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Tennessee vs Missouri Report Card: Grading the Vols Against the Tigers

By Caleb Calhoun

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Nov 21, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back Cam Hilton (33) is tackled by Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (21) during the second half at Faurot Field. Tennessee won the game 19-8. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Grades

Defensive Line: A-

This unit has struggled in stopping the run throughout the year but dominated in their pass rush. For the most part, the line did a great job with both on Saturday. Collectively, the Tigers were held to less than 100 yards on the ground, and lots of the 88 yards they picked up came after the game was already in hand. LaTroy Lewis also forced a fumble on Ish Witter in the game.

Meanwhile, the line also picked up two sacks, as Corey Vereen had another sack and Kahlil McKenzie finally came on, picking up his first sack of his college career with his dad, Reggie McKenzie, in attendance. Derek Barnett’s sack streak ended, but he did pick up five tackles.

Linebackers: A

It’s hard to measure just how great they were due to the inconsistency of the weapons on Missouri, but after they had hit a rhythm last week against the BYU Cougars, the play of Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Darrin Kirkland Jr. can’t be ignored. This is a deadly duo that gets better by the week.

Together, the two shut down all elements of Gary Pinkel’s spread offense Saturday, and Butch Jones and John Jancek had clearly prepared for everything the offense wanted to throw at the linebackers. They deserve credit for that.

Secondary: A-

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Again, given the inconsistencies of Missouri’s quarterback play on the year, it is hard to gauge just how good this unit played. But they held Drew Lock to 13 of 30 for 135 yards and an interception. Cameron Sutton was the one who picked up an interception, his first of the year.

Meanwhile, Sutton also had a tackle for a loss, as did Malik Foreman, so the secondary got physical with the Tigers as well. Overall, they did nothing wrong throughout the night, so they deserve an A.

Overall Defensive Grade: A

It was another historic performance for the Tennessee defense, with the Tigers barely going over 200 yards, which is only thanks to the way the Vols called off the dogs late in the game. However, it was against a very suspect offense to begin with, so we are not going to say A+. But it was good enough.

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