The UMass Passing Attack
UMass hasn’t done a good job protecting its star quarterback this season. Andrew Ford has thrown for over 3,000 yards in his career at Massachusetts, but this season he hasn’t had time to throw. He’s been sacked 22 times in four games this season but has still managed to throw for over 1,200 yards while completing over 63 percent of his passes.
Ford has rushed for -64 yards on 40 carries this season. He’s averaging a loss of a yard-and-a-half on every attempt this year.
But when he does have time, he’s not bad.
Andrew Ford has been sacked 22 (!!) times this season. When he has time to throw, he’s alright… pic.twitter.com/bvGKwLOm6H
— Will Boling (@will_boling) September 22, 2017
Even on this play, Ford has to step up in the pocket to buy himself some time. I don’t see UMass threatening Tennessee with deep passes like this one. If the Minutemen try to go deep, they’ll almost certainly be sacked every time as long as the Vols’ pressure stays consistent.
I’d expect the Minutemen to follow Florida’s game plan from a week ago. Ford’s job will be to get the ball out quickly over the middle to his receivers or his running back.
The Minutemen will also try to move the pocket. But last week against Temple, that didn’t exactly work either.
UMass will try to move the pocket to buy Ford time. But he’s rushed for -64 yards this season. #Vols DEs may have a field day. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/SUkaJdiPSq
— Will Boling (@will_boling) September 22, 2017
Darrell Taylor and Jonathan Kongbo may have a field day against Ford. He tries to elude the rush here, but Temple’s defensive linemen do a good job in pursuit. They refuse to give up on the play.
Expect a lot of roll-outs to the left so Ford can throw on the run. Tennessee can’t over-pursue the quarterback scramble like it has in the past couple of games. That’s a big reason why Feleipe Franks was able to beat the Vols on the final play of the game — the defensive line wasn’t able to keep him in the pocket.
UMass will try as many unconventional roll-outs as they can to give Ford time. In terms of athleticism, Tennessee obviously has the clear edge. But this is a good test on containment and discipline while rushing the quarterback.
Andrew Ford isn’t Jalen Hurts or Jake Bentley, but he will force Tennessee’s defense to stay in their lanes and bring pressure in the open field. Bob Shoop’s defense has struggled with open-field tackling so far this season. This game should provide good opportunities to not only improve in that aspect, but also regain some confidence after a crushing loss last week.
