Texas faces one of its toughest defensive tests yet Saturday, with Faizon Brandon, DeSean Bishop and Tennessee’s explosive skill group waiting in Knoxville.
Texas’ defense will get its most dangerous offensive test of the young season Saturday when the No. 1 Longhorns walk into Neyland Stadium to face No. 14 Tennessee.
The Volunteers are 3-0 and have scored at least 42 points in every game, with a balanced offense built around a freshman quarterback, a veteran running back and multiple receivers capable of creating explosive plays.
The first name Texas must account for is Faizon Brandon.
The true freshman has thrown for 552 yards through three games and already looks comfortable running Josh Heupel’s offense.
Brandon threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more in Tennessee’s opener against Furman, then added another rushing score last week against Kennesaw State.
His ability to extend plays makes containing the pocket critical for Texas.
Behind him is DeSean Bishop, Tennessee’s proven workhorse. Bishop leads the Vols with 286 rushing yards after topping 1,000 yards last season.
He earned preseason All-SEC recognition and remains the physical centerpiece of Tennessee’s ground attack.
But Bishop isn’t alone.
Sophomore Daune Morris has emerged as another major problem. Morris rushed for 116 yards on 14 carries against Kennesaw State, including a 42-yard touchdown, giving Tennessee another back capable of turning one missed fit into six points.
Texas also can’t lose track of Mike Matthews.
The junior leads Tennessee with 189 receiving yards and opened the season with a career-high 132 yards and two touchdowns against Furman. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, Matthews gives Brandon a proven downfield target.
Then there’s Braylon Staley, who caught a touchdown against Kennesaw State and teamed with Matthews for 1,650 receiving yards last season.
That’s what makes Tennessee difficult to defend.
Texas can’t sell out to stop Bishop because Brandon can run. It can’t overreact to Brandon because Morris can punish light boxes. And if the Longhorns commit too many bodies inside, Matthews and Staley can attack the secondary.
Saturday’s matchup will tell Texas plenty about just how complete its defense really is.
