Tennessee wide receivers coach Kodi Burns and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary met with the media Tuesday ahead of the Vols’ showdown with Ole Miss.
The Rebels are now three-point favorites over Tennessee after opening as four-point favorites Sunday. The Vols are looking for their third straight SEC win after dominating Missouri and South Carolina the last two weeks.
Ole Miss in the No. 13 team in the country with a thrilling win over Arkansas and a loss at Alabama. Lane Kiffin’s Rebels bolster the SEC’s best offense and can beat you through the air and on the ground.
Jean-Mary discussed the challenges of facing that Ole Miss offense, Juwan Mitchell’s season ending injury and the improvements from Aaron Beasley and Jeremy Banks.
The first year coach also discussed the leadership of defensive back Theo Jackson as he helped prepare Brandon Turnage to play in his place Saturday.
Tennessee’s receiving group has broken out the last few weeks with Velus Jones Jr, JaVonta Payton and Cedric Tillman all playing at a high level.
Burns discussed the playing time the trio of receivers earned and how the seniors are continuing to develop. Payton has touchdowns in four straight games, Tillman has been the breakout star of Tennessee’s offense and Jones. Jr has seen his role increase the last four weeks.
The first year receivers coach discussed the play of Hendon Hooker, Jones Jr’s move to slot receiver and the growth he’s looking for in Tennessee’s sophomore receivers.
Tennessee and Ole Miss will kick off at Neyland Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday night. The SEC Network will broadcast the game.
