Tennessee is missing opportunities by not playing five-star freshman receiver

Tennessee football had numerous missed opportunities on offense against Kentucky. Many of those result in dropped passes by the Tennessee receivers. 

Vols tight ends Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes have been some of the team's most consistent pass catchers in recent games, and that remained the case against Kentucky. 

Despite the consistency from the tight end position, Tennessee had several opportunities to put points on the board that were missed because of dropped passes from some of Tennessee's receivers. 

This isn't a new problem Tennessee is facing. In fact, it has been an issue for the Vols for a few games. There is a solution, but the coaching staff is going to have to rely on a Freshman to rejuvenate the passing game. 

Five-star Mike Matthews hasn't received much playing time or targets, but it looks like he's doing everything he can to make the most of the few reps he does get per game. He only had one catch against Kentucky, but it went for zero yards. He did make a big play for the Vols, blocking for Squirrel White.

Matthews flattened the corner he was blocking on that play, which immediately lit up VolTwitter. He deserves a ton of credit for pancaking the corner and giving White a chance to gain a few more yards. This play alone should earn Matthews a few extra reps per game for the rest of the season.

Fans also called for more targets after Tennessee receivers dropped three potential touchdown passes. His targets have been few and far between this season. He only has three catches for 35 yards and one touchdown. Matthews' two other catches came in Tennessee's 71-0 win over Kent State. 

Josh Heupel supports the idea of Matthews playing a bigger role in Tennessee's offense. After the Kentucky game, Heupel said, "We need [Matthews] to continue to come on and be a big part of what we are doing here on the back half of this conference season."

"Mike has got some opportunities," Heupel continued. "Feel like there's a greater opportunity for execution, at times, when he is out there. Some of that is the guys around him. Some of that is him, too."

Heupel also mentioned that he has to be more consistent in practice, which could be his issue since he is only a freshman. If he can be more consistent, he will earn playing time; when he earns playing time, the ball will find his hands when Tennessee needs him.