Vol offensive veterans prepping for road test at Alabama
Tennessee’s run game continues to lead the way for the Vol offense. Josh Heupel’s run game leads the SEC in rushing with 231 yards a game.
Since center Cooper Mays’ return, the Vols have rushed for 470 yards. Heupel credited Mays for his communication against Texas A&M as well as the physicality of the entire offensive line, tight ends and tailbacks.
Saturday in Tuscaloosa that communication will be tested. Without Mays, the offensive front at Florida has 10 penalties. Mays said it’s just a matter of managing your role.
“Just doing our job at a high level,” Mays said. “I think if you look at the things that went wrong in that game, a lot of it was self-inflicted. Just going out there being ready for the moment, having clear communication when it’s loud out there. Just doing our jobs at a really high level.”
When the Vols struggled at Florida, Ollie Lane was making his first road start at center. Mays is a veteran who has played in road venues across the conference and knows what to expect.
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“Your first time it’s going to be pretty eye opening. From there it’s just a loud environment in the SEC. Every SEC environment is top notch. Bama is going to be the same way, we just have to find ways to work around it.”
Tight end Jacob Warren has found the end zone each of the last two weeks as the tight ends role in the offense seems to be growing especially on third down and in the red zone.
“I think it’s just developing my game where I can make plays like that. I am not doing anything spectacular or out of the ordinary. I’ve just been in position to make those plays. When the opportunity comes you want to make the best of it and I think that’s what we have done as tight ends to this point.”
Warren has 6 catches for 39 yards and 2 touchdowns the last two weeks. Warren and the offense will try and jumpstart the Tennessee passing game at Alabama after throwing for just 100 yards in the 20-13 win over Texas A&M.
