Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel looked relieved as he stood at the post-game podium Saturday night following the Vols’ tighter-than-expected 34-31 victory over pesky Arkansas.
The Vols (5-1, 2-1) have now won an SEC game in overtime, lost an SEC game in overtime and escaped by a field goal.
“The margins are small in this league,” Heupel said of the conference contests. “You’re playing like talent every single week. … Nobody’s got glaring holes.”
Indeed, there isn’t a great personnel gap among most teams in the SEC. But there are some glaring holes, especially on defense.
Arkansas has them.
So does Tennessee football.
Arkansas running back Mike Washington was right when he said the Vols have “holes” on defense. He backed up those words by rushing for 131 yards – 100 in the first half – on 19 carries.
(Jimmy’s blog is brought to you by Rick Terry Jewelry Design in Farragut, Since 1986, Rick and his team have been dedicated to crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry and repairing your favorite jewelry. Rick Terry – he wants to be your jeweler)
Here are 4 takeaways from Tennessee triumph over the Hogs.
Vols Run Defense is Deficient
Tennessee’s run defense is poor. Arkansas powered its way for net 240 yards – 275 when you discount the 35 yards lost in sacks.
Fullback Braylon Russell chipped in 47 yards on eight carries.
Georgia ran for 198 against Tennessee.
Mississippi State ran for 203 against Tennessee.
And both of those numbers would have been worse without sacks.
Tennessee ranked second in the SEC last year, allowing only 103.9 rush yards per game, 3.0 per carry.
In three SEC games thus far, UT is allowing an average of 212 on the ground.
Tennessee’s next three opponents – Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma – are not great running teams. But if UT doesn’t shore up its run defense, this team will have no chance of making the College Football Playoff.
(Jimmy’s blog is brought to you by Matlock Tires, a full-service tire center that offers top-quality tire brands, expert service and installation. Matlock Tires has 5 convenient locations to serve you. That’s where I go to get my tires and oil changes.)
Tennessee’s Overall Defense Has Been Dismal
The Vols have an SEC-best 26 sacks. But they can’t stop the run.
They have scored four defensive touchdowns. But they allow almost 30 points per game.
The sack totals are impressive: 15 different players have contributed to the sack total. Four have at least three sacks. In 2024, UT had 29 sacks with only two players having more than two sacks.
While UT has shown the ability to harass the quarterback, the Vols haven’t shown the ability to sustain success for 60 minutes.
Georgia scored 44 points. Mississippi State got 34. Arkansas 31.
And Arkansas converted 8 of 15 third- or fourth-down tries, three of at least 9 yards.
The Vols haven’t been healthy all season. One starting defensive tackle has missed five games, the other three. Both starting cornerbacks have been out since the opener. Ricky Gibson III might not return. Jermod McCoy could return against Alabama, but that is uncertain.
The injuries have hurt. The lack of consistency has hurt. Allowing explosive plays has hurt.
That doesn’t bode well with Alabama next on the slate.
(Jimmy’s blog is brought to you by Marcos Garza Law Firm, attorneys that care about their clients. You want a local, proven, quality attorney in your corner. Led Marcos Garza help you. Learn more at Garzalaw.com)
Other Receivers Stepped Up for Brazzell
Arkansas did a masterful job of containing Tennessee football wideout Chris Brazzell, who was averaging 106 receiving yards per game and had a nation’s best seven touchdown receptions.
Double teams and soft coverage did the trick.
But that allowed Braylon Staley to have a career game: six catches for a career-high 109 yards.
Mike Matthews added three catches for 46 yards.
Tight end Miles Kitselman had five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown.
If opponents focus on stopping Brazzell, UT’s other targets must step up. They did against Arkansas.
By the way, Brazzell dropped what would have been a touchdown catch, and quarterback Joey Aguilar missed an open Brazzell on a long throw. Give Brazzell those catches and he has 68 yards and two TDs.
(Jimmy’s blog is brought to you by Rick McGill Airport Toyota. Rick McGill has an amazing inventory and great specials on new and preowned vehicles with easy financing. Rick McGill – your full-service Toyota Dealership.)
Penalties Continue to Plague Vols
Tennessee had 10 penalties for 78 yards against Arkansas. That continues a growing trend under Heupel.
The Vols are 101 in the nation in penalty yards per game (63.3) and 105 in penalties per game (7.3).
In seven seasons as a head coach, Heupel’s teams have ranked between 103 and 126 in penalty yards per game – and it’s not all related to running an up-tempo offense. It is related to lack of discipline.
Against Arkansas, it was related to some questionable calls.
Arkansas, which was assessed only one penalty against UT, should have been called for offsides when UT got hit for illegal procedure. And there appeared to be a pass interference against the Hogs that wasn’t called.
The Hogs did have two penalties declined by UT, so it was called for three infractions.
Tennessee football has been good enough to overcome these self-inflicted wounds against teams not quite its equal. But that won’t play well at Alabama.
If Alabama has a 1-10 advantage in assessed penalties, Tennessee’s chances of winning are about 10-1.
The post JIMMY’S COLUMN: Four observations as Tennessee football gets set to face Alabama first appeared on Off The Hook Sports with Dave Hooker.
