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Tennessee football report card: Grading the Vols in their win over UTEP

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Quardraiz Wadley #4 of the UTEP Miners runs for yards with Linebacker Daniel Bituli #35 of the Tennessee Volunteers in pursuit during the second half of the game between the UTEP Miners and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-0. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Quardraiz Wadley #4 of the UTEP Miners runs for yards with Linebacker Daniel Bituli #35 of the Tennessee Volunteers in pursuit during the second half of the game between the UTEP Miners and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-0. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Offense

Quarterback: B+

Jarrett Guarantano was once again a careful player, going 12-of-16 for 168 yards and a touchdown. He took a couple of more deep shots this time, though, converting a 53-yard and a 29-yard reception to two different receivers. The sophomore did get sacked twice, but one was from the blindside and completely not his fault. Keller Chryst, meanwhile, came in and hardly did anything, completing one of three passes for minus-one yard. Right now, neither have done anything spectacular, and Guarantano’s play drove this grade. But again, he limited his play, so we can’t give the unit an A yet.

Running Backs: A-

The only thing keeping this from being an A+ is Jeremy Banks’s fumble on the goal line. However, that play may not have even been a fumble. Ty Chandler was the superstar here with 12 carries for 158 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown run. But Madre London added nine carries for 74 yards, Tim Jordan had 13 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown, and Banks even had 49 yards on nine carries. Without Guarantano’s rushing yards, the group had a net of 320 on the day. So yes, they were great and deserve praise.

Wide receivers and tight ends: B+

Like the quarterbacks in the passing game, these guys didn’t do anything spectacular, so you can’t give them an A. But when their number was called, they almost always came through. Josh Palmer had the big negative with a bad drop, but he still had two receptions for 64 yards. Brandon Johnson added 51 yards, and Jauan Jennings hinted he was back with 22 yards and a touchdown. Dominick Wood-Anderson carried the tight ends in receiving with two catches for 21 yards. The big reason these guys get a B+ is the blocking, particularly from the tight ends. The play of both units in terms of blocking on the outside was a huge reason the backs were able to break off such long runs throughout the day, and that’s why they get credit.

Offensive line: D

Once again, this unit was an issue. They allowed two sacks on the day and created numerous penalties. The worst one was a clear chop block that Drew Richmond took part in by hitting a guy low as he was already blocked high in the first half. Sure, they got a push for over 350 yards rushing total. That would seem like a great day. But nearly 130 of those yards were on big plays where the outside blocking turned the backs loose. Combine that with the mistakes and penalties, and this unit still struggled severely. When you consider that UTEP’s rush defense may be its weakest point, and that they are already a weak team, it’s clear Tennessee football still has tons of work to do up front.

Overall offensive grade: C+

The unit only scored 24 points on the game. Now, they were very efficient overall when you look at the averages, and there was a lot of ball control. That’s why it gets a C+. But Tennessee football’s offense can’t make the mistakes it made going into SEC play. Otherwise, these guys are in trouble.

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