Tennessee's pass rush stats vs. Texas A&M are beyond belief
The typically high-scoring Tennessee Volunteers found a way to get it done Saturday in a different fashion, grinding out a 20-13 win over Texas A&M. Even Josh Heupel joked with his family about winning one unconventionally – and least by his normal standards. The number one reason why the Vols were able to weather the […]
The typically high-scoring Tennessee Volunteers found a way to get it done Saturday in a different fashion, grinding out a 20-13 win over Texas A&M. Even Josh Heupel joked with his family about winning one unconventionally – and least by his normal standards.
The number one reason why the Vols were able to weather the storm of a sputtering offense was an elite performance from its defense. That all started up front with a pass rush that battered and chased Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson all over the field the majority of the time. Johnson completed just 16 of 34 attempts for 222 yards, no touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
And as far as "majority of the time", that was literally true on passing downs. According to Texas A&M GigEm247 beat writer Carter Karels, citing Pro Football Focus, the Vols generated pressure on Johnson on almost two thirds of passing downs.
Karels is correct in that it's amazing that Johnson survived the game with that kind of pressure and taking 11 hits. Pearce was the biggest menace, delivering 5 of those QB hits along with 7 pressures, 2 sacks, and a sterling 90.4 PFF grade. Understandably, the Aggies' offensive linemen, especially on the right side of the Aggies' line where Pearce was coming from, turned in some dreadful PFF grades from the game.
Outside of the first half against Florida, Tennessee's defense has been excellent. The Vols rank third in the SEC and 18th in the nation in scoring defense allowing just 17 points per game. The 24 team sacks rank fourth in the nation and most in the SEC.
The Vols will need Pearce and the Tennessee defense to rise to the occasion once again on Saturday against a stiff test in Alabama.
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