By Ashley Stadnicki
The Vols and Yellow Jackets meet for the first time since their wild 42-41 double-overtime thriller in the 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. And Tennessee knows it’ll take more than just talent in order to survive another battle with Georgia Tech.
Co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Anthony Poindexter said the biggest conclusion from Tennessee’s opener was that the young Vols understood the defense and were able to execute it. This weekend will be a different test, especially with Georgia Tech’s quarterback.
“He’s got a strong arm, really good accuracy,” Poindexter said. “They’re gonna make you think before the ball snaps.”
With another loud road environment expected, communication will be key. Poindexter said the Vols had to rely heavily on hand signals during the opener and make sure they were looking each other in the eyes.
On the other side, wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope has been keeping a close eye on his room, especially Mike Matthews.
Matthews’ biggest focus this offseason? Eliminating drops.
Pope said it’s more about focus than hand-eye coordination, so the staff got creative, even buying eyepatches for the receivers and challenging them to catch balls with that obstacle. The work appears to be paying off.
Pope said Matthews is a “completely different person” from what other coaches and academic tutors saw before, calling his growth a powerful example for the rest of the receiver room.
Competition is helping push everyone, too, with Pope saying the receivers are currently battling for the No. 3 spot behind the top guys.
And there’s a family storyline mixed in. Pope’s twin brother, Kyle, is on the Georgia Tech staff.
“It’ll be fun,” Pope said. “My family will probably enjoy it more than me.”
At running back, DeSean Bishop is picking up right where he left off. After rushing 14 times for 97 yards and a touchdown against Furman, and crossing the 20-career rushing touchdown mark, Bishop said the Vols simply had to settle in after a slow start on the ground.
And he knows the little things could decide the game on Saturday.
“My block could be the decider of the game,” Bishop said.
Bishop also emphasized trusting the coaches when adjustments are needed, saying they usually see things before the players do.
For Trent Thomas, Saturday will mark another first: his first road game as a Tennessee player against a Power Four opponent.
Thomas started at tight end in his UT debut and caught two passes for 13 yards.
“Nothing can compare to running out of that T for the first time,” Thomas said.
His confidence has grown, allowing him to play instead of overthinking due to his preparation.
“I just like to go out there and not think about what I’m doing,” he said.
Physicality will be especially important against Georgia Tech, as Thomas described the tight end room as a “relentless group” ready to play physically, while also acknowledging the group can still improve by getting lower with their pads and becoming more comfortable running routes.
Then there’s Kayin Lee, a Georgia native from Ellenwood, just outside Atlanta, who is heading back home for the matchup.
His biggest lesson from the opener? Trust.
“I can trust the guys around me and trust their plays,” Lee said.
Against Georgia Tech, his mission is simple: limit the explosives.
The Yellow Jackets have speed on the outside, but Lee believes Tennessee can match it.
“We have that speed on the outside also,” the defensive back said.
And as for what Vol fans can expect from Lee this weekend?
“A fast flying cat just having fun,” he said with a smile.
Sounds like somebody’s ready for Atlanta.