One frustration that the Tennessee Vols have dealt with in 2024 shouldn't be an issue against the Kentucky Wildcats
One reason why the Tennessee Vols have experienced some offensive struggles this season is because several teams have utilized unique defensive approaches against UT's high-powered offense. Vols head coach Josh Heupel said after the win against Oklahoma and after the loss to Arkansas that the defensive looks that Tennessee received were different than what they […]
One reason why the Tennessee Vols have experienced some offensive struggles this season is because several teams have utilized unique defensive approaches against UT's high-powered offense.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel said after the win against Oklahoma and after the loss to Arkansas that the defensive looks that Tennessee received were different than what they were expecting based on film.
Throughout the season, that's been a common theme when teams play the Vols and it's made things a bit difficult at times on Tennessee's offense — specifically early in games.
The Kentucky Wildcats, Tennessee's next opponent, have struggled defensively in recent weeks. Kentucky allowed 500 yards of total offense (including 328 rushing yards) in a loss to the Auburn Tigers last weekend. The Wildcats allowed 48 points the previous week in a blowout loss to the Florida Gators.
Because of those defensive struggles, it sounds like Kentucky isn't going to break out a special defensive game plan against Tennessee this week. Instead, the focus for the Wildcats will simply be on executing their scheme better.
"I think we have to play better," said Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops on Thursday. "We have to play the best we can. I don't think at times we did that (against Auburn). Our pad level's gotta be lower. We gotta strain, we gotta have guys in proper positioning. We just gotta execute and play better. Sometimes you're getting gashed and it's like there's one guy out of position. That can't happen."
"We gotta get back to doing the things we can do and being better and being more fundamentally sound," continued Stoops. "And I think to (UK defensive coordinator) Coach (Brad) White's defense, when you get a little bit banged up, when you're trying to start throwing things at the wall, sometimes it doesn't always stick. We just gotta be who we are and be a better version of us. We've proven we can do that."
Basically it sounds like Kentucky is in a place where they're just looking to get back to the basics. I wouldn't anticipate the Wildcats trying to break out a completely new defensive game plan that's specifically tailored to beat the Vols. Now, I'm sure they'll utilize some concepts that they've seen work against Tennessee's offense this season, but it sounds like the defensive approach that Kentucky's had all season is the approach they'll mostly be going with this weekend against the Vols.
Tennessee is well rested while the Wildcats are a bit banged up. If the Vols can execute at a high level on Saturday night, this game could quickly get out of hand.
