Butch Jones Says Vols OL Situation Is A “Handicap” In Play Calling

You can file this one away in “obvious news”, but after the Vols’ loss to Ole Miss on Saturday, Butch Jones acknowledged Tennessee’s offensive situation is a “handicap” when it comes to play calling.

To my knowledge, that’s the first time Jones has said the Vols are limited in their play calling.

Of course it would take a blind person to not see it.

The Vols have dynamic skill position players, yet they haven’t been able to fully utilize them due to the woeful play of the offensive line.

Tennessee’s offense has to start with the run game. There’s no way around it. In order for their offense to be successful they have to establish the run to set up the passing game.

Right now the Vols can’t even run the ball when teams are rushing just three guys. That means your receivers are going to have a hard time getting open when your opponent is dropping that many players into coverage.

If the Vols combat the defensive pressure with extra blockers (two tight ends, running back), then there are less options in the passing game.

Then, even if the Vol wide receivers are able to beat the coverage, Justin Worley isn’t getting enough time to get the ball down the field.

And if he’s forced out of the pocket — well it’s bad news for the Vols. That’s when Worley is his most inaccurate.

Tennessee has essentially been limited to very predictable play calls. Quick slants, screens and reverses.

There’s really not much the Vols can do to throw teams off balance. They aren’t going to catch them off guard.

It might sound like an excuse coming from Butch Jones, but it’s a fact. That Vols aren’t talented up front. It’s no sleight to the players. They’re playing their tails off. But the offensive line is what it is at this point and it isn’t very good.

It’ll get better. I don’t think there’s any doubt that it will. But it won’t be fixed overnight. If that’s what you’re expecting, you’re going to be very disappointed.

Jones and the staff will continue working to develop the talent they have, but the only true fix will likely come through recruiting.