Georgia Tech linebacker made a strong statement about Tennessee’s offensive playcalling during Yellow Jackets’ loss to Vols
The Tennessee Volunteers put up 447 yards of total offense in a 45-24 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday night in Atlanta.
Tennessee rushed for 299 yards in a 45-24 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday night in Atlanta.
It was another massive performance on the ground for the Vols (they rushed for 329 yards in the season opener against Furman), but it wasn’t like Tennessee gashed Georgia Tech on every running play.
The Yellow Jackets stopped Tennessee for a two yard gain or less on 16 of the Vols’ 45 rushing attempts.
Every time Georgia Tech “figured out” Tennessee’s run game, the Vols made an adjustment
Georgia Tech linebacker EJ Lightsey told reporters after the game that every time the Yellow Jackets felt good about their run defense, Tennessee made an adjustment on the sideline.
“I just feel like they made good adjustments on the sideline,” said Lightsey. “When we got what we wanted from them, it was a good play for us — we created negative plays and we stopped the run. But it’s like they went to the sideline every time and made good adjustments.”
Vols head coach Josh Heupel said after the game that calling the run game was like a “boxing match” on Saturday night.
“The run game, as you’re fitting it, you’re getting a feel for what you’re seeing on the other side of the line of scrimmage,” said Heupel. “It’s a little bit like a boxing match, where you’re feeling the opponent out. Ultimately, the three and four (yard gains) became six and seven (yard gains). And then ultimately late, you start popping a couple of them.”
I think the comment from Lightsey is one of the most encouraging things to come out of Saturday night for the Vols.
Georgia Tech knew Tennessee’s plan was to run the ball. And they had a great plan to stop the Vols’ rushing attack.
The Yellow Jackets made some plays, but Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and the rest of the offensive staff were able to keep making adjustments based on what they were seeing unfold. And those adjustments ultimately helped Tennessee’s offense rush for 299 yards against a physical team that was determined to stop the run.
Every game will be its own story, but Tennessee’s ability to adjust on the fly against Georgia Tech is certainly a great sign for the Volunteers’ offense moving forward.
