By the Numbers: A Closer Look at Tennessee's Offense
The Tennessee Vols are no strangers to racking up numbers on the football field. In an average game, their offense surges forward with a whopping 35 points and 463.5 yards, while their defense gives up roughly 17 points and 302 yards. However, diving deeper into the statistics, we see that the Vols' performance isn't just about these broad averages. It's the story of three key numbers that genuinely define their game:
17 Explosives
The Vols don't just gain yards; they explode down the field. In the first four games of the season, they've had 17 plays go for over 20+ yards, averaging about four explosive plays per game. This propensity for big plays can be a thorn in their opponents' side, as the Gamecocks found out after conceding seven such plays against Mississippi State last weekend. To beat the Vols, South Carolina must find a way to restrict these extended, game-changing plays.
6.2 Yards Per Carry
Tennessee's offense is often associated with a solid passing game, leaving their ground game somewhat overshadowed. However, the Vols are proving to be a formidable force on the ground, averaging 229.5 yards per game this season, equating to 6.2 yards per carry. In the past, their offensive success was directly tied to their run game's effectiveness, which remains the case in 2023. When opponents can slow down their ground game, as Florida did in week three by holding them to just 100 yards, it improves the opposing team's chances of victory.
23:17 Time of Possession
The Vols are not known for long, sustained drives but relatively quick, lethal scoring plays. This is reflected in their average time of possession, which stands at about 23 minutes and 17 seconds per game. Teams like the Gamecocks aiming to beat the Vols must switch up this dynamic. Forcing Tennessee to engage in longer, more sustained drives could be the key to overcoming Tennessee's high-scoring offensive machine. This also could allow the Carolina offense to wear down the Vols' defense if they can sustain drives themselves.
In football, like in most sports, the devil is often in the details - or, in this case, the numbers. Tennessee's impressive averages tell one side of the story. Still, these three numbers - 17 explosives, 6.2 yards per carry, and a 23:17 time of possession - provide a more nuanced understanding of their game. As we near this game, these are the statistics that could make or break South Carolina's defensive game plan.
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