Tennessee’s run defense could prove crucial against Georgia

Tennessee’s rush defense needs to regain its edge ahead of the Bulldogs

Knoxville, Tenn. – The strength of Tennessee’s team has shown some cracks over the last couple of games and with the Georgia Bulldogs on the horizon, this is the moment to get that in order.

Tennessee’s rush defense started the season with suffocating production, holding teams to an average of 79 yards a game.

However, after the last two games that average is now 100.

On the surface, it’s hardly anything to pay attention to because the defense has yet to let an opponent score more than 19 points.

But we need to pay attention to this.

Not only in back-to-back games did Tennessee give up more than its season average its opponents also rushed for more than their season averages.

Mississippi State averages 146 rushing yards per game, against the Vols they ran it for 179 yards on 38 attempts.

Same pattern for Kentucky, the Wildcats average 144 yards per game but against the Vols they finished with 168 yards on 37 carries.

State’s Davon Booth recorded his first 100-yard game of the season against the Vols, finishing with 125 yards.

Same thing happened for the Cats, Jamarion Wilcox eclipsed 100 yards. The first running back all season for UK to rush for at least 100 yards.

So, what’s changed?

A week ago I asked coach Josh Heupel how they plan to tighten up the run defense.

“It takes all 11. You have to have gap integrity. We got out of gaps a couple times, and that creates the explosive plays that you saw from them. It comes down to communication and everybody being tied in together,” said Heupel.

However, it appears similar issues reappeared in week 9.

“There are some free yards that I don’t want to say we’ve given away, but integrity of the defense, gap sound, guys a little bit out of position, creates some of the vertical seams that guys have hit us on the last couple of weeks,” said Heupel. “So, it’s really all three levels being tied in together, alignment and assignment and playing with technique.”

Defensive lineman Dominic Bailey reinforced the same message.

“Just not fitting our gaps properly, being in the wrong place. This week we just have to lock in on the little things (like) footwork, technique, using our hands, getting separation, and getting off blocks,” said Bailey.

Now, Georgia doesn’t necessarily scare anyone with their run game. However, the last two weeks show you the opponents will take what Tennessee’s defense is showing them.

And that’s to run the ball.

The Bulldogs average 124 yards rushing per game.

Similar to Kentucky, they are yet to have a running back eclipse the 100-yard mark. Trevor Etienne has reached at least 80 yards three times this season.

Georgia’s Nate Frazier is another back to keep an eye on because even though he has fewer total yards than Etienne, he appears to be more efficient with his carries.

If we know anything at this point, Georgia could be planning to try running more. Especially after quarterback Carson Beck threw his 12 interception of the season against Ole Miss and took five sacks against the Rebels.

So what’s the solution as Tennessee’s defense tries to limit the Bulldogs and give Nico Iamaleava and the offense back the ball as quickly as possible?

Bailey said it’s all about the basics.

“Just play our brand of ball, finish what we started. How we started the season, we need to come back in with that edge again and just keep our foot on everybody’s necks when we have them down basically,” said Bailey.

 Tennessee’s success in rush defense likely needs to mirror what it did against Alabama when it held the Crimson Tide to 75 yards on 34 attempts.

Finding success there could prove to be the difference-maker.

Simply because Iamaleava and the offense will have their hands full trying to get the run game going as Georiga boasts the 21st-best rush defense in the country only allowing 110 yards a game on average.

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