Tennessee’s football team faces a tough blow as head coach Josh Heupel confirmed that one of the Volunteers’ top offensive tackles is out for the remainder of the season due to injury. This news comes at a crucial point in the season, putting the Vols’ offensive line depth to the test.
Updates on Tennessee’s Offensive Line Injuries
The Volunteers have powered their way to an impressive 4-0 start, entering their bye week as one of the hottest teams in the nation. However, their recent 25-15 win over Oklahoma raised concerns when right tackle John Campbell left the game due to an injury. Tennessee was already missing left tackle Lance Heard, and Campbell’s absence further strained the offensive line, resulting in added pressure on quarterback Nico Iamaleava and issues with the run game.
Fortunately for Tennessee, Campbell was able to return later in the game, and with a bye week ahead, the Vols are hopeful he will be fully healthy for their next game against Arkansas. Heard, who has also been sidelined, is expected to benefit from the extra rest as well.
“Yeah, I feel like we’ll have both of those guys when we get to Fayetteville,” Heupel stated during the SEC teleconference on Wednesday, offering a hopeful outlook.
Adjustments and Concerns
In the absence of Campbell and Heard, Dayne Davis and Larry Johnson stepped in, forcing offensive line coach Glen Elarbee to reshuffle the starting five. Davis struggled at times, allowing two key pressures that led to quarterback Iamaleava fumbling twice. Despite these challenges, Tennessee managed to secure a comfortable lead, thanks in part to Oklahoma’s own mistakes.
The Volunteers are set to face Arkansas next, whose defense ranks 57th in the country and has recorded seven sacks this season. For comparison, Oklahoma has 14 sacks, largely due to the aggressive style of head coach Brent Venables.
Getting Lance Heard back will be particularly important for the run game. Heard, a 6’6″, 340-pound powerhouse, has already demonstrated his prowess as a run blocker, and his return to the lineup would provide a significant boost as Tennessee heads into a potentially tricky matchup against Arkansas.
Looking Ahead
The Volunteers will travel to Fayetteville next weekend, with the game against Arkansas set to kick off at either 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. ET on either ABC or ESPN. Tennessee will hope to have a fully healthy offensive line as they continue their undefeated run, but the absence of key players will present a challenge for the team moving forward.
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