The Tennessee Volunteers (3-3) are a difficult team to figure out. On one hand, the Vols have exceeded expectations by competing in tough, unfavorable matchups in Butch Jones’ second season as head coach. On the other hand, Tennessee has failed to close out potential upset wins that seemed to be in its grasp.

The Vols opened their season with a 2-0 record, enjoying dominant wins over Utah State and Arkansas State. A road loss to then-No. 4 Oklahoma brought Tennessee back down to Earth, before entering its SEC schedule two weeks later at Georgia.

The Bulldogs– who were ranked No. 12 at the time– saw a career-best 208 yards and two touchdowns from star tailback Todd Gurley, but seemed to be outmatched otherwise. The Vols defense forced quarterback Hutson Mason to throw two interceptions and held Georgia to a 1-of-10 third down efficiency.

However, Tennessee’s lack of depth at quarterback was its ultimate downfall. Justin Worley enjoyed a solid performance, before missing several possessions late in the game due to an elbow injury. Redshirt sophomore Nathan Peterman– who had five previous career appearances– struggled to produce any offense in Worley’s absence, while the Bulldogs extending their lead.

Even with Worley’s two post-injury touchdown passes, the Vols fell short and suffered a heartbreaking 35-32 loss.

Tennessee looked to bounce back against Florida the following week at Neyland Stadium. The Vols held the Gators scoreless at halftime for the first time since 1955. However, the Gators scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and managed to escape with a 10-9 win, extending their winning streak to 10 consecutive seasons.

Tennessee’s offense struggled in the loss, totaling a season worst 233 yards. Worley threw two interceptions and fumbled on a Jalen Tabor blindside sack in the third quarter. As was the case in their previous two losses, the Vols offensive line struggled to protect Worley, as he was sacked six times and hurried three.

The o-line has been Tennessee’s biggest flaw this season, which comes as no surprise given their lack of experience. The Vols were the only team in the FBS to return zero starters on both the offensive and defensive lines. However, the defense is progressing much faster than the offensive line, who seem incapable of providing solid protection.

It’s obvious that Tennessee needs to see improvement in the trenches. This also affects its need for more depth. Worley seems to be the only option at quarterback given Peterman’s inability and Josh Dobbs redshirt status. The tailback position is no different, with a large drop off from starters Jalen Hurd and Marlin Lane to the rest of the depth chart.

Worley, Hurd and Lane have all seen minor injuries in recent weeks. As Tennessee enters its upcoming matchup against a ferocious Ole Miss defense, keeping its key players healthy is a major concern. The Vols won’t even have the opportunity to close out games if their depleted depth chart doesn’t remain in tact, which again, falls on the offensive line.

The biggest obstacles facing Tennessee in regards to closing out games are a lack of blocking and a lack of depth. Though Worley has made great strides of improvement and the skill positions feature a surplus of young talent, the Vols offense won’t succeed without proper protection and will fall victim to injuries, therefore coming up short in SEC matchups.

It’s been said several times this season, but Tennessee must improve in the trenches. If the Vols offensive line can provide solid protection, the team will be able to close out signature games.