KNOXVILLE – In its current setup Tennessee’s offense never will be mistaken for Texas Tech’s.
In the past eight seasons the Red Raiders didn’t finish lower than seventh nationally in passing offense, but the Volunteers will continue to butter their bread with a run-first approach.
For a hit-or-miss passing game, the ability to hit on some downfield shots for long touchdowns like the two Josh Malone hauled in against Appalachian State and Virginia Tech is a promising sign of progress.
“Trust is built in the preseason and the offseason and the time leading up to the season,” quarterback Josh Dobbs said Tuesday. “Me and Malone have a great chemistry and great connection. He’s been able to go up and make plays, and I’ve been able to put the ball where the defender can’t get it and only he can make the play on it.
“It’s something that we need to continue to do. Other guys will have opportunities to go up and make plays. We saw Jauan (Jennings) make a great catch in the (end zone) on a goal-line fade, so it’s something we’ll continue and something that will continue to be successful for us.”