Butch Jones' players left him an inspirational quote in his mailbox
Here are the highlights from Vols coach Butch Jones’ weekly radio show on Wednesday as Tennessee gets set to host No. 19 Georgia in Neyland Stadium.
Apparently, Jones still has the support of several players despite the disappointing collapses in three of the last four games.
Said the team put an envelope in his mailbox today that had an inspirational quote in it about hanging on past the point you think you can.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) October 8, 2015
If the Vols are going to get back on the right track, the offense will need to find another dimension and another gear. Behind QB Josh Dobbs, the Vols are averaging just 192.8 passing yards per game, 11th in the SEC. Jones also mentioned explosive plays, and according to our explosive plays tracker, Tennessee is last in the SEC in explosive plays margin.
Jones: "We're going to have to be balanced and we need more explosive plays."
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) October 8, 2015
Meanwhile, Tennessee has converted 61.5 percent of its red zone attempts (16 of 26) into touchdowns, which is 7th in the SEC.
Jones: "It comes down to red zone efficiency. … We have to come away with seven points and not kick field goals."
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) October 8, 2015
One area the Vols have been successful in for the most part is special teams. Thanks in large part to Evan Berry, Tennessee leads the FBS in yards per kick return (37.9).
Butch says on #VolCalls there's an 'aura of confidence' when Tennessee's return teams take the field. Vols have been strong there.
— Patrick Brown (@pbrown247) October 8, 2015
Jones also gave an injury report. He mentioned five players that would be game-time decisions for their 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff with No. 19 Georgia on Saturday, including offensive linemen Brett Kendrick and Dylan Wiesman, receiver Marquez North, defensive end Kyle Phillips and safety Stephen Griffin.
Butch says on #VolCalls that they'll have 'many' game-time decisions for Georgia on Saturday: Kendrick, Wiesman, North, Phillips, Griffin.
— Patrick Brown (@pbrown247) October 8, 2015