Coach Butch Jones never blamed the defensive line while Tennessee suffered through a six-week drought.
So when it suddenly rained sacks Saturday night, the first-year Volunteers coach was eager to share the credit.
“They’re called opportunity sacks,” Jones said. “It was a great team effort.”
Senior defensive end Corey Miller was credited with 4.5 sacks — four solo efforts and one shared with Jacques Smith — in Tennessee’s 27-14 victory over Kentucky on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.
The five team sacks were the first by the Vols since Oct. 19 in their upset victory over South Carolina. In the four losses since then, Tennessee hasn’t had any.
Miller’s performance surpassed a Tennessee single-game record set by Reggie White in 1983 when he registered four sacks against The Citadel.
It was a fitting final game for Miller, who was a top recruit out of South Carolina four years ago. He had five career sacks in 48 games entering Saturday’s game.
“I’m speechless,” Miller said after the game.
But Miller said the distinction also was bittersweet.
“It’s all right, but I would have rather gone to a bowl game,” Miller said.
Miller is moving on, but another Corey is coming up behind him as a pass-rush option.
Freshman weakside end Corey Vereen told Miller, “I’m coming for the record next.”
Jones took a few moments to visit with each of the seniors on the field as the team celebrated with the visiting Tennessee fans.
“I’m very proud of Corey Miller. He was relentless. He did a great job tonight,” Jones said.
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