Tennessee football vs UConn: Our score prediction, scouting report for nonconference game

Tennessee football finishes its nonconference schedule as the No. 16 Vols (6-2) host UConn (1-7) on Saturday (noon ET, SEC Network).

Here is what to know about the matchup:

Joe Milton showed efficiency at Kentucky. Can he repeat it vs. UConn?

Joe Milton was 17-for-20 passing for 227 yards and a touchdown against Kentucky. His 85% completion percentage was his highest in a start at Tennessee and his best road performance this season after middling outings at Florida and Alabama.

It was an encouraging sign for Milton, who is leading the passing attack that has been unsteady.

"There’s been a lot of moving parts in front of him, there’s been a lot of moving parts out on the perimeter," Vols coach Josh Heupel said Monday. "Just continued growth throughout the season, getting comfortable being in sync with those guys and the fine details of it. On Saturday night, we created explosive plays on scramble drills. We hadn’t done that in a long time, and maybe since we have gotten here, at that level."

Charles Campbell is getting it done

Kicker Charles Campbell went 4-for-4 on field goals at Kentucky to earn SEC special teams player of the week honors. The Indiana transfer has been a steady force especially in the red zone for a team that has struggled to convert in the red zone.

Campbell is 15 of 18 on field-goal attempts, including 13 on red-zone opportunities.

"That was a huge part in the football game," Heupel said Saturday after UT's 33-27 win at Kentucky. "I haven’t mentioned him. That’s not right. He did an unbelievable job. Long one, got the ricochet. He was living right.”

UConn presents problems in the red zone

UConn has a solid red-zone defense, allowing teams to score on 75% of their trips. Opponents have scored on 24 of 32 red-zone drives.

The Huskies have allowed touchdowns on 19 of 32 red-zone attempts. Opponents have had five field goals in the red zone.

Tennessee's red-zone offense has been unreliable. The Vols are tied for last in the SEC in touchdown rate in the red zone. They have scored a TD on 51.35% of red-zone attempts.

Tennessee football can complete a perfect nonconference slate again

Tennessee can finish 4-0 in nonconference play for the second straight season with a win Saturday. UT is 10-1 in nonconference games under Heupel with the lone loss being a 41-34 defeat against Pittsburgh on Sept. 11, 2021.

UT opened its season with wins against Virginia, Austin Peay and UTSA. The Vols went 4-0 last season by beating Ball State, Pittsburgh, Akron and UT Martin.

Tennessee score prediction vs. UConn

Tennessee 43, UConn 13: Tennessee finishes its nonconference schedule unbeaten with a noncompetitive game against the Huskies.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee score prediction vs UConn: Does Joe Milton roll for Vols?