I agree it is time to move on from the loss to Vandy and no need for salt on the wound. So, let’s begin to think about Tennessee and the match up that has so much riding on this game. I say that because basically it boils down to this – the winner stays in the hunt for the SEC East. Lose and look for a 3rd place finish at best in the SEC East.
To begin the focus against Tenn, let’s look at stats:
USC is back at No. 1 in the nation in pass defense but is 98th in rushing offense, 93rd in total offense, 82nd in first downs, 90th in third-down conversions, 98th in rushing and 110th in sacks allowed and 74th in scoring out of 119 Division I-A teams.
UT ranks 94th in scoring defense, giving up 32.3 points. The Vols are 11th in the SEC in total defense, allowing an astounding 406.7 yards per game. They’re also 12th(in SEC) in scoring defense (32.3 ppg), 11th in SEC pass defense (249.0 ypg) and ninth in SEC for rushing defense (157.7 ypg).
Let’s look at the Vols at home:
In home games, the UT defense on average gives up 324.7 yards per game, which is more than 80 yards less than its season average. The Vols’ rushing defense gives up 102.3 yards per game at home and has allowed only one rushing touchdown, compared to giving up an average of 191.8 yards and eight rushing touchdowns on the road. The passing defense is also vastly improved at home, allowing just 212.3 passing yards per game. Tennessee has allowed only one opposing quarterback pass for more than 200 yards in Knoxville this season and has five of its six interceptions at home. Overall, the defense has forced seven of its nine turnovers this season at home. The Vols’ scoring defense also is stingier at home, allowing only 20 points per game—half of what they’ve allowed in four road games this season.
Oh and I envy this stat —
Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed just two sacks this season, and just one against starting quarterback Erik Ainge. Overall, the Vols have attempted 266 passes, meaning UT’s opponents are averaging one sack in every 133 attempts.
Meez thinking it should be a good game. BUT it all depends on which USC team shows up and if our offensive line comes to prove to the USC nation that they don’t suck all that bad. It does not really matter who USC has at QB if our o line is playing piss poor. Our defense has to continue to be the “crutch” we have leaned on all year to keep us competitive…please Mr. Nix have the boys ready to play b/c God knows a win depends on you.
I have heard the talk from fellow fans that Spurrier has been holding back waiting for the “orange crush” portion of the schedule…I don’t buy it but if it is true – let it rip.
Our friend at Garnet and Black goes further into detail about the match-up HERE.
Question of the Day
What is your prediction for the game – Tenn vs USC?
Line is currently at +3 for Tennessee.
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