looms: How long should the starters stay on the field in what is expected to be a blowout?
Given the Golden Flashes’ struggles and Tennessee’s near 50-point favor in the game, the coaching staff will likely face this decision early on Saturday. So far this season, Tennessee has cruised past its opponents, giving the backups ample time on the field. Against a team like Kent State, the Vols will probably follow a similar pattern.
In the season opener against Chattanooga, Tennessee’s starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava was pulled at halftime, allowing backups Gaston Moore and Jake Merklinger to see playing time—a luxury most teams don’t have. Even last week against a ranked NC State team, which was expected to be a competitive matchup, Moore still managed to get on the field, though he didn’t attempt a pass.
This week, it would be in Tennessee’s best interest to give key starters, including Iamaleava and running back Dylan Sampson, plenty of rest. Sampson, in particular, may not be needed for much of the game, presenting an ideal opportunity for running backs DeSean Bishop, Khalifa Keith, and the returning Cameron Seldon to gain valuable experience.
The defense, which has already proven itself as one of the top units in the country, will likely follow a similar plan. There’s little to be gained by keeping the starting defense on the field for an extended period against a team of Kent State’s caliber. Head coach Josh Heupel is expected to pull key defensive players early, focusing more on developing depth for future games than giving starters extra reps.
Ultimately, this matchup will be less about securing a win—something that’s all but guaranteed—and more about preparing the team for tougher competition as conference play approaches. Expect the starters to be pulled as soon as the game is comfortably in hand, giving younger players an opportunity to gain experience and prove themselves on the field.
