Vols T logoKNOXVILLE – It’s a statistic first-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones said he’s never before seen.
His struggling Volunteers offense will get a close-up view of the evidence Saturday.
In its first two games against Toledo and Miami, Florida’s defense has allowed just two third-down conversions in its opponents’ 24 attempts, which is easily the best rate in the country at this early point in the season.
The Vols, fresh off a 5-of-15 third-down performance at Oregon last week, face the 19th-ranked Gators on Saturday, when they’ll try to avoid seeing the big bright red-orange “3” on the down marker as much as possible.
“Shoot, they’ve only allowed two third-down conversions the entire year. That’s really good,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian said Wednesday. “It’s no different because we’re playing Florida’s defense as opposed to any other defense. We emphasize all the time getting first downs on first and second down.”