It was hard to learn a whole lot about Tennessee against East Tennessee State. It is true that good teams beat FCS opponents by a huge margin, and the Volunteers did just that against ETSU. Yet, those games simply do not – and cannot – reveal that a team is ready to take the next step in its evolution.
By Matt Zemek
This week against the University of Texas at El Paso, Tennessee probably won’t reveal any dynamic new dimensions. No one will learn too much more about the Vols before they enter the SEC in 2018.
How bad is UTEP? Just about as bad as East Tennessee State. Not convinced? UTEP lost to FCS member Northern Arizona – decisively and at home. UTEP then got crushed by longtime FBS doormat UNLV. Moreover, UNLV was favored by over three touchdowns and COVERED THE SPREAD against the Miners. This is a very feeble team Tennessee is preparing to play. This is good for the Vols’ bowl hopes, but not really a good way to swing into SEC play the following week against Florida.
Speaking of Florida, the Vols have to do things which will give them more confidence against the Gators. That is part of the three keys to victory, which are not so much keys to victory as they are keys to the development of this season.
1 – WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BIG PLAYS DON’T COME?
Coaches want their teams to be able to make big plays, but sometimes, games become slugfests, or they become frustrating. Tennessee made big plays on defense and special teams to create separation from East Tennessee State. Chances are the Vols will be able to make more big plays against UTEP, but with Florida just around the corner, the question is worth asking: If the turbo-boosting, jump-starting, ignition-lighting plays don’t come on interception returns or blocked/returned punts, can Tennessee win a down-and-dirty game?
It would be great for the Vols if they can develop more consistency at making the basic plays on offense, which flows through the other two keys of this game below:
2 – BETTER FIRST QUARTER FROM THE OFFENSE
The offense has struggled in its two first quarters so far this season. Being crisp and efficient to start a game is something every offense needs to be able to do on a more consistent basis. Regardless of whether first drives are scripted, it remains that a coaching staff can do less guesswork and more planning on its first drive. The subsequent drives involve more adjustments. Being able to set the right tempo on offense is something Tennessee has not yet done this season. The defense, under a defense-first head coach, is likely to be fine. The offense is the much bigger point of uncertainty. That’s where more answers need to emerge.
3 – POUND THE ROCK Â
Kentucky gained over 300 rushing yards against Florida in Week 2. When the Vols face the Gators in Week 4, they have no more certain path to victory than to run the ball down the Gators’ throats. Firing off the line of scrimmage and clobbering UTEP in the first quarter needs to be a point of emphasis in the locker room this week. It then needs to carry over to the field on game day.
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