Sports Editor Troy-Provost-Heron and Assistant Sports Editor Dargan Southard covered UT’s game against Utah State on Sunday. They assessed grades for each position based on the group’s performance in the Vols’ 38-7 win over the Aggies.

Quarterbacks: A-

Call me a tough evaluator, but this is a just grade. Justin Worley was masterful as UT’s opening day quarterback for the majority of Sunday night, completing 27 of his 38 passes for 273 yards, while throwing for three touchdowns and not committing a single turnover. A lull in the second quarter in which the senior went 4-of-12, though, is the reason why he falls short of an ‘A+.’ – Troy Provost-Heron

Running Backs: C

Whether it was Marlin Lane frivolously trying to find open space or Jalen Hurd repeatedly failing to reach the second level of defenders, Tennessee’s ground game was less than spectacular Sunday night. Both Lane and Hurd did reach the end zone, but the duo combined for just 70 yards on 22 touches — an unimpressive 3.18 yard per carry average. – Dargan Southard

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A-

The wide out and tight end positions showed that they have drastically improved since last year, as the Vols passing attack looked much more dangerous, especially the combination of Von Pearson and Alton “Pig” Howard. However, the pass catching unit did have their fair share of drops and it was odd to not see Marquez North be an integral part of the offense. – TPH

Offensive line: C

Given the inordinate amount of inexperience up front, it’s hard to fully judge the line’s effectiveness after just one game. But in addition to the ineffective running game, the O-line unit racked up four false start penalties — two of which came from right tackle Kyler Kerbyson on back-to-back plays — and Worley was flattened twice in the pocket. – DS

Defensive Line: A+

For a defensive line that was making its first start as a cohesive group, they played a marvelous game. Not only did they record four tackles for a loss and a sack, they also contained Chuckie Keeton in the pocket, causing Utah State’s offense to be a lot less explosive than it usually is. – TPH

Linebackers: A+

Take your pick. In his first career start, Jalen Reeves-Maybin led the Vols with 10 tackles. Newcomers Chris Weatherd and Dillon Bates were anything but defensive liabilities, and ball-hawking senior A.J. Johnson emphatically left his mark on Utah State with nine tackles, a forced fumble and his first-career interception. – DS

Secondary: B+

Cameron Sutton’s first-half interception was a microcosm of Keeton’s frustrating night as the UT secondary held the Aggies’ signal caller in check for the better part of four quarters. Justin Coleman did get burned for a late touchdown, but aside from the game where he got hurt last year, Keeton’s 144 passing yards Sunday night were his lowest since Nov. 24, 2012, vs. Idaho. – DS

Special Teams: B-

Johnson’s forced fumble on the Vols first kickoff of the night saved an otherwise mediocre special teams performance. Aaron Medley butchered his first field goal attempt of the day – albeit he did come back to strike one right down the middle later in the game – and Devrin Young looked atrocious returning kickoffs, failing to get past the 20 yard line on either of his two returns. Credit to Sutton though for being the best fair catcher I’ve ever seen. – TPH

Week 1 GPA: The Vols keep their Hope Scholarship this week with a cumulative GPA of 3.21 for their performance against Utah State.