Shots Across The Bow

Vols head to the Swamp

The Vols struggled with the Marshall passing attack, a fact which should concern Vol fans, since that attack is based on the Gator offense. The difference this week is that Florida has much better atheletes than Marshall. Unless Defensive Co-ordinator John Chavis has some real magic up his sleeve, I predict a very long afternoon for a Vol secondary that gave up 3 touchdowns and 294 yards to Marshall. To make matters worse, this year's defense, like last year's, appears to be unable to get pressure on the QB with just the front four. Once again, LBs and DBs lead the team in tackles and sacks, indicating problems with the defensive line's ability to get penetration. Constantin Ritzmann is the only stand-out lineman with 4 tackles, 4 assists, and 2 sacks. A steady diet of blitzes could spell doom for a secondary left in man to man coverage. Ingle Martin is the highest rated passer in the SEC, which may not be as good as it sounds since he built those stats against lesser opponents, but, by the same token, Clausen only ranks 8th in passing efficiency, also against weaker opponents. And he's shown he can run the ball, which will also test a Vol defense that let Stan Hill out of the box several times.

On the other side of the ball, UT's offense has shown flashes of improvement, but is still dogged by the penalties and inconsistencies that killed them last season. The offensive line has improved tremendously, and the return of Cedric Houston gives the Vols a credible running threat, but most defenses will put 8 guys in the box and try to force Clausen to beat them with his arm. Last year, that strategy worked well, as UT lacked a standout wide receiver. This year that may prove more difficult, as the Vols have some proven threats, and some real speed. The problem, as always, is with the quarterback. Can he get the ball to his receivers consistently enough to get the Gator defense to back off, opening up the running game?

The final challenge for the Vols will be discipline. NO STUPID PENALTIES!

If Clausen has a good game, the Gator defense can be burned, as shown by Miami's second half comeback. Also, the Vols look good on special teams, which has always been key in this matchup. But it won't be enough.

Gators 31 Vols 27