Press the Kicking Game: How the Vols Dominated Bowling Green on Special Teams

On Saturday in the Tennessee Volunteers’ 59-30 win over Bowling Green, Tennessee dominated in many aspects of the game, but one of the more undervalued ways the Vols won was in the kicking game. The Volunteers have seen vast improvement on special teams under coach Butch Jones, scoring a touchdown on special teams each of the last two years. While the special teams never got the ball in the end zone, they broke multiple long returns, blocked a field goal, and provided outstanding coverage all game. This post aims to take an in-depth view at a few of these plays that don’t typically get the attention they deserve. Continue reading “Press the Kicking Game: How the Vols Dominated Bowling Green on Special Teams”

Improved Line Paves the Way for Tennessee

Going into the 2015 season, the Tennessee Volunteers’ biggest cause for concern was the offensive line. The Vols finished last in the SEC in 2014 in both sacks allowed and tackles for loss allowed. There was never any consistency up front in 2014, as the Vols cycled through multiple players at each tackle spot and had injury issues at center. True freshman Jashon Robertson was the only player to start all 13 games at a single position (right guard). Head coach Butch Jones wanted to address the problem, and brought in experienced offensive line coach Mike DeBord in as his new offensive coordinator. Continue reading “Improved Line Paves the Way for Tennessee”

Vols Add New Pin and Pull Sweep

From a scheme standpoint, Tennessee’s offense is almost the same in 2015 with new offensive coordinator Mike DeBord as it was in 2014 under Mike Bajakian. Tennessee was especially vanilla with playcalling in their 59-30 win over Bowling Green, just using their base run concepts and few downfield passes. One change to the playbook stood out however. The Vols now have a new run play: the pin and pull sweep. This is not a new play for most college football fans, especially those familiar with the Chip Kelly/Mark Helfrich Oregon Ducks/Philadelphia Eagles offense, but it was a look Tennessee had never shown before. Continue reading “Vols Add New Pin and Pull Sweep”

Almost Football Time: Preview of the Bowling Green Offense

It’s almost Football Time in Tennessee. The folks on Rocky Top are anxious with anticipation as the Volunteers are preparing to open their season in a matter of days in Nashville against the Bowling Green Falcons. Hailing from the Mid-American Conference, Bowling Green is not a team to be taken lightly. The Falcons are coming off a 8-5 season and will provide the Vols plenty of challenges. Bowling Green has a dynamic offensive scheme and this post aims to break it down so that fans will know what to expect from the Falcons on Saturday. Continue reading “Almost Football Time: Preview of the Bowling Green Offense”