Vol Report: Third Saturday of October Approaching

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee head football coach Butch Jones spoke to reporters at Wednesday's press conference in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio. The Vols will hold their third practice of the week on Wednesday as they continue prep for their annual rivalry game against No. 1 Alabama.

The Volunteers head to Tuscaloosa on Saturday to face the top-ranked Crimson Tide at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The historic "Third Saturday of October" matchup marks the 100^th meeting between the two programs, dating back to 1901.

During today's presser, Jones spoke about the talent the Crimson Tide's offense has in sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts and junior running back Damien Harris.

"I think with Jalen, he can beat you in every aspect," Jones said. "He is very comfortable in the pocket. He does a good job with RPOs and pushing the ball down the field. He can make big splash plays down the field when the pocket collapses.

"Damien Harris continues to get better. I think he is averaging over nine yards per rushing attempt."

Jones also discussed the positives and leadership he's seen in Tennessee's redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Guarantano after his first-career start against South Carolina last week.

"He was able to get us a couple third downs with his legs," Jones said. "His energy, and the way he approached his leadership, it was the quarterback characteristics that we talk about all the time, the intangibles. Those are things to build upon. I thought the command of the throw game early (was strong)."

Offensive Line Continues Work on Small Details

Overall discipline has been stressed as a key component of the Vols' success as the coaching staff has demanded nothing less in practices this week.

"It's those small things that we talk about that lead to playing winning football or losing football games," Jones said. "It's being locked in and being focused, and you have to continue to demand it in everything that you do in practice."

Jones expressed that discipline, the ability to execute and the ability to focus and communicate effectively will allow Tennessee's offensive line to avoid pre-snap penalties.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Offensive Line Continues Work on Small Details

Players Mentioned

Jarrett Guarantano

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