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Published Date
By BETH RUCKER
AP Sports Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Third-and-long is a tough for an
offense. Few offenses know that better than Tennessee's.
The Volunteers have converted a woeful seven of 30 third-down
attempts in two games, including only two 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.
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 third-and-long situations and passing more.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-09-15-10 1809EDT
