Tennessee Vols need improvement from both lines vs. Georgia

Alabama came to mind while watching Georgia take apart Mississippi State’s offense on Saturday. That’s how impressive the Bulldogs' defense looked.

And an Alabama-like defense should get Tennessee's attention – on both sides of the ball.

If Tennessee hopes to upset No. 8 Georgia on Saturday at Neyland Stadium, its offensive and defensive fronts will have to come close to matching the Bulldogs. That won’t be easy.

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The play of UT’s defensive line seemingly has improved since the Vols gave up 655 yards to Georgia Tech in the season opener. You have to consider the competition in gauging that improvement, though.

Indiana State is at best a mediocre FCS program. Florida’s offense is a work in progress. UMass, which Tennessee beat 17-13 Saturday, is in the discussion anytime you ask, “Who has the nation’s worst FBS program?”

UMass’ shortcomings accentuated UT’s poor play on the offensive line.

Tennessee averaged only 3.5 yards per rush and totaled just 319 yards on UMass. Compare that with UMass’ previous four opponents, none of whom belong to a Power 5 conference.

Hawaii gained 503 yards on the Minutemen; Coastal Carolina, 401; Old Dominion, 366; Temple, 387.

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UT gained 2 yards or fewer on 21 of its running attempts against UMass. What does that tell you about the offensive line?

Nothing good.

The offensive line was expected to be a team strength. The Vols returned four starters from last season, and their depth chart included seven offensive linemen with three or more starts. Moreover, they added one of the nation’s top recruits, Trey Smith, who won a starting job in preseason.

Even when Tennessee announced offensive tackle Chance Hall wouldn’t play this season because of a knee injury, there seemingly was enough depth to make up for the loss. But the drop-off doesn’t say much for Walt Wells, who was promoted from quality control coach to offensive line coach after last season.

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That line will have to hold its ground against a Georgia defense that seemingly has no weaknesses.

With 10 starters returning from last season, the Bulldogs were expected to be good defensively. But they have exceeded those expectations thanks, in part, to their depth on the front seven and outstanding production of outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who is finally playing up to his five-star recruiting reputation.

Unless UT’s blocking improves markedly, Georgia could punish star running back John Kelly and make life miserable for quarterbacks Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano. Having center Jashon Robertson back should help. He was Tennessee’s best offensive lineman against Florida but missed the UMass game with an undisclosed injury.

Tennessee defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, who also was held out of the UMass game, is expected to return, too. The more snaps Tennessee can get from the oft injured Tuttle the better.

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Georgia’s offensive line is better at tackle than in the interior. Tuttle could help Tennessee capitalize on that.

But the Vols need a boost from more than one player. They need two lines worth of improvement.

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

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