The streak is over. 19 previous times the Vols lined up against a ranked team and lost. The last win vs a ranked team came two head coaches ago on an October night in 2009 against South Carolina. This victory is special for many reasons, from Butch Jones' first signature win to snapping the losing streak against ranked teams. The Vols have a rough stretch of games ahead, facing Alabama and Missouri on the road before returning to Neyland Stadium to face the Auburn Tigers. The Vols currently sit at 4-3 overall, and are in much better position to go to a bowl game than before the victory against South Carolina. Below are the rankings for various position groups from yesterday's win.
Quarterbacks: B
Worley will not blow anyone away with his passing stats (although he had better stats than Shaw), but he committed no turnovers and had a crucial run for a first down in the 4th quarter. Worley's demeanor seems to have changed over the past several weeks, and there is no doubt he is playing with more confidence every week. There were several throws that were close to being intercepted, and the drop by Cody Blanc was under thrown. Pig Howard and Marquez North are developing more every week and are becoming Worley's favorite targets.
Running Backs: B+
Raijon Neal is quietly having a great senior season for the Vols and Marlin Lane helped ice the game late in the fourth quarter. There were no fumbles, although Neal's "forward pass" is one of the most perplexing plays this year. The Vols offense is reliant on the running game, and the running backs have answered the call this year. Neal had arguably his best game as a Vol vs Georgia, and he continued the positive momentum this week. Jadaveon Clowney was about to wreak havoc in the backfield in the game, but overall the running backs had a great game with a lot to build on in the future.
Offensive Line: B+
The Vols most experienced unit started the game a little shaky, but in the 2nd half they were able to pound away at the Gamecocks defense. At several points throughout the game, the conditioning difference between the teams was noticeable. The Vols were great in pass protection, and after a few plays made by Clowney were able to realign and run block effectively. The matchup between Tiny Richardson and Clowney was not as favorable as last year for Richardson, but several times when Clowney was in the backfield, Richardson's assignment was not on Clowney for the play.
Wide Receivers: A-
If Cody Blanc does not drop the bomb in the first half the wide receivers would receive an A. Marquez North had two great catches in the game, and the catch on the final drive is bound to go down in Tennessee football lore. It is exciting to see the young wide receivers make plays, and Vol fans have to be confident they will continue to improve throughout the year. Pig Howard still needs to get more touches during the game, as he has shown he is more than just a quick wide receiver and can put his head down to get the first down.
Defensive Line: A-
It is hard to pick a most improved unit on the defense because it was historically bad last season, but it is hard to argue with the defensive line. Daniel Hood, Corey Miller, and Marlon Walls are all having their best seasons ever as Vols. Hood was continually in the backfield all game, and the ends did a great job of containing the offense. Mike Davis was able to break off several long runs, but the defensive line overall had a great game.
Linebackers: B
Connor Shaw was able to rip off one long run and several resulting in a first down, but overall the linebackers did a great job of containing Shaw. Brent Brewer was used as a spy on many plays, which was effective against Shaw. A.J. Johnson had another good game, but again it was Sapp that had the best game of the linebackers. Overall, the linebackers lack lateral quickness, but even in a mismatch against a running quarterback they were able to turn in a solid performance for the win.
Secondary: B+
Cam Sutton is a stud and the best freshman corner in the SEC. Coleman is a liability in man to man, but other than the TD pass he gave up to Byrd, he turned in a solid performance. Sutton was able to hand Shaw his first interception of the year, and locked down his side of the field. The safeties had some bad angles on a couple key long plays for the Gamecocks, but did a good job in run support overall. Next year the secondary will continue to improve and the freshmen coming in for the 2014 class will improve the overall talent in this group.
Special Teams: A-
Is there a better feel good story this year than Michael Palardy? I really want to give the special teams an A overall, but Palardy did miss a 41 yard field goal, but he was able to flip the field several times with stellar punting. Palardy may not be an NFL kicker, but I would guess he will have his spot as an NF punter. The special teams coverage was great, and it was nice to see Alden Hill lay the wood on a return. Special teams has turned into a strength of the team this year, and it was great to see Palardy nail the game winner.
