Vols vs Georgia Report Card

[VolnJC]

from Dave Hooker

Quarterback: A-minus
Josh Dobbs was a consistent threat despite subpar pass protection. Dobbs was sacked twice and forced to avoid several other Georgia pass rushers. Dobbs ran 11 times for 26 yards, often to avoid the rush, and also had a rushing touchdown. Dobbs was 16-of-26 for 230 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Of course, he’ll long be remembered for the game’s final-play “Hail Mary.”
Running backs: B
Jalen Hurd was suspiciously absent for much of the second half. He finished with 10 carries for 42 yards and three receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Alvin Kamara picked up the slack when Hurd was out, running for 62 yards on 16 carries. He also caught three passes for 26 yards and a touchdown. Hurd and Kamara both fumbled.
Receivers/tight ends: A
It seems as if the Vols have settled on their top receivers. Jauan Jennings caught three passes for 71 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Josh Smith caught two passes for 30 yards. Josh Malone caught two passes for 23 yards. Preston Williams and Tyler Byrd each had a catch, for 19 and 4 yards, respectively. It seems the days of a deep receiver rotation are over.
Offensive linemen: D
It’s about time to wonder if Tennessee’s offensive line is permanently flawed when it comes to pass protection. The Vols gave up two sacks and numerous pressures. UT also allowed five tackles for loss. This group needs to improve mightily with more stout competition on the horizon.
Defensive linemen: A-plus
DE Derek Barnett was named the SEC defensive player of the week after registering two sacks and forcing a fumble in Georgia’s end zone. It’s the second consecutive week he earned the honor. Corey Vereen also registered a sack and recovered the fumble in the end zone for a TD. Kendal Vickers also chipped in with a tackle for loss. UT’s defensive line took over when it had to.
Linebackers: A
Colton Jumper is proving to be a force at linebacker. He led the Vols with 11 tackles and forced a fumble. Cortez McDowell added six tackles and broke up a pass. Credit both players with stepping in while starters Darrin Kirkland Jr. and Jalen Reeves-Maybin have been sidelined.
Secondary: A-minus
Todd Kelly Jr. registered 10 tackles, including one for loss. Micah Abernathy had nine tackles. Rashaan Gaulden had eight takedowns and a pass breakup. Malik Foreman had the Vols’ lone interception and four tackles. The Vols were active on the back end, but a blown coverage on Georgia’s last possession nearly cost the Vols the game.
Special teams: A
Evan Berry’s fourth-quarter kickoff return of 34 yards allowed the Vols a chance at the “Hail Mary.” Before that, Riley Lovingood downed a punt and pinned Georgia deep, which resulted in a touchdown for the Vols. The Vols haven’t been as explosive on special teams as last season, but the unit certainly made an impact against Georgia.
Coaching: C
Once again, the Vols fell behind and failed to play a complete game. That has to improve if the Vols hope to beat Texas A&M and/or Alabama in the coming weeks. It certainly must improve if the Vols want to win a championship this season.
Overall: B-plus
Credit the Vols with heart. Credit them with gumption. Still, improvement is needed – and quickly.
Vols report card: Grades run the gamut after miracle win over the Dawgs

 

[KingGenius]

Could not disagree more. They ran it up the middle at us all game. Shuffling around dancing indecisive LBs, not shaking any blocks, I thought it was poor. I'd give it a D. We came out lucky. Jumper got 10 tackles huh? Well I want to see them made before the first down marker!

 

[Doberman]

Linebackers A?

Must have been watching a different game.

 

[Other_Guy]

Terrible grades. You can't give the DL an A for being completely gashed all game, and I thought the pass protection was decent enough not to earn a D that means they were almost as awful as could be. I also would give the back a C because of the critical fumbles.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

WTF is Dave talking about? A for LBS? Coaching C?

 

[90 Vol]

Dude had to watch a different game. You can't give the DL, LB's, and secondary an A when we were gashed in the run game all day. :crazy:

 

[Vols_14]

Could not disagree more. They ran it up the middle at us all game. Shuffling around dancing indecisive LBs, not shaking any blocks, I thought it was poor. I'd give it a D. We came out lucky. Jumper got 10 tackles huh? Well I want to see them made before the first down marker!

I agree with you. This was way too generous. Our LB's gave up passes over the middle, our Dline didn't help out LB's when it came to stopping the run. Dobbs had one of his worse games this year I thought, the only bright spots were special teams, running back, pass rush, and other than a few plays our DB's played well against the pass, but they didn't have to because the middle was so wide open. And they also didn't contain the run. I'd give us a C. We pulled out the W but we played our worst game. (Not counting App. St. or Ohio where we were obviously sleep walking). I also think defensive troubles
is mostly due to injuries.

 

[Vols_14]

Coaching B-, poor player execution. Bad call on Georgia's Hail Mary, and didn't run Dobbs enough. But I thought Dobbs had decent pass protection, it wasn't horrible. They could definitely be better though.