Tennessee football lost four defensive linemen from last season’s dominant front including three of its top four defensive tackles. Less than five plays into its season-opening win over Syracuse, Tennessee was down another two defensive tackles.
Daevin Hobbs suffered a foot injury in fall camp and Jaxson Moi suffered an injury on Syracuse’s opening drive, leaving Tennessee’s defensive tackle depth greatly diminished. The Vols got Moi back two weeks ago at Mississippi State and Hobbs will return this Saturday when Tennessee begins its October slate with a home matchup against Arkansas.
Barring a late week surprise, Tennessee football’s defensive line will finally be fully healthy when they host Arkansas at Neyland Stadium Saturday afternoon.
The Vols’ run defense certainly hasn’t been terrible this season, ranking 39th nationally and allowing 115 yards per game. But it’s also not up to the high standard that Tennessee’s set in past seasons. The Vols particularly struggled at times against Georgia and Mississippi State.
Arkansas will be able to fully test Tennessee’s run defense. The Razorbacks are rushing for 213 yards per game through five games— a mark that ranks second in the SEC. Improved depth should be a plus, considering how lackluster Tennessee’s young defensive tackle have been in SEC play.
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Hobbs could potentially change the dynamic of that room. The junior had an impressive offseason and was creating all sorts of buzz before suffering the foot injury in August.
“Daevin had a great offseason and was playing extremely well during the course of training camp,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said. “Unfortunate, but those things happen in this game. Done a great job in the rehab process.”
The big question for Tennessee’s defense line is where they play Dominic Bailey. The veteran strongside defensive end slid inside while Moi and Hobbs were sidelined and played well at defensive tackle. With the pair back, Tennessee could slide Bailey back out to defensive end or keep him at defensive tackle which would give the Vols four trusted veterans at defensive tackle.
Strongside defensive end Tyre West has been one of Tennessee’s best players to this point in the season and Tyree Weathersby has also been a solid contributor. This gives Tennessee flexibility in how they use the redshirt senior Bailey.
Tennessee football is a 12.5-point favorites over Arkansas according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 68.5. Kickoff from Neyland Stadium is at 4:15 p.m. ET. Dave Neal, Fozzy Whittaker and Morgan Uber are on the call for the SEC Network.
