Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons with teammate Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 59-30. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Grades
Quarterback: B-
This is a little bit harsh, but we have to take into account just how bad Bowling Green’s offense was. For the game, Joshua Dobbs had impressive numbers, going 15 of 22 for 205 yards and two touchdowns while running the ball 12 times for 89 yards and a touchdown.
But if you watch the game, you’ll see that Dobbs was struggling with accuracy early. There was one series in which he overthrew Josh Malone on one play and then missed Marquez North wide open on the next play, so the Vols had to punt. Then, on some of his completions, they were pure sight completions that he still missed but was bailed out by a receiver.
Dobbs overall was fine, and his numbers warrant a good performance. But considering who it was against and the struggles he had, it is hard to give him too much credit. Quinten Dormady’s inability to finish a drive when he came in is also a reason to dock points here.
Betsided
Running Backs: A+
It was only against the Bowling Green defense, but there is nothing more the running backs could have done. Jalen Hurd picked up right where he left off at the end of last year by rushing for 123 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. He did exactly what the Vols need him to do: pick up big gains but shoulder the heavy load on a play-to-play basis.
Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara was every bit as good as advertised. He was expected to be the speed back and break off big gains while Hurd was the workhorse, and that is exactly what he did. Kamara ran 15 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He and Hurd always broke off big runs at the perfect times to keep the Vols in control of this game.
Receivers/Tight Ends: C+
The only reason this is not a regular C, C-, or even D is because of Ethan Wolf. Going into the game, we had said that Bowling Green would dial up some blitz schemes to try to confuse the Tennessee offensive line, and they did.
Thankfully, Wolf came through as a tight end for quick passes in response to that and caught three passes for 35 yards and two touchdowns.
Another bright spot was Jauan Jennings, who caught three passes for 56 yards. And Von Pearson had one big play. But that was it.
Despite 40 yards receiving, Josh Malone should have caught a couple more passes thrown his way. And Marquez North did not have one catch in the game. So the elite receivers could have done more for Tennessee, but Wolf and Jennings at least stepped up.
Offensive Line: B
Butch Jones and Mike DeBord certainly did not mind using a rotation, and overall the offensive line played well. But the unit mostly showed its raw talent and potential while struggling at certain times.
The running game was great, but that was more Hurd and Kamara along with the line not having to do too much against such a soft defense that was missing its best lineman. The pass protection was fine for the most part, but there were still some issues, which knock this down to a B.
The Vols did give up a sack on a play that was not Dobbs’s fault, and they gave up five tackles for a loss overall along with a quarterback hurry against a defense that is not that physical. That has to improve going forward, and it will come with more experience.
Overall Offensive Grade: B+
The running game alone was enough to give this offense a decent grade, but we can’t move it up to an A because Bowling Green is very well-known for not prioritizing defense. Some of the offensive line struggles, a lack of big plays from the receivers, and issues with accuracy and decision making from Dobbs in the first half are all things we can point to.
But as a whole, the offense did not leave too much to be concerned about.
Next: Defensive Grades