Tennessee Vols struggle on third-and-long...among the worst in the Nation

Third-and-long is a tough for an offense. Few offenses know that better than Tennessee's.

The Vols have converted only 7 of 30 third-down attempts in two games, including only 2 in 15 tries in a 48-13 loss to No. 5 Oregon. Only 13 FBS teams have a worse third-down conversion rate. With No. 10 Florida (2-0) coming to town on Saturday, things could get worse before they get better. "Whenever you have third-and-long, it's tough," Vols quarterback Matt Simms said. "The defenses can really hone in on what you're doing offensively because you are at a disadvantage." Tennessee is a run-first offense, and with an average 257 yards per game, the Vols' running game ranks second in the Southeastern Conference behind Auburn. The Florida defense has already made it clear that it plans on shutting down the run. That means Tennessee (1-1) may find itself in frequent third-and-long situations and passing more against a defense that leads the nation with eight interceptions and has returned two for touchdowns.

"We're struggling a little bit on third down because we're struggling a little bit throwing the ball in the drop-back game," coach Derek Dooley said. "There's a lot of reasons for that. It's not just the quarterback, you know. It takes good protection. It takes a good snap. It takes good, fast routes, recognizing the coverage, delivering the football and then catching it. We've got to get better at that."