Tennessee football: 5 takeaways – Jarrett Guarantano with a career day
Tennessee football gets their first SEC win since the 2016 season. Here are five takeaways from the Volunteers’ much-deserved and much-needed win.
You’re not going to believe what you are about to read but I promise from the bottom of my heart I’m telling you the truth. Tennessee football went into Jordan Hare Stadium and got their first SEC win in over a season. Here are some of the things Jeremy Pruitt and his 2018 football accomplish against Auburn.
Related Story. Vols shock No. 21 Auburn Tigers on the road 30-24. light
Snapped an 11-game SEC losing streak – Check
First win against an SEC West opponent since 2010 – Check
First SEC win by first-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt – Check
One of the biggest (2nd) upset wins in Tennessee history, according to the spread – Check
The first win against Auburn since 1999 – Check
Now let’s break down exactly how everything went wrong. I meant let’s break down how everything went right. Man, it’s been awhile.
Here are five takeaways from Tennessee football’s much-deserved 30-24 win over the Auburn Tigers.
1. Jeremy Pruitt is smarter than the “chart”
The onside kick call Jeremy Pruitt made after the targeting on quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, made perfect sense. It’s easy for all of us to say that now, but what a call it was.
How many coaches would actually make that call? My guess is a lot; it was a pretty easy call. However, what is impressive about it is I’m not sure too many coaches have the “in-game” coaching ability to understand the situation and make the call.
Game after game Pruitt continues to show the team and fanbase he is going to make calls to win rather than tie, and you have to love that about him. So far, it’s working out for this Vols team.
2. Ty Chandler shows why he needs 20 touches
It’s about time. Chandler ran the ball 16 times for 50 yards and had five receptions for 62 yards including a 42-yard touchdown. We all knew Chandler was the most dynamic running back on the roster and he proved it against one of the best defenses in the nation.
His touchdown grab was something special. Yes, I know he was wide open, but what about those burners? He flew past a few defenders and in for a score that really helped launch the Vols to a win.
3. Give the dog a football bone – Jauan Jennings
Good things happen when your playmakers get the ball. Jarrett Guarantano looked amazing all game long -more on him later – but so did Jauan Jennings.
Guarantano and Jennings hooked up five times for 71 yards and a touchdown. Five receptions was tied with Ty Chandler for most on the team.
This marks the best game of the season for Jennings, and it is a good sign for the Vols offense moving forward. Feed him more.
4. Defense is looking like a Jeremy Pruitt defense
What a difference a couple of games can make. Not to mention a bye week.
We discussed it before the game; the Vols have continued to improve all season long and finally looked like a football team against Georgia, despite the 26-point loss.
Ranked in the top-30 before the game, the Vols’ defense looked great other than a few big plays from the Tigers. Here are a couple of quick takes from the defensive play.
Alexis Johnson has played great since SEC play started.
Paul Bain was everywhere on the field despite only having three solo tackles.
Kyle Phillips lead the Vols with nine total tackles.
Vols forced three fumbles.
5. Time for the Jarrett Guarantano haters to hate themselves
If you have been a Jarrett Guarantano hater, you can shut up now. Trust me there are a lot of you out there. I’ve heard it all season long for always taking up for him. So, now instead of always hating him, hate yourself. Guarantano went off.
He took his team on the road and played against a top-20 defense in the nation. And, had a career day doing so. He finished 21-for-32 for 328 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Next. 4 bold predictions for Vols at Auburn. dark
I’ve been saying it all year long, he is usually always on target, just give him time and he is capable of being one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. Thanks for proving me right Guarantano and hats off to you sir for having a career day. Oh, and congrats on a much-deserved win.