Why Tennessee's offensive explosion shouldn't come as a surprise
The Tennessee Volunteers absolutely exploded in the first half against Missouri, scoring 45 points and garnering 425 total yards in the first two quarters of play.
What made the Tennessee offensive explosion all the more impressive? The Volunteers possessed the ball for less than 12 minutes.
Tennessee scored on every single offensive possession they had in the first half, with drives that started at their own 42, own 25, own eight, own 27, own 14, own 35 and the Missouri one-yard line.
After scoring six straight touchdowns, the Volunteers had to settle for a field goal prior to the half for a 45-10 lead with two quarters still to go.
According to SEC Communications Director Chuck Dunlap, the offensive explosion shouldn’t come as a surprise because the Volunteers have been the fastest team in the country in terms of plays per minute, running nearly three plays per minute.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker has had an efficient performance, completing nine of 11 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His leading receiver, Velds Jones Jr. has 53 receiving yards and a touchdown on a 35-yard screen pass.
Running back Tiyon Evans has been the breakout star, leading the offensive explosion for Tennessee. On just nine carries, Evans has rushed for over 130 yards and three touchdowns, including a 92-yard scamper.
Tennessee sits at 2-2 on the season and are coming of a 38-14 loss to Florida in Gainesville. Prior to the loss, the Volunteers offensive showed offensive potential, putting up 38, 34 and 56 point performances in consecutive weeks. Finally, on Saturday, everything clicked for head coach Josh Heupel’s offense and the Volunteers erupted.
Just this week, Heupel emphasized speed in development. The Volunteers have clearly taken it to heart, showing speed in every facet of the game.
“I don’t want to be patient,” Heupel said at on the SEC Coaches teleconference. “We want to be as good as we can as fast as we can. We did grow at every position (at Missouri). I look back at how our receiving corps grew and how we were doing — offensive line, quarterbacks included. Absolutely Drew (Lock) becoming a great player. Completely understanding the game. As a coach you don’t want to be patient. You’re pushing for it every single day. ”
He continued.
“At the same time, understanding that there is a growth process,” Heupel said. “You have to accelerate with the way that you work. Our players are experiencing that. I think that’s what has been important in our success or failures after a ball game — pointing out the things that we controlled that we can be better at. A part of that is practice habits and our lead up to kickoff. Obviously last week wasn’t what we wanted but there was growth, just not big enough growth. And we have to continue to push that way.”
After opening the season with losses to Florida and Pitt, perhaps the Volunteers dominant offensive explosion against Missouri can serve as a building block as the team ventures deeper into conference play.