Rapid Reaction: Vols’ Own Iowa In Gator Bowl

For the first time since 2007, the Tennessee Volunteers finished the season with a Bowl win.

Tennessee didn’t waste any time, stepping on the accelerator early and never letting up, in route to a 45-28 win over Iowa.

Jalen Hurd led the attack for the Vols, rushing for 122 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. He did almost all of his damage in the first half.

Quarterback Josh Dobbs also had himself quite a day, throwing for 129 yards and a touchdown. His real damage, however, came on the ground. Dobbs rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns against the Hawkeyes.

The win, which provided the Vols’ with their first winning record since 2009, was a convincing one for the Vols. One that will set the tone for the 2015 season.

What’s scary for the rest of the SEC is that Tennessee can get a lot better. The Vols were playing without three of their top receivers (Marquez North, Jason Croom and Josh Smith). UT will also have an extremely talented 2015 recruiting class coming in next season.

Basically, the Vols are going to be a trendy pick to compete for the SEC East in 2015.

Thoughts from Vols’ Gator Bowl win 

• Jalen Hurd is going to be a star in the SEC. The offensive line played ok against Iowa, but they can get much better. Hurd made plays where plays shouldn’t have been made. His size and strength combination means he can be an elite player in the SEC.
• Von Pearson, who caught 7 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown against Iowa, finished the season on a high note. He should have a terrific senior season for the Vols.
• Josh Dobbs just keeps getting better. The rising junior was composed against Iowa and did exactly what needed to be done. If he starts hitting receivers down the field, then folks better watch out.
• Josh Malone was ineffective as his freshman struggles continued. But fret not Vol fans, he’ll get it together. Remember, Josh Smith struggled as a freshman but was one of the Vols’ top receivers in 2014 before his injury.
• Marlin Lane’s touchdown pass to Vic Wharton was pure beauty. I have nothing more to add, except that it was a perfect call at the perfect time.
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin will be an all-SEC player in 2015. The kid is all over the field, his instincts are unreal.
• Derek Barnett has a chance to be the SEC defensive player of the year — as a sophomore next season. Barnett ran down Iowa’s running back from 20 yards!! Defensive ends can’t do that!