So far, most of the country has been enamored by Joey Aguilar’s deep ball and Tennessee football’s ability to score in a hurry down the field. While those were certainly noted in Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby’s dissection of the Vols’ film of their 44-41 overtime loss to Georgia, it was an often less-noted aspect that stood out to him first.
When Lebby, a former assistant under Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, broke down the tape, it was the offensive line that was the first thing he noted. Despite losing four of five starters up front and being down the projected starter at right tackle, David Sanders, the group looks improved from a year ago. This is not just the ability for the o-line to keep Aguilar clean, but to get the run game going, as well. When one aspect of the offense gets rolling, it naturally opens up the other.
Then, it was UT’s ability to make plays down the field. With time in the pocket and the run game established thanks to the offensive line, Tennessee has been able to hit on multiple splash plays a game.
“They are playing really well up front,” Lebby said. “That was one thing that I did last night was watch their offense vs. Georgia and that’s what stuck out to me. The way they’re playing up front right now, having the ability of keeping the QB clean and then how they’re being able to push the ball down the field and make some competitive plays jumped off the tape. For us, it’s going to be about stopping the run first. That is going to be a huge part of it. They want to get the run game going, that’s when they have their most success. So we have to find ways to limit that.”
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The stats behind Tennessee’s offensive line help tell the story of how impressive it’s been. On the ground, the Vols have produced a staggering 865 rushing yards in four games. This is behind the three-headed monster of Star Thomas, DeSean Bishop and Peytown Lewis. That trio alone has accounted for 10 rushing touchdowns with more added through the air.
In pass protection, Tennessee has seen its quarterback sacked just twice. One of these was of Jake Merklinger, as well, in the UAB game with the backup line already inserted. Aguilar only went down once in the loss to Georgia.
With Sanders’ injury, the offensive line picture is clear. It’s Lance Heard, the only returning starter, at left tackle and Jesse Perry on the right side. The guard spots are manned by Sham Umarov and Arizona transfer Wendell Moe Jr. At center, Notre Dame transfer Sam Pendleton has done a good job.
If Sanders does return at some point, it’s going to be tough to justify shaking up what has worked well. When looking at the depth chart, Sanders is listed as the starter at right tackle, though. Perry is also more naturally a guard and could slide back in if needed.
