There was a stretch in opposition to Virginia on September 2 when Tennessee appeared to search out its offensive groove. The Vols scored six touchdowns over a span of seven possessions stretching from late within the second quarter till early within the fourth.
The Vols gained 49-13 to open the brand new season at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Every week later was 4 quarters of underwhelming soccer in opposition to Austin Peay at Neyland Stadium, a 30-13 win in Tennessee’s dwelling opener.
After a fast begin at Florida, with Tennessee scoring on a six-play, 71-yard landing drive to take a 7-0 lead at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the wheels fell off within the second quarter. The Gators outscored the Vols 20-0 and took management in what finally was a 29-16 win in The Swamp.
No. 21 Tennessee vs. South Carolina, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Community
Final week, Tennessee took a 31-0 lead over UTSA practically as shortly as Joe Milton III ran 81 yards for a landing on the sport’s opening play.
There was a sputter within the third quarter, although, because the Roadrunners outscored the Vols 14-0 earlier than Tennessee answered twice within the fourth within the 45-14 win.
All of it factors to at least one apparent step Josh Heupel needs to see his Tennessee take: 60 minutes of fine soccer.
“Enjoying dialed in, aggressive, constant soccer for a complete 4 quarters,” Heupel stated this week. “Not having to dip at any level of it.”
No. 21 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) hosts South Carolina (2-2, 1-1) Saturday evening (7:30 p.m. Jap Time, SEC Community) at Neyland Stadium. It’s a perfect setting and scenario for the Vols to place collectively 4 quarters for the primary time in 2023.
‘It’s time for us to place these 4 quarters collectively’
A pricey interception within the first half,10 penalties for 79 yards and a protection that couldn’t get off the sphere doomed Tennessee at Florida. Towards UTSA, the Vols punted thrice within the third quarter whereas giving up two scoring drives overlaying 141 yards over 19 performs.
Tennessee trailed Austin Peay with 5 minutes left within the second quarter and didn’t rating a landing till there have been 15 seconds left within the first half.
“Not that you just’re gonna play good,” Heupel stated, “however simply the aggressive spirit, the aggressive edge. I feel that’s one thing that I’ve challenged our crew (with), that it’s time for us to place these 4 quarters collectively in that approach.
“I feel we gotta proceed to play smarter soccer as effectively. And I informed the crew immediately, the crew that performs the toughest, and the neatest soccer crew, on Saturday wins.”
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