No Negative Plays
While the Vols have only allowed three sacks to start the year, they’ve given up a whopping 19 tackles for loss to West Virginia and ETSU. The Mountaineers’ defense figures to be better this year than they were last year, but they still don’t compare to most SEC defenses. And ETSU is an FCS school, and not a high-achieving one at that.
Only 10 FBS programs have given up more tackles for loss on the season than Tennessee to start the year. And that’s unacceptable for an offensive line that’s supposed to be focusing more on a power running game this season.
The good news is that UTEP hasn’t been proficient at racking up sacks or tackles for loss on defense, much like Tennessee. Just like the Vols, they’ve managed only three sacks on the year and only have 10 tackles for loss in their first two games. Tennessee should be able to find plenty of room to run against the Miners’ defense, as UTEP is allowing 260.5 yards per game on the ground to start the year. That’s 119th in the FBS.
Tennessee’s offensive line should be able to open up holes and provide good running lanes against the Miners’ front seven. And Jarrett Guarantano and Keller Chryst both should be able to have enough time to find open receivers.
