Vols-Georgia Tech game could come down to offensive lines

John Adams
Knoxville
Jashon Robertson (75) and the rest of the Vols' offensive line could be the determining factor against Georgia Tech.

 All eyes will be on the quarterbacks when Tennessee takes on Georgia Tech on Monday night in Atlanta. But the game might be decided by who’s in front of the quarterbacks.

Either Quinten Dormady or Jarrett Guarantano will start for the Vols as the successor to Joshua Dobbs, who started for parts of four different seasons. Georgia Tech has a similar challenge in finding a replacement for three-year starting quarterback Justin Thomas.

More:Can Georgia Tech's flexbone offense flourish with a new quarterback?

But both teams have experienced offensive lines that improved as last season progressed.

Georgia Tech will return three starters on the offensive line, which includes three sophomores. Its line is distinguished by size more than experience, though.

It probably will be the smallest offensive line Tennessee will face all season, which speaks to Georgia Tech’s unorthodox offense, the flexbone.

More:Vols' Tommy Thigpen saw how potent Georgia Tech's flexbone can be

The Yellow Jackets’ offensive line lists only one starter at more than 290 pounds. Contrast that with Tennessee’s starting line, which will average more than 300 pounds.

But the two offensive lines have entirely different plans to execute.

The Yellow Jackets don’t line up with the intention of bashing the man in front of them. Their option-oriented offense hinges on blockers agile enough to cut down pursuing defenders.

In their system, fewer pounds are a plus. It won’t take Tennessee’s defensive front long to figure that out. Its linemen and linebackers will have to fend off mobile blockers who will aim for their legs.

More:Tennessee football preseason highs, lows, Butch Jones analysis and the QB question

Dealing with those blockers will be compounded by the play-calling. Although there’s a repetitiveness to option plays, the same running play isn’t always blocked the same.

“They can run the same play in the same formation and have four different blocking schemes,” Tennessee linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen said. “And they have an answer for everything.”

 

Like Georgia Tech’s offensive line, Tennessee’s should be a team strength. However, the Vols already have lost injured offensive tackle Chance Hall for the season. And fellow tackle Brett Kendrick’s history of dealing with nagging injuries has to be a concern.

Even without Hall, UT still has six linemen who have started multiple games. And it shouldn’t take long for prized recruit Trey Smith to have starting experience of his own. Although he has the size (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) for tackle, he’s starting out at guard.

Controlling the line of scrimmage will be crucial for UT’s offensive line in the opener.

Option offenses are rhythmic. Usually, the more reps they get, the more in sync they are.

Tennessee’s offensive line can help slow down the process by keeping the Yellow Jackets offense off the field.

It’s reasonable to think UT’s offense will be capable of running or passing. But running the ball might be the preferred method of attack against the Yellow Jackets.

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It’s not just about the yardage. It’s about preventing Georgia Tech from wearing down your defense.

And it’s also about helping alleviate the pressure on a new quarterback.

Reach John Adams at john.adams@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6284 and on Twitter @johnadamskns.

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