The Music City Bowl features two quarterbacks on the upswing that can create nightmare match-ups for opposing defenses. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray took the starting job from Matt Simms with four weeks to go in the regular season, finishing strong and improving every game. On the other side of the ball, T.J. Yates is one of the best in the nation and can carve a defense up at a moments notice.
Music City Bowl, Tennessee Vs. North Carolina: T.J. Yates, Tyler Bray Lead Aerial Assault
Over at SB Nation’s Tennessee blog, Rocky Top Talk, Joel was effusive in his praise of Yates. Stopping Yates will be a priority for the Vols in the Music City Bowl.
Offense. QB T.J. Yates is what we call the Real Deal, 19th in the nation in passing and 29th in total offense. His favorite target appears to be Dwight Jones, who averages nearly 75 yards per game and ranks 39th in the nation. RB Johnny White is fine, adding 80 rushing yards to the mix and ranking in the top half of the country, but it’s Yates who makes this thing go.
At SB Nation’s North Carolina blog, Carolina March, the improvement of Tyler Bray, and the Tennessee passing game, is cause for concern, as well. One positive for the Tarheels, however, is the Tennessee offensive line’s inability to protect the quarterback.
The Volunteers are more dangerous through the air, which is worrisome. They were fourth in the SEC in passing offense and have seven different players with touchdown receptions. UNC’s been weak against the long pass, especially when the opposing quarterback has time to throw, as Virginia Tech ably demonstrated. The good news is Tennessee’s offensive line won’t buy quarterback Tyler Bray much time; they’re the most sacked team in their conference.
Bray and Yates take the field in the Music City Bowl on Thursday at 6:40 p.m. EST.
Stay tuned to this StoryStream right up through game time, as we review key unit matchups, odds, bowl history and more, and connect with North Carolina fans at SB Nation’s Carolina March and Tennessee fans at Rocky Top Talk. For a complete list of bowl games, browse our 2010 college football postseason schedule.
See More:
