Defensive Line Holds Their Own
Tennessee’s defensive line put up some big numbers on Saturday against one of the worst offensive lines in college football.
Don’t be fooled. This unit still has a long way to go.
Kongbo shows his speed around the edge to sack Comis. pic.twitter.com/LRjLJ2Bnzv
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 23, 2017
Jonathan Kongbo shows excellent speed around the edge here to sack UMass’s backup quarterback in the second half. But that didn’t take much effort. Most of Tennessee’s sacks were created by bad offensive line play.
Georgia is going to put up more of a fight than that.
But on a few occasions, the defensive line didn’t get to the quarterback quickly and still made the play. That was thanks to a solid performance from the secondary.
In the option run game, Tennessee has made major improvements.
Comis keeps, but Kongbo and Phillips are there to make the stop. Another UMass three-and-out. pic.twitter.com/vxE8ZZWSqv
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 23, 2017
Yes, Kyle Phillips and Jonathan Kongbo do a good job in pursuit of the quarterback here. But I think if Andrew Ford hadn’t been hurt, he hands this ball off for a big gain into UT territory. If Comis doesn’t pull the ball on the option here, the Minutemen are driving with a first down gain on this play.
The defense hasn’t looked bad, but they didn’t have much of a challenge against UMass, who only managed one first down in the fourth quarter.
Phillips has made a major claim to start on the opposite side of Darrell Taylor. The junior pass rusher may be the most improved player on UT’s defense right now.
Kyle Phillips continues to be a big positive for the #Vols defensive line. Good containment here on the outside run. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/Z6vM9Hm3za
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 25, 2017
