Inside The Numbers: Tennessee looks to snap Florida's annual streak
The Tennessee Volunteers (2-2) host the Florida Gators (3-1) in their annual SEC East matchup at Neyland Stadium this Saturday. The Vols’ last win came in 2004. Here’s a look inside the numbers.
THE GOOD
328: Jalen Hurd leads Tennessee in rushing yards through his first four career games. Hurd has 328 yards, two touchdowns and a 4.6 average on 72 carries. The Hendersonville, Tenn., native has improved his season-best totals in each game this season and broke the 100-yard plateau for the first time last week against Georgia.
9: Justin Worley has nine touchdowns through his first four games. He is one away from matching his season total for 2013 and continues to show poise in the pocket, despite a struggling offensive line. Worley has provided Tennessee with a consistent passing game and mature leadership in his final season in Knoxville.
17: A.J. Johnson saw a career-best 17 tackles in Saturday’s loss to Georgia. The senior linebacker leads the Vols with 46 tackles and is second among SEC players. Johnson is averaging 11.5 tackles per game and looks to continue his fast start early in SEC play.
THE BAD
12: Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed 12 total sacks through four games. Worley has been rushed 14 times and opposing defenses have 29.0 tackles for loss. The Vols need to improve in SEC play facing tough front sevens that are capable of providing pressure in the backfield.
47.0: Marquez North has struggled to open the season. He is averaging 47.0 yards per game and has just 188 yards through four games. North has struggled to see targets in the absence of No. 2 wide receiver Von Pearson, which may change after Pearson practiced for the first time on Tuesday.