Why Virginia QB Tony Muskett won't be having much fun against the Tennessee Vols
Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Tony Muskett, a transfer from Monmouth, will make his first career start against a Power-5 opponent on Saturday in Nashville against the Tennessee Vols. Muskett spent the first three years of his career at Monmouth, where the biggest crowd he played in front of was 21,500 in a game against North Carolina […]
Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Tony Muskett, a transfer from Monmouth, will make his first career start against a Power-5 opponent on Saturday in Nashville against the Tennessee Vols.
Muskett spent the first three years of his career at Monmouth, where the biggest crowd he played in front of was 21,500 in a game against North Carolina A&T in 2021.
When Muskett takes the field on Saturday, he'll be playing in front of a crowd of close to 70,000 that will be mostly Vols fans.
Not only will Muskett be dealing with a rowdier environment than he's accustomed to, but he'll also be playing against a Tennessee defensive front that's expected to bring a lot of pressure early in the game.
"Certainly I would," said UVA offensive coordinator Des Kitchings earlier this month when asked about pressuring Muskett early. "It's the guy's first start. First game of the year. Let's test him and see. Test the O-line and see if we can protect. Test the quarterback and try to get him to move off his spot. That's where all 11 of us playing together gives us the best opportunity."
Virginia head coach Tony Elliott offered a similar take on Tuesday when asked about Tennessee's defense.
"I think that they’re going to play, in my opinion, what I told the guys — big boy football," said Elliott. "They’re going to line up, they’re gonna be in your face, and they’re gonna come after you with six. And then if they can’t, they’re gonna go seven and they’re gonna play zero coverage. And they’re gonna say, hey, let the best man win. That’s what I’m anticipating.”
Virginia's offensive line is a bit unsettled heading into the season, which makes it even more likely that Tennessee's defensive front will be able to get to Muskett often on Saturday afternoon.
Muskett is a good player. And he will likely make some impressive plays against the Vols. But it's not an ideal situation for his Virginia debut. Between the raucous crowd and Tennessee's much-improved defensive depth (especially along the defensive line), it could be a long, miserable afternoon for Muskett and the Cavaliers.
Tennessee and Virginia kick off at 11:00 AM CT/12:00 PM ET on Saturday in Nashville. The game will air on ABC.
Featured image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
