SEC Football - 2021 Tennessee Volunteers Preview
Our Tennessee Volunteers preview 2021 notes that over the past five years this team has been defined by inconsistency. One season, they post a winning record and head off to a bowl game, while the next, they end the season sub-500. Last year, they went 3-7 finishing fifth in the SEC East, while in 2019, the Volunteers were 7-5. That year, they played Indiana in the Gator Bowl beating the Hoosiers 23-22. This year, with a defense that returns seven starters, a kind schedule, and some promising talent on offense, we expect Tennessee to rebound.
Tennessee Offense
In 2020, the Vols’ offense averaged just 21.5 PPG (12th SEC, 108th Nationally). Their pass attack ranked 12th and ground game came in 9th. Prior to the start of this season, the Vols added Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker at QB. In the past two years with VT, Hooker threw for 2,894 yards and 22 TDs. He also aired out seven picks. Sophomore QB Harrison Bailey, who saw action last season, is also a contender to start. Last year, Baily completed 48-of-68 passes (70.6%) for 578 yards. He tossed four TD passes and two INTs. The receiving unit includes Velus Jones, who caught 22 passes last season with three going for scores, and Jalin Hyatt, who made 20 receptions and scored two TDs. This group is deep.
The ground unit looks good too. Sophomore Jabari Small, who averaged 4.5 YPA, looks ready to step up as the team’s next prominent rushing threat. He’s joined by talented junior college transfer Tiyon Evans. Transfers have been brought in to underpin what was a porous O-line last year. Two former five-star prospects, Cade Mays and Darnell Wright, return. Both need to play up to expectations.
Tennessee Volunteers Preview 2021 - Defense
In 2020, the Vols allowed opponents 30.1 PPG (7th SEC, 69th Nationally). Although they provided solid D versus the rush, Tennessee had a tough time stopping the pass. The defensive line sees five seniors return. End Matthew Butler is the leader of the group. Last season, Butler recorded 45 tackles, two sacks, and four QBH. The linebacking unit, which has been hit by numerous transfers, is the most perplexing. There’s no lack of names of potential starters, but few of them rise to the top. Jeremy Banks, a junior, is the unit’s top returning tackler with 28 bringdowns.
Corner Altonae Taylor is the most important player on this team. A skilled veteran, he is also an important team leader. Along with 29 tackles last season, Taylor recorded two TFL, four PBU, and one INT. Strong safety Trevon Flowers, who’s the top returning tackler with 62, had two TFL and three PBU. Free safety Jaylen McCollough recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 TFL, and two PBU. He’s a quality defender.
Specialists
Speedster Velus Jones brings back both punts and kickoffs. He’s got breakaway potential. Our Tennessee Volunteers preview 2021 finds that punter Paxton Brooks is first rate. Last season, he averaged 43.6 YPP and recorded a 41.8 YPP net. Brooks pinned 17-of-49 within the 20-yard-line. There’s a wealth of competition for the placekicking position with USC transfer Chase McGrath being the leading contender.
Tennessee Volunteers Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Tennessee Volunteers preview 2021 envisions this team recording more wins than losses and making a bowl appearance. The defense and offense should both perform better than they did last season. The first three games of the season include Bowling Green, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee Tech. They should win at least two-of-three of those contests. Plus, later they play Mississippi, South Alabama, and Vanderbilt. All of whom are vulnerable. However, the Vols do have a tough conference schedule that includes Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Still, at least 50 percent of their games are certainly winnable, and that’s good enough for a bowl berth.
SEC Football - Tennessee Volunteers 2021 - Predictions:
Fifth Place - SEC East
Music City Bowl vs Michigan