No. 14 Tennessee, 3-0 after nonconference play, hosts No. 1 Texas on Saturday at noon ET. A preview says the Volunteers need to establish the run, pressure Arch Manning and vary their play-calling to pull an upset. Oddsmakers favor Texas by 4.5 points.
Tennessee ranks fourth nationally in rushing after three games, though the preview describes its offensive line as inconsistent. DeSean Bishop is healthy, Javin Gordon is expected back, Daune Morris impressed against Kennesaw State and Justin Baker's broken hand may limit him. The article also flags Ethan Davis's loss: Tennessee is trusting DaSaahn Brame, Trent Thomas and Luca Wolf in run blocking, though they have had only one game to work through those roles.
Figures attributed to Warren Sharp say Tennessee pressured 71% of opponents' dropbacks lasting at least 2.5 seconds, the nation's highest rate, while Manning holds the ball that long on 63% of his dropbacks. Against Ohio State, Manning completed 52% of his throws on such dropbacks, averaged 4.2 yards per attempt, threw one interception and was sacked twice. The preview suggests varying formations and taking deep shots; it notes Texas could counter pressure with short passes to running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
