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Tennessee's defense knows the challenge they face against Vanderbilt

On3 imageby: Brent Hubbs11/26/24Brent_Hubbs
Jayson Jenkins
Jayson Jenkins during his time at Tennessee. (UT communications)

For the Tennessee defense, Saturday’s match up with Vanderbilt is a different type match up. The Commodores will certainly throw the ball as everyone saw to open the game against LSU, but they are rooted in running the ball with option principles and plenty of quarterback runs. 

Transfer quarterback Diego Pavia leads the ‘Dores in rushing yards and rushing attempts. Defensive end Jayson Jenkins knows the challenge that lies ahead for the defense against an offense that will play option and a lot of zone reads. Jenkins said what Vanderbilt does offensively is unlike anything they have seen this year.

“The challenge is just staying disciplined with your eyes and making sure you are assignment sound,” Jenkins said. “With option football it’s just doing your job. This is the first time we have truly seen an option team.”

In the backend of the defense there are challenges with your eyes. As a safety you want to be in run support but the Commodores aren’t afraid to throw it over your head if you bite. Vanderbilt had two pass plays against LSU of over 35+ so while the ‘Dores want to limit possessions and play some ball control they can be explosive. On the season they have 12 plays over 35 yards. Tennessee’ offense has 18 while Tim Banks’ defense has given up 9 plays of 30 plus yards. Four coming in the last three games. Safety Andre Turrentine, a mid-state native, knows they have to be sound in the secondary.

“We have option sound football with everything they do with the quarterback and then how they use the tight end and receivers as well. We have to be good with our eyes,” Turrentine said.

“All year it’s been a big emphasis to have eye discipline and read our keys. It doesn’t slow us down. We have to hone in on our keys and eye discipline to take us to the ball.” 

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