Tennessee’s defense has never faced a quarterback like they’ll face against Arkansas. Well, for a full game at least.
The Vols have faced mostly pocket passers this season that had the ability to run. They haven’t faced a true threat from a running quarterback other than Oklahoma’s Michael Hawkins, Jr., who played just over a half against the Vols in their win over the Sooners.
Hawkins took some time to settle into his role after being inserted into the game in the second quarter. Then, his legs went to work.
One could argue that the Vols called off the dogs in the second half against the Sooners and Hawkins’ yards were in garbage time, but if those cliches don’t prove true, then the Vols could have a long night when they face Arkansas on Saturday at 7:30 EST in Fayetteville.
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green has rushed for 331 yards this season, which is more than any other quarterback in the SEC. Green probably can’t beat the Vols with just his arm. The best chance for him to help Arkansas, which is about a two-touchdown underdog to the Vols, to an upset is to rack up yards on the ground.
Tennessee defensive lineman Tyre West admitted that playing a quarterback like Green can be frustrating. Why? Because West and his fellow defensive linemen and linebackers, even the Vols defensive backs, will have to be mindful of a quarterback than can excel on the ground, whether the yards come from designed quarterback runs or him escaping the pocket when a play breaks down.
“You don’t ever know if he’s going to stay there,” West said, alluding to Green staying in the pocket, “or if he’s going to run or if he’s just going to throw a little screen. You just never know.”
Tennessee’s linemen certainly have a new challenge against Arkansas’ offensive attack. The Vols love to “rip and roar” up field, but they’ll have to more cognizant of Green given his athletic ability. The Vols will have to contain Green when he’s in the pocket ready to pass and will have to keep strong gap integrity on designed runs.
Based on recent history, the Vols should respond well. Tennessee’s defensive front is a part of a defense that allows just 176 yards per game, which is tops in the nation. The Vols also allow just 125 yards per game rushing, which is fourth best in the nation.
The Vols may not have played an elite offense quite yet, but they’ve dominated all comers. Somewhat surprisingly, Arkansas’ offense has rung up 495 yards per game this season, which is 13th best in the nation. West just relished the challenge and feels as if he’s part of something special this season. Why?
“It’s special for real because it’s like in every aspect, we have just an unbelievable line,” West said. “ So, just me just contributing on the line…It just means a lot.”
The Vols have played 12 or more defensive linemen in real situations in which the game is still in question. That depth is challenging for Tennessee’s opponents. It’s also challenging for the Vols’ defensive linemen, who have to constantly be ready to run off the sideline and get in the game.
“We have to be very alert,” West said, “…It’s electric for real. I mean, most people go out there, they go out there and do what they have to do.”
The Vols have certainly done that. With that has come a ton of confidence. Tennessee’s defensive line just has to make sure that confidence doesn’t allow them to get sloppy against the Hawgs.
