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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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Coaching

Offensive play-calling: B+

Tyson Helton mixed it up well again, and things were pretty efficient all day for the Tennessee football offense. I don’t see what more he could have done, but the fact of the matter is the Vols scored only 24 points. Also, Helton could have taken a few more shots. Jarrett Guarantano clearly has a big arm, and he’s accurate. So it just doesn’t make sense why the coaches won’t use him to throw it more. That’s why he gets a B+. But his running calls were great, especially with his use of extra blockers to make them break free.

Defensive play-calling: A-

With very little pass rush from the defensive line, the Vols still did their job to hold the UTEP Miners to under 150 yards overall. That counts for something, and you have to get credit for shutting out a team as a coach. As a result, Kevin Sherrer and Jeremy Pruitt, who is actually calling the plays, clearly were ready for the UTEP Miners, even if there wasn’t much to get ready for. Again, this is a very hard team to gauge anything against. They may actually be worse than East Tennessee State.

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Overall coaching grade: B-

The solid play-calling is why this is not a C or below. Jeremy Pruitt was open about the poor weak of practice Tennessee football had, and that’s to his credit. But at the same time, it’s his job to have his players focused in those practices. So while his intensity and lack of satisfaction are good for the Vols, he’s got to be the one to make sure it doesn’t happen. That lack of focus is what led to the penalties and numerous mental mistakes.

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What was good, though, was Pruitt’s response to that game. He did not give his players or himself too much credit. He was open about all the issues, and he was fiery at guys on the sideline. Just look at how he went at Deandre Johnson. That’s what Tennessee football needs instead of somebody who will declare them life champions. So at least Pruitt is pushing him. The Vols will need him to step his game up to keep them focused this week with the Florida Gators coming to town.

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