The non-QB who will be extremely important for the Tennessee Vols against Pittsburgh
The Tennessee Vols are set to play an extremely important game this weekend against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Pittsburgh got the best of the Vols last season, winning 41-34 in Knoxville. The loss to Pitt last year was just the second game of the Josh Heupel era. This is a much different Tennessee team that we'll […]
The Tennessee Vols are set to play an extremely important game this weekend against the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Pittsburgh got the best of the Vols last season, winning 41-34 in Knoxville.
The loss to Pitt last year was just the second game of the Josh Heupel era. This is a much different Tennessee team that we'll see take the field against the Panthers on Saturday.
UT has made a lot of progress under Heupel. This matchup, however, will be an important turning point in Heupel's career at Tennessee. A win and the Vols will have a lot of positive momentum moving forward. A loss and there will be some questions about whether or not Heupel can win when it counts. I don't think it's hyperbole to suggest this is the most important game of the Heupel era so far.
I lean toward the Volunteers winning this game. I think Tennessee has the quarterback advantage. And while I think Pittsburgh's defense is good, I don't think they'll be able to stop the Vols' offensive attack.
Tennessee will obviously need to run the ball efficiently to win this game, but I think we'll see the Vols air it out a bit more this week than they did last week.
And that's where wide receiver Bru McCoy comes into play.
Heupel noted on Thursday during a media session with reporters that he expects Pittsburgh to play a lot of press-man coverage on the outside.
"It'll be different than it was last week for those guys (Tennessee's wide receivers)," said Heupel. "You're going to see a bunch of press-man out on the outside and you got to be able to get off of their jam technique. You got to be comfortable with the body in your hip or on top of you the entire day and be ready to go make those competitive plays. But we do trust both of those guys (McCoy and Cedric Tillman)."
McCoy, who transferred to UT from USC this offseason, is a mismatch for almost any team in the country. He's a big wide receiver who has enough speed to stretch the field. He's physical enough that he should be able to consistently beat Pittsburgh's press coverage.
I assume the Panthers will pay extra attention to Tillman, which will leave more opportunities for McCoy.
If McCoy is getting single-man coverage on the outside, it could be a long day for Pittsburgh's secondary. Last week was a tune-up game for McCoy and quarterback Hendon Hooker. Their chemistry should be much better this week, which could result in more splash plays for McCoy.
I'd look for McCoy to have a big day against Pitt. I wouldn't be surprised if he leads the team in receiving and finishes with a couple of touchdowns and key third-down conversions.
The Panthers will be a tough challenge, but I like the way the Vols match up against them.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
