Tennessee knows what they’re going to see when Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe hits the field on Saturday. The Vols just don’t get to see that this week leading up to the game.
“You can’t simulate that in practice,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said of Milroe, who is considered one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the nation. “Just his athleticism, his speed, strength of his arm, it’s just a lot of things that he brings to the table that’s challenging for a defense.
“Obviously, when the game goes and we get a feel for his speed and the way he moves around, we’ll be able to settle in, but he’s definitely a great challenge for us. Our kids are excited about the opportunity.”
The Vols have used Navy Shuler to simulate Milroe in practice. Shuler is a great athlete, but probably not quite to Milroe’s level. The Vols will almost assuredly give up a big play or two to Milroe. However, all is not lost as long as long as the Vols can stop him short of the end zone. Tennessee has been fantastic in the red zone, allowing just six touchdowns in 19 trips that the Vols’ opponents have made inside the 20-yard line. The Vols’ red zone defense ranks third in the SEC.
“I think as far as the red zone goes, the guys are just straining, whether you’re in a big field, whether you’re on the goal line,” Banks said. “We talk about putting the ball down and you having a chance to play another snap. That’s just a mentality thing.”
The Vols are also first in the SEC in fourth-down defense at 20-percent. Tennessee has given up just two conversions on 10 fourth-down attempts this season.
“As far as the fourth downs go, I think it’s in that same ballpark,” Bans said. “If we’re still playing third down (or) fourth down, we want to play as hard as we can. We want to try to out execute people. It’s just a hats off to our to our defense and just how hard those guys play and how detailed they are in situational football.”
When asked further about the Vols’ success in clutch situations, Banks said, “I think the biggest issue is not panicking when you get put in those situations.”
No matter who the Vols play, there’s no reason for Tennessee’s defense to panic this season. They’ve been far too good for that.
