Yes there was 5 turnovers and penalties - but folks ignore the following:
- Tennessee had 6 penalties for 60 yards. VT had 8 for 101. Not a lot of difference in the number there in terms of incidents (e.g. 6 to 8).
- VT had 400 yards with over half of it in the 1st quarter. The last 3 quarters they had 187 yards. 79 yards was in the last drive when it really didn't matter and there were subs in for Tennessee.
- As a comparison TN had 28 yards in the 1st quarter and 302 yards in the last three quarters.
- As for the TN touchdown drives, the 4 longer ones were 90, 85, 52 and 43 yards. These are not automatic ones regardless of whether there is a turnover, penalty or not. Plenty of yardage for a defense to recover and stop the offense or force 3 points verses 7. VT did not.
Tennessee won the last three quarters which is why they won the game. Most seem to be focused on the first quarter which was bad. Adjustments were made, the defense starting playing. The offense started moving and taking advantage of what they were given. That is how football teams win.
Last year at this time, Tennessee would have lost both of these games because they would have not had the confidence to adjust, react and come from back from adversity. Last year, until the Georgia game, the team was more of a 'get the lead' and 'hold on' mentality.
I know that most of you don't see that transition as progress - but in reality it is something that winning teams need to be able to do.