The Vols (3-6, 0-5 Southeastern Conference) already were thin in the secondary at the start of the season after Dooley dismissed would-be starting safety Darren Myles Jr. following his second arrest. During spring practice, cornerback Naz Oliver tore a knee ligament. The team's woes were compounded when starting Marsalis Teague suffered a turf toe injury during their Oct. 23 loss to Alabama and Dooley indefinitely suspended cornerback Art Evans for a violation of team rules. Sophomore Prentiss Waggner has moved from safety to cornerback to fill their spot, leaving freshman Brent Brewer as the only strong safety listed on Tennessee's depth chart. "It really prevents you from pressuring more than you'd like," Dooley said. "Where it really worries you is if you're going to dial up some blitzes." The Vols need blitzes if they want to stop Ole Miss (4-5, 1-4). The Rebels rank 13th in the FBS in rushing with an average 221.6 yards on the ground per game, thanks to tailback Brandon Bolden and quarterback Masoli's ability to make clutch runs.
Masoli, who suffered a concussion Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette and hasn't yet been cleared to play against Tennessee, also has a habit of throwing on the run.
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