In Tennessee football’s opener against the Georgia State Panthers, Daniel Bituli’s absence was very notable. The Vols were relying on a true freshman in Henry To’oTo’o and a converted running back in Jeremy Banks to make the plays, and they could not stop Shawn Elliott’s offense at all. It was embarrassing for a head coach who is a defensive genius like Jeremy Pruitt.
Quarterback Dan Ellington torched the defense as the line was developing as well. The next week, against the BYU Cougars, things improved dramatically for the inside linebackers. But there were still a few bad angles taken in key moments that cost them dearly. So the return of Bituli on Saturday against the Chattanooga Mocs was welcome.
Bituli wasn’t a stat machine. But he was able to make life easier for the other inexperienced guys. This includes To’oTo’o making a key tackle early and Banks coming away with two interceptions. Now, against the Florida Gators, Bituli will be key. His ability to rush the passer and contain the quarterback is a huge asset against Dan Mullen’s spread offense.
If he is fully healthy, the 6’3″ 252-pound senior will be heavily relied upon by Pruitt to help contain the offense. Regardless of who is at quarterback, with the issues on the Vol defensive line, Bituli has to be the guy to make lots of the key plays and make things easier for the front and the secondary.