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Vols: Keys To Victory Over Oklahoma

By Randy Sharber

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Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) breaks up a pass intended for Bowling Green Falcons tight end Derek Lee (83) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 59-30. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Vols Must Get Pressure On Mayfield With Front Four Only

Derek Barnett was a pleasant surprise for the Vols last season. He began showing that last season in this very same match up. Barnett was so relentless that the Oklahoma offensive tackle complimented Barnett, and said that he would be a force to reckon with.

He was right. But Barnett will not sneak up on anyone this season. Opposing offenses will have game planned for him. So with the game plan trying to limit the effectiveness of Barnett, that means someone else has to step up.

That will be Curt Maggitt and Defensive end Ben Vereen. Tennessee fans will have to hear these two guys names often if they are to be successful tomorrow. The Vols secondary is vulnerable. If Mayfield has time, well, it won’t go well tomorrow.

We already know that Danny O”Brien, a leader and warrior in the middle of the Tennessee line is gone for this game. They will play two more guys in Dimarya Nixon and Kendal Vickers in his stead. They will also play Shy Tuttle extensively, with a little Kahlil McKenzie as well.

McKenzie is coming off of a concussion sustained in practice. This and the fact he sat out his entire Senior season of high school with an injury means McKenzie just does not have the game experience and stamina at this point. But he is going to have to make a difference.

If it were me, I would put McKenzie and Tuttle over Tennessee hater Orlando Pace, Jr and let him see what it is going to be like all game long. Oklahoma has a long history of having a great offensive line. This is not a great offensive line.

The Vols must exploit this line. Last week the Sooners had a tough time running the football with their great backs on Akron. They had little trouble throwing it however. Tennessee must make sure they make Oklahoma as one dimensional as possible. The front four will be responsible.

It is no secret that the Vols are weakest at Middle Linebacker and in the secondary. Look for Tennessee to start Freshman Darrin Kirkland in the middle tomorrow. He can flat out play. Also, look for Emmanuel Moseley to bounce back and have a good game tomorrow. He was terrible last week. I don’ think it happens again.

But it all starts with pressure. If Tennessee can push this line back, and exploit the Oklahoma inexperience and youth, it will be fun to be on the strip tomorrow night. If not, wait til next year.

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