The defensive line play was far from perfect, but I really felt like those guys started to play up to the potential we all thought they had when they signed, especially as the game went on. Yes, it was UMass, but seven sacks is impressive against anybody. The D-line completely took over the game in the fourth quarter. Did anybody think at any point in that final quarter that the UMass offense was a threat to move the ball? I didn't. And I think that's one reason Tennessee's play-calling was so vanilla down the stretch. That sort of strategy is playing with fire, because all it takes is one busted coverage and one big play, but that threat was minimized by the fact that UMass was without its All-American tight end and lost its QB as the game progressed.
A healthy UMass offense MAY have been enough for the Minutemen to spring an upset today. But I really think our D-line was zoned in. There weren't many people in orange who were playing with fire today, but those big guys on the line were.
I wasn't nearly as excited. coming into the game, UMass led the nation with 26 sacks allowed. second place is 15. Yes, you read that right, they are allowing almost twice as many as no. 2.
Having said that, we did at least match their average of 6/game
So it's a positive, but I wouldnt read too much into it.
