Run Defense: the Key to our 2022 Success (DEEP DIVE)

[VFL92]

I've done a deep dive, comparing every opponent with 7+ carries vs. Tennessee in 2022 vs. 2021. In my opinion, this is the reason for the Vols success this year, for multiple reasons. Stopping the run is what a Josh Heupel coached team SHOULD be built to prioritize. Stopping the run means controlling the clock, keeping the game fast-paced and keeping our offense on the field as much as possible. No one wants to get into a shootout with us, but if they can't run the ball, there's really no other option. So far this year, Abanikanda is the only rusher who's averaged better than 4.3 ypc against us, an INCREDIBLE feat. He's also the only rusher that's broken a big run against us. His 76 yarder is by far the longest run we've given up and it also changes his yards/carry from 3.3 to 6.2. Gibbs had a rush of 26 yards and, outside of that, NO ONE else has broken one for more than 17 yards. Look at the number of guys who averaged 4+ yards/carry against us last season in our losses.

2022 Individual Rushing Performances vs. Tennessee D
Below are the stats for every P5 player with 7+ rushes vs UT this year
Abanikanda (Pitt): 25/154 (6.2 ypc)
Gibbs (UA): 24/103 (4.3 ypc)
Etienne (UF): 9/35 (3.9 ypc)
Richardson (UF): 17/62 (3.6 ypc)
Wright (UF): 8/26 (3.3 ypc)
Daniels (LSU): 16/38 (2.4 ypc)
Johnson (UF): 8/18 (2.3 ypc)
Williams (LSU): 7/10 (1.4 ypc)

2021 Individual Rushing Performances vs. Tennessee D
Below are the stats for every P5 player with 7+ rushes vs UT last year in Tennessee losses
Cook (UGA): 10/104 (10.4 ypc)
Jones (UF): 15/147 (9.6 ypc)
Pierce (UF): 8/62 (7.8 ypc)
Bennett (UGA): 8/58 (7.3 ypc)
McIntosh (UGA): 7/46 (6.6 ypc)
Corral (OM): 30/195 (6.5 ypc)
Young (UA): 10/56 (5.6 ypc)
White (UGA): 12/55 (4.6 ypc)
Davis (UF): 10/45 (4.5 ypc)
Doerue (PU): 10/45 (4.5 ypc)
Parrish (OM): 10/41 (4.1 ypc)
Robinson (UA): 26/107 (4.1 ypc)
Williams (UA): 8/29 (3.6 ypc)
Horvath (PU): 17/58 (3.4 ypc)

This is the biggest area our team has improved this year! Yes, our offensive numbers are better, but that's only possible because the defense is stopping the run. This statistic will continue to be paramount, especially against UGA.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

Great post. Banks can coach...he just doesn't have a magic wand to give us the 7 ...SEVEN..highly rated defensive backs we have committed for next season here a year earlier...

We have a depth/talent problem in our secondary ....not a coaching problem IMO. With MUCHO help on the way. This staff has done an amazing job from top to bottom and the results speak for themselves.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

Great post. Banks can coach...he just doesn't have a magic wand to give us the 7 ...SEVEN..highly rated defensive backs we have committed for next season here a year earlier...

We have a depth/talent problem in our secondary ....not a coaching problem IMO. With MUCHO help on the way. This staff has done an amazing job from top to bottom and the results speak for themselves.

I feel very good about Banks at this point. Jury is still out on Willie.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

So would you say we got better on the d line or scheme to stop the run?

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

I feel very good about Banks at this point. Jury is still out on Willie.

Willie should still get a third year. We’re playing walk ons in the secondary.

 

[VFL92]

So would you say we got better on the d line or scheme to stop the run?

It’s got to be some of both. Guys like Omari have made significant leaps in their development, but I also think it’s been a focus from the coaching staff, schematically. Our LBs and Safeties tend to be better in run defense as well. I’m certainly not an expert, just pointing out what I find in doing a deeper analysis.

 

[Arrested Devolopment]

I expect KY will be planning RB draws and screens to counter UT's blitzes. Because their O-line is weak, the pressure on Levis should make it possible for us to get multiple turnovers. I pick Flowers to get a pick 6.

 

[volfan4evr]

Think Gardner is the reason for the D success this year.

 

[VFL92]

Think Gardner is the reason for the D success this year.

They have certainly come a long way since last year, particularly in the run game. The interior DL doesn't get near the credit they deserve.

 

[Volbrando]

Previous weeks - "OMG FIRE BANKS AND THE WHOLE DEFENSIVE STAFF"

Now - "WOW"

i know we still can't defend a pass well but still... but improvement i think

 

[ClockworkOrange]

It's huge to make other teams that one dimensional.

 

[VFL92]

Previous weeks - "OMG FIRE BANKS AND THE WHOLE DEFENSIVE STAFF"

Now - "WOW"

i know we still can't defend a pass well but still... but improvement i think

I haven't seen any threads on here calling for Banks to be fired. I think he's done a commendable job, especially considering two things.
1. The lack of talent and depth he inherited.
2. The demands put on him when you have an offense that consistently has sub-2 minute drives. You're NEVER going to have an elite defense when your offense gives them so little rest.
They've continued to show improvement. He and his staff have my support.

 

[KeyVol14]

I’ve been trying to pass this along to everyone when they try to criticize the defense. Sure the pass D can be shored up but our success will come down to seeing if we can sustain stopping the run.

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

It all starts up front. That's been true for years.

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

I haven't seen any threads on here calling for Banks to be fired. I think he's done a commendable job, especially considering two things.
1. The lack of talent and depth he inherited.
2. The demands put on him when you have an offense that consistently has sub-2 minute drives. You're NEVER going to have an elite defense when your offense gives them so little rest.
They've continued to show improvement. He and his staff have my support.

We are going to have an elite defense once we recruit one. Which will take about three consecutive top level classes.

People are/were ready to fire Banks & Martinez after the Florida game. I don't recall a particular thread, but I certainly remember many, many posts about firing both.

 

[VFL92]

I’ve been trying to pass this along to everyone when they try to criticize the defense. Sure the pass D can be shored up but our success will come down to seeing if we can sustain stopping the run.

Exactly. Offense and defense have to complement each other.

With an offense like ours, your success is often determined by your defense's ability to stop the run, because that's exactly what opponents will try to do to slow down your offense. Opponents want to keep our offense off the field as much as possible, and you do that with an effective rushing game.

The opposite is true if you're an old-school, run-first, time-of-possession offense. If you run that kind of offense, your defense has got to stop the pass, because you can't afford to get into a shootout and other teams will try to get you into that. You beat an old school offense by scoring a lot and in a hurry, forcing them to try and keep up.