Tennessee’s players didn’t have to see Pittsburgh’s defense during film study to determine that the Panthers’ defense was worthy of concern. The Vols know that all too well.
The Vols lost to Pitt last year 41-34 – in part – due to the Panthers’ defensive front. Pitt knocked Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton out of the game with a sack that forced a fumble. While that may have been a blessing in disguise, it was proof that Pitt could beat the Vols up front. The Vols certainly don’t want to relive that Milton moment with Hendon Hooker this season.
As for Pitt, it returns six starters from a defense that ranked second nationally in sacks with 3.86 per game. Protecting the pocket will be key.
What makes the Panthers’ defensive line so good?
“They’re really disciplined up front,” Tennessee offensive lineman Jerome Carvin said on Monday. “They get after you, definitely in the pass (game). Run game, they are a stout group…Man, they are coached really well. We have to be on our P’s and Q’s. We have to be able to communicate well with each other up front, as well as with the tight ends and (running) backs.”
When asked about last week’s Ball State game, Carvin said, “Biggest takeaway is just keep playing physical, especially for this week as well because you’re going against a big group, physical group. Keep playing physical. Stay mentally focused. Stay mentally locked in. It’s huge. Especially with how fast we go. Got to be putting guys on the right guys. That will be big for this week.”
It is worth noting that the Vols didn’t have center Cooper Mays available in last year’s game against Pitt. Mays, who was selected as a second-team All-SEC preseason center in August, is 100-percent healthy now and is even more proficient at handling the offensive front play calls and adjustments. That should benefit the Vols in Saturday’s rematch.
Tennessee is a five-point favorite against Pitt. However, Carvin isn’t taking anything for granted.
“This is a huge opportunity,” he said. “We got a bad taste in our mouth from last year. Can’t wait to go out there and play.”
Neither can Pitt’s defensive linemen.
