Sports columnist David Cobb covered UT’s game against Oklahoma on Saturday. He assessed grades for each position based on the group’s performance in the Vols’ 34-10 loss to the Sooners.
Quarterbacks: B
Considering that he was perpetually under pressure from Oklahoma, UT’s senior signal caller Justin Worley played a fine game aside from a couple of red zone interceptions. Even those could probably be blamed on the offensive line, though.
Running Backs: B-
Jalen Hurd had a play of 29 yards or longer in the second, third and fourth quarters. His 30-yard scamper on a third-down screen pass in the second quarter inspired UT’s only touchdown drive. Marlin Lane showed little ability to break big plays, and Hurd – in spite of his big gains – struggled with consistency behind a shaky offensive line.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B-
With explosive receiver Von Pearson and capable tight end Ethan Wolf out of the lineup with injuries, Worley’s pool of targets shrank on Saturday. Josh Smith showed his continued improvement by reeling in UT’s only touchdown of the game – a 40 yarder in the second quarter. But tight end Daniel Helm was a non-factor in the passing game and only six players caught passes, two of them being running backs.
Offensive Line: F
The final stats say this group allowed just five sacks but it seemed like the UT offensive line allowed 15 — an atrocious performance for a young group that needs to get better immediately with the SEC schedule looming. The five who started Saturday are the five who will continue to play, UT coach Butch Jones said without hesitation after the game.
Defensive Line: B+
UT’s defensive line held its own against a large, veteran OU offensive line. On several occasions, the Vols generated enough pass rush to disrupt Oklahoma quarterback Trevor Knight’s rhythm in the pocket. The future looks bright for this group.
Linebackers: B-
A formidable effort from this crew against a legitimate opponent that, if nothing else, proved that this unit is better than it was last year. A.J. Johnson and Jalen Reeves-Maybin combined for 20 tackles.
Secondary: C+
Tennessee’s secondary played decently, but entering the game it was the one area in which the Vols looked like they might have an advantage. Instead, OU’s Trevor Knight threw for more than 300 yards and just one interception. Todd Kelly Jr. earned his second straight start at safety, but LaDarrell McNeil soon entered and played much of the game.
Special Teams: C+
Devrin Young looked shaky returning kicks, and for the third straight game UT’s punt return team may have been better served to stay on the sideline. Freshman kicker Aaron Medley made his first and only field goal attempt, a good sign for the Vols, who have struggled with special teams consistency early on.
Week 3 GPA: The Vols earn a football GPA of 2.38 for their performance in a 34-10 loss to Oklahoma.
Cumulative GPA: Through three games, UT holds a cumulative GPA of 2.92, falling below the requirement needed for their HOPE scholarship for the first time this season.
