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TaxSlayer Bowl determined by how well Vols hold up in trenches
By Jason Hall
Published:
The Tennessee Volunteers will make their first postseason appearance since 2010 in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl Friday. The Vols will face Iowa (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten) and look to earn their first victory since the 2008 Outback Bowl.
The Hawkeyes have a talented front seven, including defensive end Drew Ott, who leads the team with 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Iowa’s defense should hold an advantage in the trenches, facing the SEC’s worst offensive line.
Tennessee ranked No. 124 overall in tackles for loss allowed and No. 119 in sacks allowed. The Vols had zero returning starters entering Week 1, which was evident by the group’s lack of experience and struggles in the trenches.
But for Tennessee to end its bowl drought, the offensive line must improve. Sure, Joshua Dobbs has the ability to evade a pass rush, but the Vols o-line needs to block for the passing attack to take chances downfield.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian has relied on short passes and screens all season. Tennessee’s offense has the talent at wide receiver for Dobbs to take chances deep, but doesn’t have enough time for plays to develop with a facing pocket.
The Hawkeyes will bring constant pressure in Friday’s game and should hold an advantage in the trenches. After a full regular season of gained experience, its a possibility that the Vols could improve. But should Tennessee continue its struggles in the trenches, the offense will suffer and could stall facing a capable Iowa defense.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
