- Guys are going to be open —
Josh Heupel and Lane Kiffin are completely opposite when it comes to personality and how they go about things. But they are a like when it comes to offensive football. Both are terrific at scheming people open. That’s why everyone is expecting plenty of fireworks offensively on Saturday. Yes, tempo is a challenge and yes Ole Miss’ defense struggles. But maybe the biggest story in this game overall is these two offensive minds in there own way getting people open. And nothing makes these two happier.
If you like offensive football, then get your popcorn ready because there should be plenty Saturday night.
Tennessee comes into the game with 17 offensive plays of 30+ yards. Ole Miss has 16. If you are wondering, the Vols had 14 30+ yard plays last season.
2. Be patient —
For as much as it’s about chunk plays and heaving the ball down the field, Tennessee and Josh Heupel have to be patient and take what the defense give them. Ole Miss plays a 3-2-6 defense which means there’s room to run the football and there’s open windows in zone. It’s a must that Tennessee isn’t greedy and that they take what the defense gives them.
Heupel did that last week as they went 14 plays on their opening drive for a score. Heupel is quick to point out that his his offense is about balance and not just throwing the ball. The Rebels have had a hard time stopping the run. Tennessee must make that trend continue in a balance, patient plan where you are taking what the defense gives you.
To this point Heupel has been very good at that. You look at the Missouri game, Tennessee said if you are running a 3 man front and not loading the box, we are content to run the ball. They did the same against Bowling Green. South Carolina opened the game last week with a lot of off coverage trying to keep the ball in front of them so Heupel threw receiver screens. Ole Miss is having issues defensively, Heupel must continue to expose those issues.
“I don't think you want to go into this one just assuming that it's gonna be a race for points,” Heupel said. E’very game is going to unfold differently. You’ve got to play situational football and you want to make sure you’re getting the first first down, moving the football, but you know the game will unfold as it kind of unfolds. Each game has its own identity a little bit.”
3. Red zone wins —
What’s the old Steve Spurrier line, you don’t win kicking field goals. He’s right particularly in a game like this Saturday night. That’s why red zone production will be key. Not every score will be a 40 yard pass or run. Which means you have to finish drives.
Tennessee has been ok in the redzone, but could be better. Heupels offense has 25 scores in 28 trips inside the 20, but only 19 of those 28 trips have been touchdowns.
The Vol defense has only surrendered 18 trips in the redzone and they have given up 13 touchdowns and 4 field goals. Their only redzone stop was last week when South Carolina gave them the ball on the trick play.
Conversely, Ole Miss has given up 18 touchdowns in 23 redzone trips and they have scored 22 touchdowns in 30 trips on offense.
Who’s scoring touchdowns and who’s settling for field goals is a key stat to watch on Saturday night.
4. Hold onto the ball —
Turnovers are the great equalizer and Tennessee has been great at holding onto the ball. The Vols have not had a turnover in league play the last three weeks. Knock on wood, that must continue. A week ago, Arkansas out rushed and out gained the Rebels. They won nearly every statistical category but the score board.
The reason was two turnovers giving the Rebels two extra possessions.
Tennessee cannot afford to do that in this match-up. They most hold onto the ball.
5. Start fast —
You have a sellout crowd. You got fan involvement before you ever kick it off with checkered Neyland. This fan base has bought up all the tickets. Tennessee fans are more than ready. They haven’t had many of these moments the last few years and when the moment has presented itself it hasn’t gone well.
Can this team handle this moment? Can they get out of the gates early? If they do then watch out.
Tennessee has arguably been the best first quarter team in the country this season. They are outscoring their opponents 101-13. Ironically, Ole Miss hasn’t been a fast starting team. They are outscoring their opponents 42-21 in the first quarter and have been outscored 14-0 in SEC play in the first quarter.
If those trends continue then Neyland Stadium about 8:15pm will be as alive as it’s been in a long, long time.
