Sports Editor Troy Provost-Heron covered UT’s game against Alabama on Saturday. He assessed grades for each position based on the group’s performance in the Vols’ 34-20 loss to the Crimson Tide.
Quarterbacks: B
For the second consecutive year, Joshua Dobbs made his season debut against Alabama. This appearance, however, was much more impressive, as the sophomore signal caller took command of a struggling offense and made it look dynamic against one of the better defenses in the SEC. Dobbs finished the game 19-for-32 with 192 yards passing. He also added 75 yards rushing on 19 carries. Two turnovers that made a difference in the game, though, hurt an otherwise stellar performance.
Running Backs: B
For the first time since the the Georgia game, the Vols’ backfield had a productive showing on the ground. Freshman Jalen Hurd amassed 86 yards on 22 touches – leading the Vols with six catches – while Marlin Lane looked much better with a healthy ankle underneath him. The senior finished the day with 48 rushing yards, 44 of which came on his longest run of the season in the second quarter.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C+
Von Pearson and Josh Malone each registered 9-yard touchdown passes, but aside from that, the Vols’ receiving corps let down Dobbs on numerous occasions. Sophomore Marquez North dropped a sure touchdown in the end zone early in the fourth quarter, which ultimately forced the Vols to settle for a field goal. Freshman Ethan Wolf also dropped a pair of balls thrown his way early in the game. North and Alton “Pig” Howard led the way for this group, each catching four passes for a combined 105 yards.
Offensive Line: B+
The grade may be a little high, but given its past performances, the offensive line was mighty impressive on Saturday. The unit only gave up two sacks, which ties a season-low and the first time it hasn’t given 5-plus sacks since playing the Bulldogs. Overall, the offensive line opened up holes for UT’s zone-read play-calling to work, and gave Dobbs enough time to move around in – and out – of the pocket to find open receivers.
Defensive Line: C-
For only the second time this year, the Vols’ defensive line was unable to contain the opposing quarterback in the pocket. Alabama’s Blake Sims only rushed for 42 yards, but many of those were picked for crucial third down conversions. They also allowed Sims to break off a 28-yard touchdown that gave the Crimson Tide a 27-0 lead. Derek Barnett was able to add to his terrific freshman campaign, as he recorded six tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss.
Linebackers: C+
Senior A.J. Johnson led the team in tackles – again – with eight, and redshirt junior Curt Maggitt recorded his fourth sack of the season. But a number of communication issues from this group were a big reason why Alabama was able to jump out to big lead early in the ballgame. Johnson also failed to record a first down on third-and-short out of ‘The Beast’ package.
Secondary: D+
It has been this secondary that the UT defense has leaned upon this season, but on Saturday, the group let them down. Nobody had an answer for Alabama’s Amari Cooper, who had 155 yards after one quarter. Cooper was much less dynamic in the final three quarters, but, by then, he had already done enough damage. The Heisman Trophy candidate finished the day with 224 yards on nine catches, which set a new Alabama record for most receiving yards in a single game.
Special Teams: B+
Freshman kicker Aaron Medley nailed each of his two field goal attempts, pushing his season total to 12-for-15. Senior punter Matt Darr had another quality outing, averaging 41.8 yards per punt and pinning the Crimson Tide inside their own 20 on two of his five punts. Freshman Evan Berry fixed his fumble problem, but only averaged 21 yards a return. The only flaw from this unit was Cam Sutton’s muffed punt that Tennessee fortunately recovered.
Week 8 GPA: The Vols earn a football GPA of 2.54 for their performance in a 34-20 loss to Alabama.
Cumulative GPA: Through eight games, UT holds a cumulative GPA of 2.69.
