Josh Heupel gives one reason why Vols' tempo slows in the red zone at times
The Tennessee Vols haven't been awful in the red zone this season, but they haven't put six points on the board nearly as often in their red zone trips as they did a year ago. Tennessee has scored on 86 percent of their red zone trips this season. That's No. 56 in the nation. But […]
The Tennessee Vols haven't been awful in the red zone this season, but they haven't put six points on the board nearly as often in their red zone trips as they did a year ago.
Tennessee has scored on 86 percent of their red zone trips this season. That's No. 56 in the nation. But of their 37 red zone trips, only 19 have ended with touchdowns. They've kicked 13 field goals and came away with no points on five other possessions (per NCAA.com).
A year ago, the Vols scored on 63 of their 67 red zone attempts. 53 of those scores were touchdowns and 10 were field goals.
At times this season, Tennessee has slowed their tempo when they've reached the red zone. It also feels like they've subbed more often in the red zone.
The lack of tempo could certainly be one reason why the Vols haven't been quite as successful in the red zone in 2023.
So why is the tempo slowing more often in the red zone?
According to Vols head coach Josh Heupel, it's in large part because of players getting gassed on long drives.
“There’s a combination of things, sometimes it’s taken long enough or enough plays that sometimes your guys are tanked out," said Heupel during Vol Calls on Wednesday night when asked about red zone tempo. "They’re on E (empty). In particular, it can be the running back position. At times, the tight end position. You’re in a position where you’ve got to slow down to give him a chance to catch himself. Or you’ve got to sub. And you know, when we sub, if you look at the opponents, they tend to sub and they sub really slowly. So that kills a part of it."
Tennessee is leaning on the run more this season. Which means on many drives, it's taking longer to get into the red zone. And since the Vols are using tempo to drive down the field, which means they aren't subbing, some players, despite being in great shape, are gassed once they get to the red zone. That results in slowed tempo and some substitutions. If there's a downside to the Vols' potent rushing attack this season, this is it.
It feels like the passing game is starting to come together over the last several weeks. So perhaps we'll see some shorter drives that allow Tennessee's players to be a bit more fresh in the red zone (which will allow the tempo to continue in the red zone). Otherwise, the Vols' inconsistency in the red zone will likely continue.
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel threw some subtle shade during Vol Calls after UT was bamboozled yet again
We don’t blame him one bit
