By The Numbers: Tennessee's Defense
With four games in the books for the 2023 season, let's take a numerical dive into Tennessee's defensive performance and some key statistics regarding their matchup against Spencer Rattler and South Carolina's offense.
16 Sacks
The Volunteers have shown exceptional pass-rushing prowess, recording a substantial 16 sacks, the second-best mark in college football. This stat is especially significant considering the early struggles for Carolina's offensive line. However, the Gamecocks have shown signs of improvement in recent games, and their matchup against this Tennessee front seven may be the deciding factor for this game.
123.3 Team Passing Efficiency Defense
The Vols are holding opposing quarterbacks to an average of 190.8 yards per game so far this Fall, a respectable statistic. However, they aren't forcing as many mistakes as one may expect, allowing an average quarterback rating of 123.3. This places the Volunteers 52nd nationally - and the way Spencer Rattler has played this season and how he's protected the ball, it's something that Carolina fans should watch for in this game. How successful will and can Rattler be?
37 Minutes - Time Defense is on the Field
A rather staggering statistic is the length of time the Tennessee defense spends on the field. They are on the field longer than any other Division One defense, spending an average of 37 minutes on the field per game. This can cause fatigue and wear down the Vols' defense throughout a game, especially against teams adept at sustaining drives, something Dowell Loggains and the offense did better against Mississippi State, having three drives go for 10-plus plays.
While Tennessee's pass rush is the strength of their defense, Spencer Rattler could really stress this Volunteer secondary. The amount of time Tennessee's defense spends on the field could create an advantage for the Gamecocks if they can replicate their success of sustaining drives from this past weekend.
You Might Also Like:
- Three Offensive Players To Watch: Tennessee
- Clayton White Addresses Pass Defense Struggles
- By the Numbers: A Closer Look at Tennessee's Offense
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