Generate a Pass-Rush
Part of helping an inexperienced secondary is putting pressure on the quarterback, something Tennessee’s front-seven hasn’t been able to do this season.
The secondary will have its hands full on Saturday with a very talented Florida receiver room. Van Jefferson and Freddie Swain are Franks’ favorite targets and the Gators’ leading receivers, hauling in a combined 14 catches for 232 yards and five touchdowns. Along with the dynamic duo, Trevon Grimes, Tyrie Cleveland, Kadarius Toney, Dre Massey, and Josh Hammond are all capable of making plays.
Bryce Thompson, Alontae Taylor, and Trevon Flowers will all be playing in their first SEC game and even key pieces in the secondary like Theo Jackson and Shawn Shamburger are just sophomores. A defensive back’s best friend is a pass-rush. Any quarterback in the country can carve up a talented secondary when given five seconds to throw the football. But when a quarterback is given just a few moments to get rid of the ball, it makes life much easier for an inexperienced defensive back group.
The pass-rush starts with the outside linebackers. Darrell Taylor and Jonathan Kongbo have underperformed to start the season, and as a result, Tennessee’s pass-rush has suffered. If they continue to underperform, Deandre Johnson could see an uptick in playing time.
Shy Tuttle, Alexis Johnson, and Emmit Gooden have gotten off to nice starts this season. The trio of lineman will have their work cut out for them against a talented Florida offensive line that has gotten off to a slow start. Against Kentucky, Florida allowed 15 pressures but bounced back with just three allowed pressures against Colorado State. The opportunity for Tennessee to get after Franks will be there.
