Tennessee vs. Western Carolina Report Card: Grading the Vols

Sep 19, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back LaDarrell McNeil (33) returns an interception against the Western Carolina Catamounts during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Grades

Defensive Line: B-

There was a long run in the first half, and there were no sacks in the game, but the defensive line mostly did what it was supposed to do. With Curt Maggitt out and Derek Barnett playing but having his reps limited, Corey Vereen stepped up and got multiple hurries and a huge tackle for a loss.

Kendall Vickers also played well, picking up a tackle for a loss, and we finally saw a big play from Kahlil McKenzie after he forced a fumble. The line was thin but played tough, and the only reasons they have their grade docked to a B- are because of that big play they gave up, and they could have used a few more big plays themselves.

But outside of that long run by Detrez Newsome, the Catamounts had less than four yards a carry on the ground, and their quarterbacks were under pressure all night.

Linebackers: C

This is still a thin unit, but without Jalen Reeves-Maybin in there for a full game to wreak havoc, they have serious trouble. Darrin Kirkland was okay at middle linebacker; it will take next week to know just how good he is.

But it was the fault of the linebackers primarily that the long run happened, and they had no big plays throughout the game. That is what allowed Western Carolina to average nearly six yards per rush.

Reeves-Maybin did not play enough to be the stud he was last week, and the rest of the unit is thin with raw talent. Going against a spread could be an excuse but not when that spread is an FCS school. This unit is still a work in progress.

Secondary: A+

At full strength, we finally got to see the secondary and how great it could be. True, it was against Western Carolina, but this unit did everything you could possibly do to look perfect in this game.

The Catamounts as a team were 11 of 22 for 90 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. That interception came from LaDarrell McNeil, who returned from injury to fill his role at strong safety and then returned that interception 57 yards. Todd Kelly Jr. came in there and also laid plenty of hits and played great, while Brian Randolph as a free safety let nothing get past him, and Evan Berry played great as his backup in his true position.

The cornerbacks were great with Malik Foreman and Emmanuel Moseley looking much better thanks to the safety help that we knew would eventually be there, and Cameron Sutton continues to allow nobody to throw on him, shutting down one side of the entire field. He also had a forced fumble when someone did go his way, showing again how deadly he can be.

Overall Defensive Performance: A-

Despite struggles at linebacker and a couple of miscues on the line, the defense was dominant from start to finish. They really only gave up three points, as that last touchdown came in garbage time. This is an elite unit, and the secondary was great enough to carry these guys along and give the defense and A- for its performance against Western Carolina.

Next: Special Teams Grades