KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – When it comes to the Tennessee football offensive line, the signs have been there every week. Even with a 3-0 start heading into Saturday, the play of the offensive line has been questioned. We’ve heard the right answers about what needs to be done, such as communication and execution. However, Saturday afternoon things were exploited 10 times over.
Even after the 20-17 loss to No. 1 Texas, head coach Josh Heupel’s response was sort of the same way when asked about the offensive line improving.
“Ultimately, we’ll decide what we’re going to be,” Heupel said. “We’ve got to fix what’s correctable, learn from it, grow from it. It’s what you have to do every week, whether you win or lose. Everybody’s got to take ownership. I’ve got to take ownership. Staff, everybody, certainly the players, too, and we’ve got to get better from it.”
Yes, everyone has to be better, including coaches, but when will that be the case? The Volunteers just played their fourth game of the season. The tune-up opportunities are well behind them. It’s SEC ball until the end. Texas has a talented front, and everyone knew that coming in. But between the O-line’s inability to block well and true freshman Faizon Brandon’s hesitance at times, it was the perfect recipe for that defense to eat.
Outside the pass game, the Vols also took a big dive in run production. A team that averaged 299 rushing yards per game through the first three weeks only managed 71 on 44 attempts after Brandon lost 73 yards on sacks. DeSean Bishop had 11 carries for 34 yards, and Daune Morris had nine carries for 33. An ineffective run game just lets defenses neutralize the pass.
While Brandon did show indecisiveness at times and even misfired on routine throws, there were also times Texas just played perfect defense and he had no one to throw to. That’s when he has to read it quicker and use his legs or get out of the pocket to throw the ball away.
So now the question I have is, should the coaching staff tweak the play-calling to ease the issues along the offensive line? Maybe a quick pass game or more rollouts, something to help Brandon move the offense down the field and also help him keep his confidence. One of the best-executed plays I saw all game was an 18-yard tunnel screen to Mike Matthews in the third quarter.
You can’t call screens every play, but it was something different. Brandon was complimented for his poise, confidence and decision-making the first three weeks, and then the level of competition ramped up.
“There’s some things that he’s going to be able to see or did see even on the iPad,” Heupel said. “I think early, good opponent, big game, it was sped up just a little bit for him. Then when you start giving up pressure, too, that can speed him up, too. All those things combined were a factor. The 10 other guys around him got to play better, and he’s going to have to play better, too.”
Next up is Auburn, and I believe Tennessee can have a bounce-back game up front against it. The run game should get back on track. The Tigers have allowed 127 yards per game on the ground. Additionally, Florida ran it down their throats for 243 yards on 53 carries. Time will tell, but next week needs to be a great response week for Tennessee’s offensive line and quarterback for sure.
