Defensive grades
Defensive line: B+
For the first time all year, the defensive line didn’t play with its hair on fire, which is why Kentucky was able to move the ball relatively well with both quarterbacks. However, they made plays when needed. James Pearce Jr. had another key sack, and Omari Thomas had one too. Joshua Josephs had the play of the game with a strip sack to set up a score, so UT did what it needed to do.
Linebackers: D
A major reason Kentucky rushed for 174 yards, averaging over five yards a carry if you eliminate the sacks, was Jeremiah Telander and Arion Carter being out of position way too often in this game. Tennessee Football linebackers did a horrible job of containing the Wildcats’ rushing attack. Telander recovering a fumble helps, but overall, this unit played poorly.
Secondary: A-
Rickey Gibson III had a bad pass interference and got beat on separate plays. Will Brooks, Andre Turrentine and Boo Carter were also out of position at times, which is why they ran it well. However, they shut down the passing attack and made the plays necessary to win, as Andre Turrentine and Will Brooks each had picks, Brooks setting up a touchdown with his.
NEXT: Special teams
