It’s safe to say that nobody ever saw this style of play getting Tennessee Football to 4-0 under Josh Heupel, but the Vols’ dominant defense continues to be the story over their $8 million quarterback. That’s not a knock on other units, though. How did they all perform at the Oklahoma Sooners? Here is our report card for each UT position group in their first ranked road win since 2006.
Quarterbacks: A-
Despite only completing 13 of 21 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown, Nico Iamaleava threw no interceptions, his touchdown pass was beautiful, and he managed the offense. Issues up front and the flow of the game limited his chances to light it up, but he managed everything extremely well. Neither fumble was his fault.
Running backs: A-
Going up against a dominant rush defense with a banged up offensive line was going to be difficult for Tennessee Football, but Dylan Sampson and DeSean Bishop fought hard for their yards. They had 40 carries for a combined 157 yards. Sampson had 24 carries for 92 yards and a score. It was a workhorse job, and against this defense, that’s more impressive than you think.
Wide receivers: A
When the Vols needed plays in the passing game, they got them. Dont’e Thornton had the touchdown grab from Iamaleava, and Bru McCoy had two amazing catches as part of his four receptions for 92 yards, one a diving grab and the other where he shed tackles after the gain. This remains a huge advantage for them that just hasn’t shown up fully yet.
Tight ends: C
Holden Staes had two catches for eight yards, but the tight ends were by and large quiet on the night. Meanwhile, they deserve some of the blame for the issues in pass protection, and the lack of success in the screen game for the Vols also has to fall on them. They weren’t awful, but they certainly belong in the mediocre range.
Offensive line: D+
Yes, it was against a solid defensive line, but the Vols’ running backs had to work for all their yards. Then there was the atrocious pass protection that led to two strip-sacks. Lance Heard not playing and John Campbell Jr. getting hurt in the game makes this understandable, but it shows the lack of depth Tennessee Football has up front right now.
Defensive line: A+
Typical of all season, the Vols were unstoppable on the defensive line. Combining tackles and edge rushers, the unit had seven of the team’s 11 tackles for a loss and all three of their sacks. Add in the two forced fumbles by Joshua Josephs and the safety by Jayson Jenkins, and this was a superb performance. The Vols held OU to 36 yards on the ground on 34 carries.
Linebackers: A
Arion Carter had a tackle for a loss, a pass deflection and six tackles, three of which were solo. Keenan Pili had a tackle for a loss and five overall tackles, four of which were solo. These two were all over the field all night and kept Jackson Arnold from being able to use his mobility, which is why he was pulled. They allowed OU to move the ball late and missed assignments early, but they were still elite.
Defensive backs: A-
If not for Michael Hawkins Jr. coming in and catching them a bit off-guard in the fourth quarter, this unit would get an A+. Although the defensive line made it easy for Tennessee Football in the secondary, Jermod McCoy still had an impressive interception and pass breakup. Jakobe Thomas had an epic hit as well, and Christian Harrison, Andre Turrentine and Christian Charles all had big plays.
Punting: A-
Jackson Arnold would have gotten an A+ if one punt didn’t go for a touchback. However, he still averaged 48.4 yards per punt on eight punts and pinned two inside the 20. One went 57 yards, and the other set up a crucial safety for the Vols. Arnold continues the tradition of Punter U on Rocky Top, and Heupel is proving he can still use an elite punter.
Place kicking: A+
Max Gilbert made all three of his field goals, one from 41 yards out, and both of his extra points. In a game like this, those makes were crucial, and his talent allowed Heupel to sit on a lead. Josh Turbyville, meanwhile, caused a touchback on every kickoff, so every part of this game was perfect, which warrants an A+.
Return game: D-
Squirrel White averaged six yards a punt return on to returns, and he ran back to catch a punt on after a safety that he should have let sail. Mistakes like that could prove costly in a close game, so for the first time all year, we have to knock the Vols in the return game, as White made extremely poor decisions throughout the night.
Coaching: A+
In spite of his instincts, his style of play and his weapons, Heupel chose to sit on the lead and make sure Tennessee Football stayed in control in the second half. It wasn’t pretty, but he understood the flow of the game, and while many are criticizing that, the conservative play-calling given the injuries is exactly what the Vols needed.
