GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Tennessee needs a boost from its stagnant rushing attack if it wants to run with Benny Snell Jr. and the Wildcats. Injuries and inexperience out of the backfield and along the offensive line are taking its toll on a Vols running game that is averaging a mere 127.7 yards per game, last in the SEC.
“We didn’t block very well,” coach Jeremy Pruitt said of his team’s effort against Charlotte in which Tennessee netted just 20 yards on the ground.
“We basically got whipped at the point of attack. We had some mental errors that we haven’t been having for quite some time. We had free guys in the hole. That will get you before you get going. I’d say the health of our running backs is probably like everybody else; it’s November and everybody has bumps and bruises. All of our guys will be ready to play.”
That means the Tennessee rushing attack could split carries five ways between Jeremy Banks, Tim Jordan and Ty Chandler, as well as Madre London and converted cornerback Carlin Fils-aime.
DRAFT SLANT
–DE Kyle Phillips continues to terrorize opposing offensive lines, registering four tackles (two for a loss), a sack and a pair of broken up passes against Charlotte. The senior is riding out his final year on Rocky Top with a full resume that includes 37 tackles (five for loss) and three sacks, to go along with a fumble recovery, three passes broken up, and a pick-six interception against Alabama.
ROSTER REPORT:
–CB Alontae Taylor drew his second ejection of the year for targeting, this time laying out Charlotte quarterback Evan Shirreffs. The freshman will not miss any time against Kentucky because the infraction occurred in the first half against the 49ers.
–S Trevon Flowers could return to action this week. The freshman has been out since breaking his collarbone early in October during a bye-week practice. Flowers earned nine tackles and broke up a pass in the first five games of his career.
–FS Micah Abernathy returned to practice this week after missing the last four games with an ankle injury. The senior’s status for the game, however, remains undetermined. Abernathy has 18 tackles, two for loss, on the year.