Tennessee football: Five encouraging signs for Vols despite 0-2 start

5. There is clearly improvement on the offensive line.

Yes, there have been issues up front, particularly on the interior of the offensive line. But Tennessee football is getting significantly better there, and they have already shown dramatic improvement from last year. The most simple test of that is rushing average.

Last year, the Vols averaged under four yards a carry. This year, they are averaging over four yards. But advanced stats on Football Outsiders also show dramatic improvement when it comes to run blocking and even pass protection.

In 2018, the Vols were outside of the top 100 in every advanced blocking stat, including line yards per carry, stuff rate, sack prevention, and power success rate. Their highest ranking was No. 106 in sack rate. In every other category, they ranged from No. 119 to No. 130.

This year, though, they are only outside of the top 100 in one category: standard down sacks rate. Now, again, they are still struggling in many areas, ranking No. 89 in stuff rate and No. 97 in power success rate. But by any measure, they are better. And the good news for Rocky Top is they should continue to get even better.

Remember, the offensive line has a starting center in Brandon Kennedy who is just getting back to normal after recovering from last year’s season-ending injury. It’s best player, Trey Smith, is just getting back into contact after being out since last November due to blood clots in his lungs. And he is getting back used to playing guard after playing tackle last year.

Considering that Jim Chaney at times is using a freshman running back in Eric Gray for pass protection, these things make the improvement very impressive. As a result, the unit could become a very solid one by the end of the year, especially as Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright develop at tackle.