South Carolina defender gives candid take on playing against Tennessee Vols' up-tempo offense
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Zaach Pickens met with reporters on Tuesday and he was asked about playing against the Tennessee Vols' up-tempo offense. The Gamecocks and the Vols are set to play in Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia on Saturday night. Pickens admitted that going against Tennessee's tempo will be a challenge. "They get lined […]
South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Zaach Pickens met with reporters on Tuesday and he was asked about playing against the Tennessee Vols' up-tempo offense.
The Gamecocks and the Vols are set to play in Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia on Saturday night.
Pickens admitted that going against Tennessee's tempo will be a challenge.
"They get lined up as soon as they get tackled," said Pickens. "I've never seen somebody get lined up, throw the referee the ball, already set [and] ready, ball is snapped before the snap count even starts. Chains are not even set, they're already ready to snap the ball. We just gotta find a way. Just gotta find a way to stop it."
Pickens' comments illustrate what's most impressive about this Tennessee coaching staff.
It's not just that their offensive system works, it's that everyone on the field wearing orange and white is seemingly always in the right spot. You never see players confused or looking around to see where they should be lined up. Everyone knows exactly where they need to go as soon as the previous play is over. There's no loafing around or being lazy. Everyone is always on the same page and hustling.
I think that's what impresses me the most about the job Josh Heupel has done. Everyone has bought into that system. And Heupel and his staff have coached it perfectly to the point where it runs like we a well-oiled machine.
Operating that fast without mistakes isn't easy. But the Vols make it look easy. And that's a credit to Heupel and his staff.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
