We’re back to the defensive line. And if Jordan Elliott is a guy up front to make things go, Kobe Whiteside is a guy to make things go and also go himself. He is the ultimate playmaker lining up next to Elliott, and in the spirit of John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth, these two guys are dominant in the middle.
Whiteside has one less tackle for a loss than Elliott, seven, and he has 14 fewer tackles. But the 6’1″ 310-pound lineman has one thing in his favor, and that’s his sacks total. All seven of his tackles for losses are sacks, an insane stat for somebody his size. That means he is critical at running down the passer, and that’s a big deal.
Barry Odom is able to sneak Whiteside around on the defensive line, and that’s what makes him such an effective rusher. That means all of Tennessee football’s offensive linemen have to be ready, as he could end up lining up anywhere up front. And with the questions already abound at quarterback, Whiteside could have a huge day.
Even during this turnaround, the Vols have not been great at avoiding sacks. They have allowed seven in the past five games, although three were against the Alabama Crimson Tide. But that still means they allowed a sack a game on average in their wins. So Whiteside could be dangerous if they aren’t careful.