Tennessee Vols RBs focusing on getting better in specific area that could greatly improve UT's offense

The Tennessee Vols' offense was outstanding in 2021 under Josh Heupel's guidance. Tennessee finished the season averaging 39.3 points per game, which was No. 7 in the nation. That was a vast improvement over the 2020 season when the Vols averaged just 21.5 points per game (No. 109 in the nation) under Jeremy Pruitt. Despite […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols' offense was outstanding in 2021 under Josh Heupel's guidance.

Tennessee finished the season averaging 39.3 points per game, which was No. 7 in the nation.

That was a vast improvement over the 2020 season when the Vols averaged just 21.5 points per game (No. 109 in the nation) under Jeremy Pruitt.

Despite the impressive improvement, there were still areas of Tennessee's offense in 2021 that weren't great. Specifically, the Vols could've been better in short-yardage situations.

Fortunately for Tennessee fans, this is an area the Volunteers are focusing on improving this offseason.

"We need to be able to finish what we call pad plus-two," said Vols running backs coach Jerry Mack on Monday during a media session with reporters. "We need to be able to, on contact, fall forward on third and one, third and two, getting those yards on the first try and not get it on fourth down. Make sure that Coach [Alex] Golesh and Coach Heupel, they call this play one time and it is going to get the first down."

"That physicality in our room needs to continue to grow," added Mack.

Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball down the field at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Kns Tennessee Purdue
Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball down the field at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue

If the Vols can get better in short-yardage situations, it'll make their offense nearly impossible to stop.

It would also bring another element to Tennessee's offense. We could see the Vols deploy a different strategy in a third-and-long situation. If they get comfortable in short-yardage situations, it could open the door to going for it on fourth down more often. Tennessee could look to pick up five to six yards on third-and-long, knowing that they're going for it on fourth down.

Ole Miss uses a similar approach to third down and fourth down under Lane Kiffin.

Tennessee's offense was great last year, but it should be even better in 2022 as Heupel and his staff continue to look for ways to improve.

Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

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