KNOXVILLE - After recording just three sacks in the first three games of the season, the Tennessee defense racked up seven in the 17-13 win over Massachusetts on Saturday.
It was the most sacks in a game by a Tennessee defense since 2008.
The Minutemen offensive line had given up a nation-worst 23 sacks coming into the game, but the performance still gave the Volunteers defensive line a jolt going into the heart of SEC play.
"Any time you can put those types of numbers on the field, it's a new confidence that brings up," defensive lineman Kendal Vickers said. "We've just got to make sure we keep working and getting better from week to week."
The defensive line will face a more difficult challenge this coming Saturday against Georgia. The Bulldogs have allowed just three sacks this season, and Vols coach Butch Jones said the offensive line is Georgia's most-improved unit since last season.
"I'm very impressed with their offensive line," he said.
The Vols recorded three sacks in last year's win at Georgia, all by now-departed Derek Barnett and Cory Vereen.
Even without those two, Jones has confidence in his defensive line.
"Obviously, we're going to play against a very talented Georgia offensive line," Jones said. "But I just think the relentless approach (pays off). That group has done a really good job. They're one of the stronger leadership groups on our football team in terms of standards and expectations. I think, also, it's all four of those individuals working together."
Wiggins praised
After very limited action in the first three games of the season, graduate cornerback Shaq Wiggins got significant playing time Saturday.
Wiggins, although not recording a tackle, impressed the coaching staff and fellow players and enhanced the depth of the cornerback positions, which has been thin.
"I was really pleased with Shaq," Jones said. "I thought Shaq had a whole different mindset and determination starting last Monday. I like his approach to practice, he was extremely competitive, and he approached every day like it was game day. ... He was very decisive, I think he showed a skill set in terms of his feet, his quickness, and we're going to need that continuing forward."
Wiggins will face his former team this Saturday. Playing his freshman season at Georgia, Wiggins totaled 19 tackles while starting eight of 12 games.
Injury report
Jones said Monday that junior defensive tackle Shy Tuttle and senior center Jashon Robertson should be available against Georgia. Both missed Saturday's game against the Minutemen because of undisclosed injuries.
Tight ends Ethan Wolf and Jakob Johnson were injured against UMass, but Jones said he expects them to play this week. With reserve tight end Eli Wolf already out with an ankle injury, the Vols would have to rely on true freshmen LaTrell Bumphus and Austin Pope if Ethan Wolf and Johnson aren't able to play.
Jones also announced that safety and kick returner Evan Berry will be out again Saturday. Berry suffered an undisclosed injury against Georgia Tech and has not played since.
Contact Rob Harvey at sports@timesfreepress.com.