Defending Jake Bentley
Jake Bentley lost one of the SEC’s best wide receivers when Deebo Samuel fractured his ankle in a loss to Kentucky.
Samuel was the SEC leader in touchdowns at the time. He found the endzone six times in just three games this season. But Bentley has other targets that will give the Vols some trouble, starting at tight end.
Hayden Hurst is No. 2 in receiving for South Carolina this season, presenting a matchup problem for UT’s linebackers. The Vols’ corners have shown a lot of improvement over the past few weeks, but their linebackers will have to be sharp, especially on third down, in order to stop Hurst.
SC’s Hayden Hurst will challenge Tennessee’s linebackers. Have to give the TE extra attention. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/HfsI1fZ3ye
— Will Boling (@will_boling) October 13, 2017
The play action fake is going to force the linebackers to creep up a few steps to take away the run. But Tennessee’s linebackers have to stay on the tight end. That will open up holes for South Carolina in the run game. But Tennessee can live with a few yards on the ground as long as it doesn’t lead to something more.
The best defense against this play action is a simply a good pass rush. If Jonathan Kongbo and Kyle Phillips can get pressure around the edge, then this play doesn’t have time to develop.
But that’s not all the tight end does.
Oh, and Hurst can run it too. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/xuxCX7sUta
— Will Boling (@will_boling) October 13, 2017
Imagine having to tackle him. The big tight end can inflict more damage on a defense than a tackler can on him.
The defensive line actually gets a decent push on this play, but Hurst has a knack for finding the open lane. Tennessee has struggled stopping lateral runs this season. Whether it’s hurst or Rico Dowdle, expect this look from the Gamecocks.
Bentley will run more play action than Tennessee has seen all year. And a lot of it will come under center in the jumbo package with three tight ends.
SC may run more play action than anyone in the SEC. Most of it comes in this three tight end set. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/fcr7MnQK5n
— Will Boling (@will_boling) October 13, 2017
Once again, the Razorbacks get caught up trying to stop the run. And they pay for it.
The motion outside negates the pass rush, and Bentley shows again that he’s great at throwing on the run. The multiple tight ends create some confusion for the linebackers, and the receiver finds a hole here to make a great grab.
If the Vols stay at home in the passing game and key in on the tight ends, they shouldn’t have too many problems with this offense.
