All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for vs. South Carolina

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) fakes the handoff to Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) fakes the handoff to Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) and Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) celebrate after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green
Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) and Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) celebrate after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Everybody seemed to turn into a star last weekend as Tennessee football dominated the Missouri Tigers 62-24. Six different players accounted for touchdowns, two more had interceptions and seven were in on a tackle for a loss. Now, they have to figure out a way to keep up that energy against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

As we get set to break down the Vols will be key in this Saturday noon game when they return home, only one player was clear-cut. South Carolina’s style of play, while easy to decipher, doesn’t allow for lots of individual stars to stand out. Beating them is usually a team effort.

On the other hand, Josh Heupel’s offensive system on its own leads to players turning into stars overnight. If the Vols do what they should on Saturday, that will happen again. However, who will fit that bill? Let’s break down the players most likely to do so here. These are the five key Vols to watch for when Tennessee football hosts South Carolina this weekend.

Sophomore. Tyler Baron. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive end. 5

6’5″ 260 pounds; Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.

One key to stopping South Carolina is coming away with sacks and making sure to shut down the run game on defense. They have struggled with both as it is, but players capable of both need to step up in a big way to make sure that happens. Tyler Baron is the one guy most consistently capable of doing just that.

Despite not collecting any stats, Baron was the second-highest rated defensive lineman last Saturday at Missouri to Roman Harrison. However, Baron has been more consistent throughout the year, which is why he makes this list.

Barons’ four tackles for a loss are good for third on the team and lead all defensive linemen, and he also has a pass deflection and one and a half sacks. Harrison and Matthew Butler could also be on this list, but Baron will be Tennessee football’s most important player on the line, meaning he will be crucial to keeping South Carolina’s offense inept.

Home/Vols Football