Tennessee football at Vanderbilt: 10 keys for Vols and Commodores
![FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 7: Harrison Bailey #15 hands off the ball to Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 24-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 7: Harrison Bailey #15 hands off the ball to Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 24-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/610440a11a5c4ef189b8e555a1eef4c0313e47b33e10e346014f6734253d3cea.jpg)
2. Vanderbilt’s horrible pass rush vs. Vols horrible pass protection
Something’s got to give. Tennessee football is among the worst in the SEC in pass protection, and the Vanderbilt Commodores are among the worst at generating a pass rush. Which awfulness outweighs the other one? We’ll find out Saturday.
More from Vols Football
- How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
- Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
- Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
- Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
- Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay
Vanderbilt is last in the SEC on the year in generating sacks. They have only come down with 11 in eight games. Similar to their rush defense in general, their pass rush is a disaster, and just like we mentioned on the previous slide, their defensive line is depleted. That could cost them significantly in this game.
Meanwhile, the Vols have not seen the development that was expected on the outside from Darnell Wright or Wanya Morris. Wright is good for one whiff on a block a game to allow a sack. To make matters worse, elite weapons like Eric Gray are horrible when it comes to staying in the pocket to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback.
Related Story. Five Vols to watch for at Vanderbilt. light
As a result, a few Vanderbilt blitzes, even with that horrible pass rush, could change things. For what it’s worth, Vandy’s pass protection is ranked No. 8 in the SEC, allowing 18 sacks, and the Vols’ pass rush is ranked eighth as well, generating 18 sacks.