Tenn Truth
Fansided

Tennessee Vols – Keys To Victory

By Randy Sharber

facebooktwitterreddit

Here are the Tennessee Vols Keys to Victory as they host the Florida Gators in a Orange and White checkerboarded Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee today.

1. Outgain Florida on the ground – Statistics show that dating back to the early 90’s the outcome of this game is determined by which team rushes for more yards in the ground game. This is interesting based on the perception that Florida has been strictly an air attack team. Florida has the better offensive line without a doubt, but Tennessee has the better backs. Jalen Hurd has been challenged by some trash talking Gator linebackers. They said they would let their talking be done on the field with their pads instead of their mouths….as they kept moving their lips.

2. Win Field Position – Tennessee will want to make Florida work for their points. Florida’s offense is suspect in the passing game. The Gators do not have a receiver that actually scares the Vols deep, so the run game will be important to the Gators. Keep the Gators in their own territory and make them put together drives of 80 yards to beat you.

3. Make The Field Goal Attempts – This will be extremely important. Scoring opportunities will be golden against the Florida Defense. Freshman Medley will need to make the field goals he attempts. Check that, the makeable field goals he attempts. A missed 55 yarder as the half closes would not be what I am talking about. Indications are that this will be a close game, and points will come at a premium. One missed attempt on a chip shot field goal will be costly.

Live Feed

Rams breakout rookie's unique path went from convenience store job to NFL
Rams breakout rookie's unique path went from convenience store job to NFL /

FanSided

  • Walter Nolen transfer portal rumors: 5 destinations for No. 1 overall recruitFanSided
  • CFB transfer portal rumors: Michigan QB target, Dillon Gabriel favorite, Texas WR buzzFanSided
  • Every College Football Head Coach's Against the Spread Record in Bowl GamesBetsided
  • Opening Odds for Every College Football Bowl GameBetsided
  • How many SEC teams made bowl games in 2023? Schedule, dates and full listFanSided

    • 4. Win First Down – On Defense Tennessee’s ‘Third down for what” has been outstanding. The Vols lead the nation in third down defense. If Tennessee can force Florida to an average of 4 yards or less gained on first down, Driskell will have to throw the ball. If he has to throw more than 25 times today, Tennessee will have at least 2 interceptions. On offense Tennessee will have to have good first down production to set up 3rd and manageable situations. Down and distance will be critical today.

    5.Special Teams Play – I just think this is a must. Special Teams today can not allow a big return or a punt block to the Gators. Florida’s Kick Return team is tremendous, and look for Tennessee to try to keep it away from Florida’s return men. On the other side, I have been awaiting a kick return from Devrin Young for four years. Today would be a great day for one. Cam Sutton has been great at simply fielding punts. That will suffice today. Simply catch it. No mistakes. If special teams are not noticed today, Tennessee wins this game. Think about what I just said.

    6. Keep Worley Vertical – The offensive line must keep Worley upright today. It will not happen. He will get hit early and often. Worley has been sacked 11 times this season. We just have to hope that Justin can get up from these hits, and that the elbow holds up. With this said, I think it is crucial that Justin keeps the ball at least three times on the zone read today. If he doesn’t, Tennessee does not win the ground game. He must keep this defense honest.

    7. Utilize the Best Receivers in The Country – One of the receivers today will have a very quiet day as Florida has one of the best cover corners in the country. Vernon Hargreaves is for real. He will likely match up with Marquez North. If so, go to Malone or Croom and have a tremendously huge day. Look for Ethan Wolf to be a beast today as well. If the offensive line gives Worley time, Tennessee should have a big day through the air. If the Vols can have one big scoring pass play today of 50 yards or more Tennessee will win. It will open the underneath passing game that Tennessee wants to run, and the run game as well. Critical to have a long touchdown pass today.  I would love to see Von Pearson in action, but I would be surprised if he actually plays today.

    8. Fans Need To Stay With Team Today – This game will ebb and flow. There will be some tough times, and there will be some good times. The fans will be important. I realize everyone is nervous. If it turns bad, the fans must stay positive. This is a young football team and they will make mistakes. As bad as we want this game, remember there are high level recruits in this stadium today. If you act like a FOOL and boo, you will watch these kids play against us next year. If Peterman comes in….you had better check yourself and get behind this young man. He is capable, and will need encouragement.

    I didn’t think this team would be ready to take this step this early. I thought it would be next year. It still may be next year. I think today is the day the streak ends. Whatever happens, just remember to appreciate what this coach and players are going through. It is a rebuilding process, and winning this type of a game is a process, not a given. Go Vols!

    Home/Butch Jones