It may be boring, but it’s working.

Tennessee beat Texas A&M 22-7 on Saturday to continue their march to the College Football Playoff. ESPN’s playoff predictor currently has the Vols at a 69-percent chance of make the postseason.

Here are the grades from College Station, Texas:

Quarterbacks B+

Starting quarterback George MacIntyre was sharp from the beginning, completing 10-of-10 passes for 94 yards to start the game. MacIntyre, who excels on slants and over-the-middle throws, wasn’t perfect early on. He held onto the ball too long and gave up a sack in the second quarter. However, he was very efficient in doing what UT’s coaches asked him to do.

The Faizon Brandon package continued in College Station, Texas. However, it was pretty simple as the freshman handed off to running back DeSean Bishop for a first down and ran for no gain. Then, Brandon apparently took over for MacIntyre as he nursed a sore leg. 

Tennessee took advantage of Brandon’s running ability on a key option pitch that resulted in a third-down conversion. Brandon completed a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end DaSaahn Brame on the next play. One of Brandon’s most impressive plays came when he threw an incomplete pass as A&M was called for a roughing the passer call. Brandon completed his longest pass attempt for a five-yard touchdown. He ran for 36 yards on six carries.

MacIntyre completed 13 of 17 passes for 109 yards.

Running Backs A

Bishop lended even more credence to his Heisman Trophy campaign which was launched by UT last week. Bishop was constantly fighting for extra yards, gaining 97 on 34 carries. He consistently proves he’s one of the best tailbacks in the nation.

With Daune Morris sidelined after a late week car wreck. Javin Gordon showed off his shifty quickness with 78 yards on 11 carries. 

Receivers/Tight Ends B+

Mike Matthews was the key target for the Vols, catching two passes for 42 yards before suffering what looked like a significant leg injury. Tight end DaSaahn Brame caught a touchdown pass as play calling got him wide open in the end zone.

Tennessee’s receivers aren’t asked to do much. However, they continually get open on slant routes across the middle. We’ll see if opposing defenses allow that to continue.

Offensive Line B

Without guard Nic Moore, who was suffering an illness this week and didn’t participate, the Vols still dominated the game up front even though they couldn’t finish in the red zone against the Aggies. A key false start on the Vols kept them from attempting to convert a key third-and-one deep in A&M territory. That drive ended in three points instead of seven.

Tennessee opened holes in the running game early. The Vols struggled at times in pass protection in the third quarter, nearly giving up a sack on a MacIntyre incomplete pass that sailed out of bounds when he was hit as he threw. MacIntyre was also knocked out of the game.

Defensive Line A

One of the keys for the Vols was to keep A&M quarterback Marcel Reed in the pocket and not allow the mobile signal-caller to beat UT with his legs. The Vols did that. Reed didn’t gain a yard on the ground. Tennessee’s defensive line deserves credit for maintaining their rush lanes and hemming Reed in.

Defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam forced an errant throw that resulted in one of the game-clinching interceptions. The Vols gave up just 86 rushing yards. 

Linebackers A

Tennessee’s Jeremiah Telander was often used as a spy to keep Reed from beating the Vols on the ground. That worked. Reed had no rushing yards as he struggled to get comfortable against the Vols’ smothering defense.

Arion Carter registered seven tackles. Amare Campbell had five tackles. Telander had four, including one for a loss. 

Defensive Backs A

Cornerback Ty Redmond continues to play at a high level. For a defense that gets most of its credit up front, the sophomore has continued to turn in a stellar season. 

T.J. Metcalf intercepted the pass in the fourth quarter that sealed the game. Dejuan Lane added another interception on A&M’s next drive. The Vols gave up just 93 passing yards, forcing Reed from the game. He was replaced by backup Brady Hart.

Special Teams B+

Kicker Cooper Ranvier converted on five of five field goal attempts. Tennessee return man Qua Moss turned in a key 33-yard punt return that set up UT’s lone touchdown drive.

The Vols were fortunate not to give up a substantial punt return in the first quarter thanks to a penalty against Texas A&M. However, Tennessee was solid in the kicking game.

Coaching B+

Tennessee’s coaches are clearly still adhering to the running game and a stingy defense as the Vols held the ball for over 21 minutes in the first half and 42 minutes overall. 

If there’s a knock on Tennessee’s win against the Aggies, it’s that the Vols’ coaches didn’t have a better answer with Brandon in the game. Brandon still looks a bit unsure of himself. That should have been handled in practice. If it’s not, he’ll be a liability if MacIntyre has to miss significant time.

Overall A

With travel woes on Friday and late subtractions from the roster late in the week, Tennessee had every reason to overlook A&M. They didn’t. Tennessee kept their championship hopes alive with a very familiar foe headed to Knoxville this week.