How good has Tennessee's OL been this year? 1 impressive stat says it all
Tennessee’s offensive line has developed into the strength of its football team. Players up front like Trey Smith, Cade Mays, Wanya Morris, Brandon Kennedy and others have been grabbing the Vols’ offensive headlines, and rightfully so.
The strength of that unit was on full display on Saturday, as Tennessee rushed for 236 yards en route to a 35-12 win over Missouri.
Tennessee running back Ty Chandler is also the SEC’s leading rusher through the first two weeks of play, with 176 yards on 32 carries.
Perhaps more impressive, is the fact that not one of Chandler’s 32 carries have gone backwards for a negative play.
“We definitely take pride in being able to get back to the line of scrimmage” said Tennessee’s senior running back. “Getting more yards than what the play is blocked for. That’s what’s preached to us every day and that’s what we try to do. That’s what we focus on in practice. It’s a big challenge.
“We have to accept the opportunity and get ready for it, just go seize the moment.”
This level of maturity from Chandler is one that has become commonplace among Tennessee players since Jeremy Pruitt has established his culture in Knoxville. It also helps that Chandler is enjoying success due to the work Tennessee’s staff has done to put together this offensive line.
Running backs coach Jay Graham and offensive line coach Will Friend certainly deserve a lot of credit as well, but their groups will really be tested this Saturday when the Vols head to Athens to face Georgia’s defensive front that allowed just 39 rush yards in a 27-6 win over Auburn last week.
If Tennessee can come away from the matchup against Georgia with a win and no negative rush plays, Vol fans can rest assured knowing they may have something special on their hands in 2020.
Really like the chemistry we have with the OLine and the RB’s. This will continue throughout the season. This could be a special year for UT.
It is a really good O-line. This is a genuine question: what is the depth like beyond the starting 5? Do they have guys to rotate in? Obviously the top 5 is really good.
There is solid depth behind the 5. Keep in mind, nearly everyone behind the starters now, has started on the line at some point in the last year. This is the first time in 10-15 years that we’ve had a great and deep offensive line. Definitely the best part of the team right now.
o line played 10 against Mizzo, not quite on the dawgs level with subs but significantly closer than past years, gonna take a perfect game to beat GA, but we will compete, unlike the last three years
Yes, they played 8-10 guys deep against Mizzou. Former 5-star OL who started all last season as a true freshman was one of the guys rotating in from the bench to provide relief.
1 five star who has started Darnell Wright and a couple of four star guys. Everyone who says this line isn’t deep isn’t presenting a factually correct and objective argument.
Thanks all of y’all. Looking forward to Saturday
Success starts with good line play. Tennessee is definitely on the right track.
We’ll just how far we have come/need to go this weekend. If we can rush the ball and keep G clean against the UGA defense, then we can play with anyone. I don’t really expect to beat UGA, I don’t think we are quite there yet across the board with the talent, but I do believe we are closing the gap.
I got this guys. I’m gonna make you proud, and when I do I am going to come back into this very thread and tell you that I told you so.
Go Big Orange
Georgia is over rated, over hyped, and over confident.
If Muschamp can whip the whelps, so can we.
Who’s with me?
I’m with you. I’ll also come back here after the game, regardless of outcome.
I’m here, where is everyone.
Good game dawgs, you won fair and square.
Go dawgs