UT Vols football vs LSU 5 things to know: Peyton Manning, avoiding a Tennessee first

Knoxville

Tennessee quarterback Will McBride (17) is sacked by Missouri defensive lineman Tre Williams (93) during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday November 11, 2017.

Tennessee’s week began with football coach Butch Jones being fired. It ends with interim coach Brady Hoke and the Vols (4-6, 0-6 SEC) facing No. 21 LSU (7-3, 4-2) Saturday at Neyland Stadium. (TV: ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

Here’s five things to know about the game:

All about eight

While Tennessee is trying to avoid the first eight-loss season in program history, LSU is one victory shy of reaching eight victories for an 18th consecutive season.

The Tigers lead all Power 5 schools with 17 consecutive eight-win seasons.

More:UT Vols coaching search: Here's what we know, including Grumors

LSU coach Ed Orgeron walks across the field before the start of a game against Alabama on Nov 4, 2017, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

It’s been awhile

Tennessee and LSU are meeting for the first time since 2011.

Although UT has a 20-9-3 record in the series, the Tigers have won four in a row. Tennessee’s last win was 30-27 in overtime in 2005 in Baton Rouge, La. The game was moved to a Monday night because of Hurricane Rita.

More:What it was like for Vols on Sunday when Butch Jones was fired

Tennessee’s last win over LSU in Neyland Stadium was 2001, 26-18.

1997 champions honored

Members of the 1997 SEC champion Tennessee team will be honored during the first quarter.

More:Brady Hoke: Staff has 'forged together' ahead of LSU game

The Vols, who featured quarterback Peyton Manning, were 11-2 that season. They overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to beat Auburn 30-29 in the SEC championship game in Atlanta.

Tennessee defensive back Nigel Warrior (18) attempts to take Missouri running back Larry Rountree III (33) down during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday November 11, 2017.

Turnover turnaround

Tennessee’s turnover trend did an about face against Missouri.

After recording a plus-seven in turnover margin the previous three games, the Vols were a minus-three against the Tigers in a 50-17 loss Saturday in Columbia, Mo. The Vols committed turnovers on three consecutive plays in the second half.

Tennessee’s turnovers negated Vols safety Nigel Warrior’s 70-yard interception return for a first-quarter touchdown. It was Warrior’s first career interception.

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) lifts Tennessee tight end Ethan Wolf (82) in the air after he made a touchdown during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday November 11, 2017.

Fresh look

Watch for freshmen on Saturday, lots of freshmen.

Tennessee had eight first-year players on the field on offense at the same time in the second half at Missouri. One of them was tackle Trey Smith, who leads the Vols with 48 knockdowns.