Offensive Line
Daniel: There were a few signs of progress, though this group had a fairly long way to go after an uneven performance last week. Brett Kendrick battled in his first start at left tackle, but got beat a few times. This group formed a few very nice pockets, but also gave up too much pressure at other times. The run game took a step forward, though it still needs more consistency. Gaining 168 yards with a 3.7 yards-per-carry average was an improvement, but still not quite what I thought they were capable of against ASU. Grade: C
Houston: Worley was sacked twice, hit more often than that and the running backs had to break way too many tackles at the line of scrimmage to gain positive yards. It was just a very inconsistent day for the offensive line. The running backs missed some open holes several times, but the running lanes were few and far between. Justin Worley looked masterful when given time to throw, but when ASU dialed up the blitzes in the second half Tennessee’s offensive line looked confused and ill-equipped to handle the added pressure. Grade: C- (Dangerously close to a D)
Reed: Two games into the season, it’s clear the Vol offensive line is in for a long season. Worley was under pressure far too often against what should have been an outmatched defensive front. They struggled to pick up the blitz when the Red Wolves brought pressure. Tennessee’s longest run of the season came when an free blitzing defender hit Marlin Lane behind the line but he shrugged it off; in other words, it wasn’t thanks to solid blocking. If you’re looking for a bright spot, the Vols did have some sustained success running behind Jashon Robertson and Kyler Kerbyson. The right side of the line looks to be ahead of the left. Things will get ugly against Oklahoma unless the line grows up in a hurry. Grade: D
