Auburn Tigers @ Tennessee Volunteers: 5 Things To Watch For
By Zach Ragan
Nov 2, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) rushes during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn defeated Arkansas 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Can The Vols Stop A Running QB?
To say that Tennessee has had trouble stopping running quarterbacks this season would be a massive understatement.
The Vols gave up 114 rushing yards last week to Missouri QB Maty Mauk.
They’ll face an even more daunting task this Saturday in Auburn QB Nick Marshall. Marshall has rushed for 520 yards this season, including 140 against Ole Miss and 100 against Texas A&M.
Vols defensive coordinator John Jancek explained on Wednesday what makes Marshall so dangerous.
"Jancek: He has excellent body control and great change of direction. He’s a guy that can run physical and make you miss. You’ve got to get a lot of guys to get him on the ground."
Earlier this week, Butch Jones acknowledged the great challenge that awaits the Vols in preparing for a running QB.
"Jones: I don’t know if you are ever prepared for them. Extremely talented, great team speed, obviously, we haven’t performed very well against a running quarterback. So it is a great challenge for us. That is where they challenge you."
Tennessee will have to find a way to contain Nick Marshall. There’s nothing that will kill momentum faster than putting a team in a third and long situation, only to see them pick up the first down on a QB scramble.