Tennessee’s win against Pittsburgh is quite remarkable if you really sit back and think about it. In fact, it was special.
The Vols beat the Panthers with a myriad of mistakes in the kicking game. One, in particular, almost cost Tennessee the game when Trevon Flowers mishandled a punt return that was recovered by Pitt. That allowed the game to be extended into overtime just as the Vols seemed to be taking control.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel – notably not as elated during Monday’s press conference as he was immediately after the game – addressed another issue that the Vols had on special teams.
The Vols had a punt blocked against the Panthers that also made things much tougher on the guys in orange. When asked about what happened on that block, in which a Panther came clean, Heupel said, “Combination of coaches and players together, being on the same page and being better in that situation.”
And that was that. Clearly, the special teams issue touched a nerve. Heupel wasn’t too jazzed to dwell on that. The Vols were woeful as a whole in the kicking game against Pitt, but there was one bright spot. Tennessee kicker Chase McGrath was perfect on his two field goal attempts and four extra points.
McGrath’s 51-yard field goal in the third quarter put the Vols up 27-20 in a game in which every point was crucial.
“Not much really goes through your head differently depending on a kick,” McGrath said. “Whether it’s a PAT or long field goal like that one in the fourth quarter. Just kind of did the same thing.”
McGrath said he’s comfortable attempting a 55-yard field goal in a game and, perhaps, longer depending on the weather conditions. If a lengthy field goal attempt presents itself, McGrath is ready if Tennessee’s coaches opt for a long strike.
“The coaches make their decisions on however they feel,” McGrath said. “They’ve seen what I can do in camp, and they got confidence in me and I’m extremely thankful I have Coach Heupel, (special teams) Coach (Mike) Ekeler.
“They are amazing coaches (and) I love playing for them. For them to put me out there for that opportunity this past game was awesome and I’m glad it worked out.”
