Butch Jones provides updates on Darrell Taylor, Trey Smith heading into Kentucky

Perhaps no SEC team is as desperate for a win than Tennessee. Without a question, no coach needs one more than Butch Jones. With his status looming large over the program, a win in Lexington would certainly calm things down on Rocky Top.

The Tennessee coach previewed the Kentucky game during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference. Here’s a summary of what he said during the call:

• Opening statement: “Obviously all moving forward to Kentucky, very skilled team at 5-2, good environment. Very impressed by Mike Edwards. Stephen Johnson doing a good job of managing their offense, he can beat you with his arm and his legs.”
• Last two games, the defense has started well but not in the second half. What is the issue there? “I think it’s a combination of a number of things. Playing complimentary football. We aren’t playing well on offense, so many three and outs. We have to fight through that. Time of possession is key.”
• Where is the breakdown with your receivers? “I think it’s an overall level of consistency. It comes down to the ability to make plays. It comes down to making competitive catches. All the things that go into being a consistent group. I think the main thing is the consistency all around. The ability to make a play in a contested situation.”
• Update on Darrell Tayor? “He remains suspended. He was at a recent practice but it continues to be a day-by-day situation there.”
• Update on Trey Smith? “He should be good, he will practice today, should be ready for Saturday.”
• How do you speed things up with a young QB? “We really want to control the tempo, there’s a lot that goes into it. We can’t overload him… There is a lot that goes into it but we do have to speed things up and control the tempo.”
• Thoughts on Jack Jones? “What can I say, great family. It’s unfortunate, it’s those conversations as a coach you don’t want to have. I give that young man a lot of credit. He did his best to get back on the field. Being a Volunteer meant everything to him. You talk about a Vol For Life, he will be a Vol For Life.”

Michael Wayne Bratton

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com