Tennessee Volunteers @ Oregon Ducks: What To Watch For
By Zach Ragan
Sep 7, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones runs off the field after defeating the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 52-20 during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Later this afternoon the Tennessee Volunteers will visit Autzen Stadium for a matchup with the second ranked Oregon Ducks.
The Ducks have been one of the most consistent teams in the nation the past few seasons, appearing in four straight BCS bowl games. They’ve won the past two BCS bowl games in which they’ve appeared.
There’s a ton of story-lines and things to watch for in this game, so let’s get right to it!
Tempo
If you’re watching the game on television today, get ready to hear this word ad nauseam. Both teams run an up-tempo offense, although Oregon’s up-tempo is significantly faster.
The Vols’ conditioning will come into play big time. With both teams running hurry-up offenses, defenses could tire very quickly. The Ducks, as a veteran team, are better prepared to fight through the adversity that comes with fatigue. Tennessee’s improved conditioning will be put to the test.
Watch to see if the Vols try to slow down the tempo any on offense, to try and control the game clock. This will be huge for them if they want to stay in this game.
Defensive Line Pressure
The Vols have failed in their first two games, against lesser opponents, to generate much of a pass rush, or be disruptive in the backfield.
Tennessee should’ve lived behind the line of scrimmage against Austin Peay, yet they could only manage two sacks.
If the Volunteers can’t disrupt the passing game, or crowd the line of scrimmage, then this game could get out of hand very quickly.
The Vols will be without second team defensive lineman Maurice Couch this afternoon, but should be getting Jacques Smith back into the lineup. Keep an eye on Jordan Williams. The Gainesville native has been the Vols’ most effective pass rusher this season.
Playbook
During the Vols’ first two games this season we’ve seen very little of the playbook. We thought we’d see more against Western Kentucky, but circumstances (turnovers) prevented that from happening.
Against Oregon, the Vols will have to pull out all the stops. This could be our first look at how Butch Jones and offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian truly envision their offense at Tennessee.
I’d expect to see the Vols take more shots down-the-field and a more dynamic running game to be present as well.
Jones and his staff are well aware that Oregon is watching game-film from the Vols’ first two games of the year. I don’t think we saw anything near what the Vols have in store on offense, for that very reason.
Look for the Vols to run some plays out of the wildcat formation and the beast package against the Ducks today.
Composure
This will be the most important thing to watch today. This is a young team, going on the road and playing in front of a hostile crowd. If things don’t start going their way, it’ll be very important for certain players on the field to step up as leaders.
There’s going to be some trials and tribulations today and it will be important for this inexperienced Tennessee team to stay mentally focused. That’s something Butch Jones and his staff constantly preach, but it’s up to the players on the field to apply it.
If the Vols manage to keep their composure and stay focused in tense situations, then they could force a turnover and completely change the momentum of the game.
One play can be a game changer and often-times, that’s all you need.