Josh Heupel’s weekly Monday press conferences offer few memorable moments.
But Tennessee fans should have taken to heart what their football coach said two days after a 26-10 victory over Alabama on Oct. 17.
“Every week is a new season inside this league,” Heupel said. “Good teams continue to get better. Winning is fragile.”
Those words came to life five days later when the Vols (6-2, 3-2) stacked one mistake on top of another in a 27-24 loss to South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium.
South Carolina’s victory was a testament to its improvement. After losing three of its first five games, it has continued to improve. Two weeks after its previous game – a 38-19 victory over Florida – the Gamecocks knocked off the 11th-ranked Vols.
Now, with an open date on Oct. 31, would be an appropriate time for Tennessee to raise its game before hosting No. 8 Kentucky (7-1, 5-1 SEC) on Nov. 7. They already have a foundation for success.
Running back DeSean Bishop ranks second nationally in rushing with 957 yards, just 6 yards behind Boise State’s Dylan Riley, who has played one fewer game.
Bishop’s success hasn’t been a solo act. An offensive line that was roundly criticized early in the season has continued to improve despite suffering attrition, including a season-ending injury to All-SEC guard Wendell Moe.
The Vols are averaging 213 yards rushing per game. You can’t do that without the help of a competent offensive line.
Never mind UT’s difficulty trying to contain South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Defense has been a Tennessee strength all season.
The Vols rank 16th nationally in total defense. And they lead the FBS in sacks with 35.
But other statistics tell you there’s plenty of room for improvement.
After Tennessee negated multiple touchdowns with penalties against the Gamecocks, no one should be surprised that it ranks 122nd nationally in fewest penalties.
That’s the most obvious area for improvement. Another is passing yardage. Tennessee is averaging only 181.5 yards per game passing (116th nationally).
UT’s passing game has been a work in progress since the first game. That’s a result, in part, of starting two different quarterbacks – freshman Faizon Brandon and sophomore George MacIntyre – who have taken their first meaningful college snaps this season.
Every game is a learning experience for MacIntyre since he replaced Brandon late in the first half in Week 5. He has thrown the ball effectively at times but also has made crucial mistakes. His teammates’ mistakes have further thwarted UT’s passing game.
MacIntyre completed 16 of 23 passes for 136 yards against South Carolina. Those numbers are misleading, though, in that he lost 106 yards on pass completions that were nullified by penalties.
If not for those penalties, MacIntyre would have had his best game passing.
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As productive as Bishop has been, the Vols could improve their running game with creative play-calling. You saw that against South Carolina when UT put elusive wide receiver Mike Matthews in the backfield, and he scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. The Vols also have involved tight end DaSaahn Brame in the running game on short-yardage plays.
This open date week will give them another opportunity to expand their offense. Offensive improvement isn’t optional if they hope to finish strong.
It’s mandatory.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Two Tennessee football stats show where Vols need improvement to make CFP | Adams