If you really know how good Tennessee’s secondary has played this season, call me. I’d like to talk about the one group of Vols that are still a huge unknown.
That unknown will be tested (somewhat) when the Vols take on Oklahoma on Saturday at 7:45. Let’s take a look at some numbers now that we’re three games into the season. Now, keep in mind that these numbers aren’t scripture and won’t foretell the future when it comes to the Vols. Why? Well, the Sooners haven’t played a tough schedule, just like the Vols, so there is still plenty to learn when the two meet this week.
The Vols highest graded defensive backs against their best opponent, North Carolina State, which was ranked No. 24 when the Vols dismantled them 51-10, were Jermod McCoy with a Pro Football Focus grade of 76.7 followed by safety Will Brooks, who was rated with a 70.1 for his play against the Wolfpack. I know there have been higher grades posted by Tennessee’s defensive backs against Chattanooga and Kent State, but I just can’t go there given the level of competition.
The Vols are second in the SEC in passing defense, allowing 105 passing yards per game, but Tennessee has played one good team, one team that was vastly outmatched in talent and another that struggled to convert a shotgun snap, much less complete a pass. It’s safe to say that the jury is still out. Tennessee defensive back Andre Turrentine doesn’t need any numbers to assess the Vols’ play so far this season.
“I think we’ve been playing very well, tackling well, helping the guys out in the front end, front seven when they need to be helped,” the junior said. “I think we’ve had good range and good depth in the post and our deep drops. We’ve made plays as opportunities show.”
Tennessee hasn’t given up a passing touchdown this season. Well, the Vols’ defense hasn’t given up any touchdowns this season. Tennessee also hasn’t given up any big plays. The longest was a 28-yard pass completion this season to North Carolina State. Turrentine said it’s all about practice.
“Just our preparation,” Turrentine said of not giving up long-yardage plays. “Every week we come in with the same mindset of prep and how we prepare from the d-line to the linebackers to the backend. We’ve all come together as a group, I feel like more than ever. Just understanding that, staying close with each other and prepping the same way every week has allowed us to be successful in that regard.”
The Vols’ one-sided games this season have allowed some inexperienced players to emerge, such as sophomore John Slaughter and sophomore Edrees Farooq. Both, especially Farooq, have shown enough this season to think they can be depended upon and, perhaps, standouts one day for the Vols.
“I’ve seen their will to compete,” Turrentine said. “Understand that this game is long, and things change during the season and how long the season is now, more than it has been in the past, so just understanding and attacking every day. They’re coming along and when we need help, they’re going to help us.”
In fact, they already have. Farooq has 10 tackles this season, including one for a loss. Slaughter has three tackles, including as assisted takedown behind the line of scrimmage.
So are the Vols good in the defensive backfield? Surely, we’ll know more after this weekend – or maybe not. Oklahoma has the 13th best passing offense in the SEC. Sooner quarterback Jackson Arnold is the 11th rated passer in the conference. Therefore, if the Vols still hold true and play great defense, especially against the pass, don’t be sold just yet. However, if you know something I don’t know, feel free to reach out.
