Tennessee vs. Kentucky: Five Vols to Watch for vs. Wildcats
Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker (14) rolls out to pass on a two point conversion against Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
In this game against the Kentucky Wildcats, Barnett is facing an offense that gave up six sacks to the Florida Gators earlier this year. Against a pass rush just as good anchored by this guy, the best defensive end in the SEC, Tennessee should have a big day against them too.
We have documented that Tennessee’s secondary needs to play well and the key for that, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin will also need to be the playmaker he is counted on to be.
But, once again, it comes down to Barnett on the defensive line.
He’s got to be the star of this unit and get pressure on Patrick Towles, even if he is not sacking him,to disrupt plays. Barnett’s play is what will allow guys like Vereen, Owen Williams, and even Reeves-Maybin to have clear shots at the quarterback.
And if Tennessee can do that, they should be able to pull away with a very solid victory Saturday while shutting Kentucky’s offense down in the process.
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Derek Barnett
Defensive End, Sophomore
The big-game defensive end is once again coming up in big games, particularly SEC showdowns. If Tennessee ever needs a play on defense, Derek Barnett is always a guy who can come through for them.
The sophomore defensive end had two tackles and a sack against Alabama, bringing his totals on the year to 34 tackles and three sacks. And that is with teams keying on him, which is what allowed for Corey Vereen to spring free and rack up two sacks against the Crimson Tide.
In this game against the Kentucky Wildcats, Barnett is facing an offense that gave up six sacks to the Florida Gators earlier this year. Against a pass rush just as good anchored by this guy, the best defensive end in the SEC, Tennessee should have a big day against them too.
We have documented that Tennessee’s secondary needs to play well and the key for that, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin will also need to be the playmaker he is counted on to be.
But, once again, it comes down to Barnett on the defensive line.
He’s got to be the star of this unit and get pressure on Patrick Towles, even if he is not sacking him,to disrupt plays. Barnett’s play is what will allow guys like Vereen, Owen Williams, and even Reeves-Maybin to have clear shots at the quarterback.
And if Tennessee can do that, they should be able to pull away with a very solid victory Saturday while shutting Kentucky’s offense down in the process.
Next: #1: Joshua Dobbs