Tennessee didn’t take long to draw attention to themselves on offense last season. That happened in September.
The Vols quickly became one of the top stories in the nation when they began scoring points in bunches in Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel’s first season as a Vol. The Vols finished second in the SEC in points scored per game with game, with 39.3, just behind Alabama.
There wasn’t much holding the Vols’ offense back last season except when they played elite defensive opponents, such as Alabama and Georgia. That’s when Tennessee’s offense looked human. The Vols are clearly based on playing an up-tempo style that depends on an explosive passing game. However, there can be more.
Tennessee’s next goal is simple: hold onto the ball a bit longer when the game dictates as much. The Vols have to be better equipped to play with a lead or they will allow teams to climb back into games that should have been well out of reach.
There are several players that can up their game in 2022. Running back Jabari Small is one of the key players this fall as Tennessee tries to be more balanced. Receiver transfer Bru McCoy from Southern California is another key player that will be expected to keep the Vols’ offense performing at a high level. Tennessee has lost receiver Velus Jones from last year’s team after he went onto the NFL.
Tennessee has receiver Cedric Tillman, who was named preseason All-SEC. If McCoy and Small are what they are expected to be, the Vols should be good at the skill positions. However, pass protection is also an issue, as discussed with Chris Landry:
