Tamarion McDonald details areas of improvement for the Tennessee defense ahead of Orange Bowl

Tennessee‘s tremendous 10-win, turnaround season was highlighted by one of the nation’s fastest and most high-powered offenses. But the Volunteers’ defense was also much improved, and defensive back Tamarion McDonald spoke about how what they’ve gotten better at compared to a season ago.

“I would say we improved on knowing situations a lot, so just knowing where the sticks are at, where they guy is at that’s their go-to guy on their team, so we did a better job of that,” McDonald said.

The Vols did get better at situational football, especially on third downs, where last season teams converted 42% of their third down attempts against Tennessee and this year it dropped to just 34%. They also just improved in general, holding opponents to 23.5 points per game compared to 27.5 last season.

Tennessee’s defense took a big step in the right direction this season, but now face a new challenge, an Orange Bowl matchup versus the reigning ACC champion Clemson Tigers. McDonald spoke about what stands out about the Tiger’s offense and some of the key players that they’ll need to slow down.

“The passing game, the quarterback has a strong arm,” McDonald said. “We also have to stop their running back too, number one, he’s a good running back. He runs hard so really gotta be on our p’s and q’s on both sides.”

McDonald was referring to Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and running back Will Shipley. Shipley ranked second in the ACC in rushing yards and touchdowns this season with 1,110 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also hauled in 34 catches for 221 receiving yards this season and is a focal point of the Tiger’s offense.

Klubnik will be making his first career start in the Orange Bowl, as the freshman came in on the third drive of the conference championship game and delivered for the Tigers, finishing the night with 309 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Clemson’s day one starter DJ Uiagalelei has since entered the transfer portal following the ACC title game, but McDonald is treating Klubnik no differently than him.

“We’re really looking at this freshman quarterback exactly how we look at number five, he’s a good quarterback. Strong arm, he can run, and like I said the running back he makes the offense go, so we gotta do a good job with him,” McDonald said.

The Vols and Tigers will fight for the title of Orange Bowl champions on December 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET in a matchup airing on ESPN.