The Tennessee Volunteers are coming off their biggest win of 2014. But despite an impressive offensive display, the Vols defense allowed a season-worst 42 points to South Carolina. In Week 12, defensive coordinator John Jancek is focused on slowing down Kentucky’s uptempo offense.
“We are going to bounce back against Kentucky,” said Jancek on the heels of allowing 42 points to South Carolina last game. “Emmanuel Moseley, (Cameron) Sutton, (Justin) Coleman, our two safeties will be challenged by the concepts these guys run.”
Quarterback Patrick Towles provides the Wildcats with a dual-threat option under center. A pro-style quarterback by trade, Towles also has the ability to avoid pressure and scramble for positive yards.
“They have really good skill on the outside. I think they have good speed, but the quarterback he is the real enigma,” said defensive line coach Steve Stripling. “You really have to be on point this week. You are trying to rush the passer but you don’t want him coming through there. Same thing on the quarterback runs. I think he is an outstanding player.”
Jancek told members of the media that he has been impressed by Towles during film study.
“I see a team that’s improving each and every single week,” said Jancek. “I see a quarterback that has great command, that’s got a lot of confidence,” he said. “I think they’re doing some really good things with him in the running game.”
Jancek noted that Towles’ mobility will present challenges both in the secondary and among Tennessee’s front seven.
“We talk about it each and every single week – designed quarterback runs – and that’s just the wave of college football right now. To have those kinds of game plans is an advantage for an offense when you run the quarterback,” he said.
“So, we’ve got to do a great job of getting off blocks. They’re going to neutralize the extra defender when they do run him, and you’ve got to be able to make plays. Somebody’s got to beat a block.”
“And the other thing that I think Towles does a really good job of is in the throw game, if it’s not there, he takes the ball and tucks it and takes off and he’ll hurt you with his feet. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen him in third-and-longs, you know, if it’s not there, tuck the ball and go pick up a first down. So, we have a huge challenge in all areas.”
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
