KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – We’re just minutes away from the biggest game of the week kicking off inside Neyland Stadium, as No. 1 Texas visits No. 14 Tennessee. There’s been plenty of outside noise this week surrounding this one, but to me, this simply comes down to the battle up front. That’s where it all begins.
For Tennessee to win, it has to handle business on both sides of the ball up front. I know it sounds simple and may be boring, but I am not into complicating things.
Tennessee’s run game has been dominant through three games at just under 300 yards per game. Quarterback Faizon Brandon has been composed and made smart decisions. Both of those areas rely on the guys up front.
“I just need to continue to not try to do anything extra and take what the defense gives me, and continue to try to extend plays when things aren’t there,” Brandon said after last week’s win.
On the defensive side, much of the talk has centered on affecting Arch Manning. Once again, that starts up front. Make him make the plays. He cannot be comfortable or have time to find his receivers Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo.
It’s simple to me. Whoever wins the battle up front, wins the game.
“It’s going to be a great environment, but we just get to go play football,” Tennessee offensive lineman Jesse Perry said this week. “The crowd’s gonna be on our side. It’ll be great for us. But we’re just gonna go play hard, play physical, with good technique.”
