National media outlet names Tennessee Vols' one 'fatal flaw' ahead of College Football Playoff game against Ohio State
CBS Sports named the biggest flaw for each of the 12 teams in the College Football Playoff and they went with an unsurprising choice for the Tennessee Vols. Chip Patterson, a college football writer for CBS Sports, named Tennessee's passing attack as the Vols' biggest weakness heading into the College Football Playoff. From CBS Sports: […]
CBS Sports named the biggest flaw for each of the 12 teams in the College Football Playoff and they went with an unsurprising choice for the Tennessee Vols.
Chip Patterson, a college football writer for CBS Sports, named Tennessee's passing attack as the Vols' biggest weakness heading into the College Football Playoff.
From CBS Sports: On the season, Tennessee ranks outside the top 50 in passing yards per game but does have improved numbers on a per-play basis ranking No. 24 in passer rating, No. 27 in yards per attempt (8.1) and No. 32 in completion percentage. But among CFP teams, Tennessee is last in offensive EPA per snap (No. 48 nationally) and also last among playoff teams in total pass EPA per game (No. 54 in the country).
Some of this is on the performance of the wide receivers, and some of it falls on Nico Iamaleava and his play during a campaign that admittedly included some bumps and bruises on the injury front. But for as effective as the running game is with Dylan Sampson and as talented as Iamaleava is, the Vols probably need to see the passing attack take a step forward to make a run in the playoff.
There's no doubt that Tennessee's passing game hasn't been as prolific as fans and media expected it to be in 2024.
But that's mostly due to a lack of execution. The Vols have had plenty of opportunities for splash plays in the passing game, but drops, missed throws, and pass protection issues have combined to create some frustrating moments for Tennessee's offense.
UT's passing attack has looked better in the back half of the season — quarterback Nico Iamaleava has eight touchdown passes in his last two games — but if Tennessee is going to advance past Ohio State in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the Vols will need to be efficient through the air. Tennessee can't afford to miss on deep throws, or have issues with drops, against a talented Buckeyes defense. Otherwise, it could be a long Saturday night in Columbus for Volunteers fans.
