The Tennessee Volunteers’ Drawbacks During the 2024 Season

As the 2024 college football season progresses, the Tennessee Volunteers have been under the microscope. Known for their explosive offensive scheme, high-flying quarterback play, and consistent competitiveness in the SEC, Tennessee had high hopes coming into the year. However, despite moments of brilliance, the Volunteers have also faced significant challenges throughout the season that have prevented them from truly contending for a playoff spot and competing for an SEC championship.

While head coach Josh Heupel’s high-tempo offense continues to generate excitement and put points on the board, several drawbacks have emerged, keeping the Volunteers from reaching their full potential. Whether it’s inconsistent quarterback play, defensive lapses, injuries, or issues with depth, Tennessee has encountered a series of obstacles that have hindered their progression toward the top of the SEC. These setbacks have raised questions about the program’s long-term trajectory and whether Tennessee can bounce back in the near future.

Inconsistent Quarterback Play

One of the most glaring drawbacks for Tennessee in 2024 has been the inconsistency at the quarterback position. The Vols entered the season with high expectations for their quarterback play, particularly after the impressive performances of former starter Hendon Hooker in 2022. The Volunteers hoped to build on their offensive success, but the production from the quarterback spot has been erratic at times.

Sophomore Joe Milton III, who took over for Hooker in 2023, entered the 2024 season with the pressure of proving himself as a capable starting quarterback. Milton has the physical tools — a powerful arm, size, and mobility — but his accuracy and decision-making have been inconsistent, which has hurt the offense. While he has had moments of brilliance, including some deep throws and impressive scrambling, there have been too many instances where his lack of precision has stalled the offense. His inability to consistently make quick reads and execute the timing-based plays in Heupel’s fast-paced system has resulted in some disappointing losses for Tennessee.

Milton’s struggles to establish rhythm with his wide receivers and get the ball to the right spots have been particularly evident in close games. This inconsistency at quarterback has led to several missed opportunities for the Volunteers to put games away, particularly against tougher SEC opponents. While Tennessee’s offense remains potent when clicking, the lack of a reliable and consistent signal-caller has kept them from taking that next step.

Defensive Inconsistency

Another major drawback for Tennessee has been its defense, which has been unable to consistently complement the high-powered offense. Although the Volunteers have made strides under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, there are still significant issues on that side of the ball, especially against high-level competition in the SEC. Tennessee’s defense has shown flashes of dominance but has struggled with consistency, particularly against the run and when facing up-tempo offenses.

One of the major concerns for the Volunteers has been their inability to get off the field on third downs. In several games this season, Tennessee has allowed opposing offenses to sustain long drives, putting significant pressure on their own offense to keep up. This is especially troubling because, in Heupel’s offensive system, the defense is expected to get key stops to allow the high-powered offense to thrive and score points. When the defense falters and opponents control the clock, Tennessee’s offense is forced to play catch-up, which disrupts the entire game plan.

The pass rush, or lack thereof, has also been a major issue for the Vols. Despite having talented individuals along the defensive front, Tennessee has failed to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In critical games, particularly against pass-heavy offenses, the Vols have allowed quarterbacks too much time in the pocket, leading to big plays and touchdowns. This has been compounded by Tennessee’s secondary, which has struggled with coverage at times, giving up big plays down the field.

Additionally, Tennessee’s defense has struggled to stop the run in key moments. Against powerful, ground-and-pound SEC teams, the Volunteers have had difficulty stopping ball carriers from gaining significant yardage, allowing offenses to control tempo and frustrate Tennessee’s defense. While the defensive line has talent, a lack of consistent execution in run defense has proven costly in close matchups.

Depth Issues and Injuries

Depth has been another drawback for Tennessee in 2024. While the Volunteers have a number of talented starters, their depth — particularly in key areas like the offensive line and defensive backfield — has been tested throughout the season. Injuries have plagued the Volunteers at critical positions, and when depth players are called upon to step up, they have struggled to make an impact.

Tennessee’s offensive line has been a source of concern this season, as the unit has struggled to protect Joe Milton III consistently. While there are talented individuals along the offensive line, injuries to some key players have prevented the unit from maintaining continuity. When the offensive line struggles to protect Milton or establish a consistent running game, the offense’s tempo slows down, and Tennessee becomes one-dimensional. This was particularly evident in losses against teams that have superior defensive lines, as the Volunteers’ offensive line couldn’t provide the necessary protection for Milton to succeed.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tennessee has also seen injuries to key players, particularly in the secondary. These injuries have exposed the lack of depth in the defensive backfield, where young players have been forced into action. While some of these players have shown promise, they have not yet developed the experience or instincts necessary to compete against high-level SEC offenses. As a result, Tennessee’s secondary has been vulnerable to big plays, which has hurt the defense as a whole.

Special Teams Struggles

Tennessee’s special teams play has also been a drawback throughout the 2024 season. Special teams can often be an overlooked aspect of a team’s overall performance, but it has played a significant role in several of Tennessee’s losses. Kicking game inconsistencies, in particular, have been a major problem for the Volunteers. Both the placekicking and punting units have failed to consistently execute under pressure, leading to missed opportunities and giving opponents good field position.

In close games, a lack of reliable special teams play has hurt Tennessee’s chances of securing victories. Field goals and extra points, which are crucial in tight matchups, have been unreliable at times, while poor punts have given opponents favorable field positions. These issues have compounded the Volunteers’ struggles and made it more difficult for them to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.

Penalties and Mental Mistakes

Tennessee has also been plagued by mental mistakes and penalties in critical moments, which has cost them in several games. In high-stakes SEC matchups, mistakes like false starts, holding penalties, and personal fouls can make the difference between victory and defeat. The Volunteers have had their fair share of these errors, often at the worst possible times — negating big plays or stalling offensive drives. This has been a consistent issue for Tennessee in 2024 and has been one of the reasons they have struggled to close out games.

While Heupel’s team is known for being disciplined on the offensive side of the ball, their defensive unit and special teams have not been as sharp. Mental mistakes such as missed assignments, poor tackling, and undisciplined penalties have often extended drives for opponents and hurt Tennessee’s overall chances of success. These mental lapses are particularly damaging in tight games against elite competition, where every play matters and can swing momentum.