Josh Heupel has the same complaint involving edge rusher James Pearce that Tennessee Vols fans have
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce hasn't put up huge numbers this season — 4.5 sacks, 23 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss through eight games — but he's still been one of the best defensive players in college football in 2024. One reason why Pearce hasn't totaled more sacks is because he's been held by […]
Tennessee Vols edge rusher James Pearce hasn't put up huge numbers this season — 4.5 sacks, 23 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss through eight games — but he's still been one of the best defensive players in college football in 2024.
One reason why Pearce hasn't totaled more sacks is because he's been held by opponents numerous times throughout the season (officials have been hesitant, for whatever reason, to call obvious holds from offensive linemen against Pearce).
Tennessee fans have complained plenty about the no-calls on Pearce this season.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel echoed those complaints during his coach's show after Tennessee's win against Kentucky this past weekend.
"[Pearce] is playing hard, playing physical," said Heupel when asked about Pearce on his coach's show. "He's getting to the quarterback. And it sure looks like there's a lot of grabbing going on at times, too."
Heupel was careful not to blatantly call out the officials with that comment, but it still seems pretty clear that he's noticed opponents holding Pearce this season.
Pearce is an elite talent who will be playing on Sundays soon, so you can understand why opposing offensive linemen have to resort to holding when matched up against the junior edge rusher. But those are still calls that have to be made by the officials. And Tennessee is certainly hoping to see more of those calls go their way over the final month of the regular season.
