Tennessee football Smokey Points: Top 5 Vols performers vs. Charlotte 49ers

Full disclosure, Josh Palmer was the only highlight player for the Vols specifically for his offensive play. Yes, Dominick Wood-Anderson had 53 yards receiving, and that counts for something. But he was not reliable enough blocking, which is half the battle for a tight end.

Meanwhile, Jarrett Guarantano didn’t make enough elite plays, even though it wasn’t his fault and he was highly efficient. Still, the standout player was undoubtedly Josh Palmer, and that’s why he’s on this list.

Palmer had four receptions for 71 yards. Only one was consequential on an offensive drive, and it was his first reception, a 16-yard touchdown catch to put Tennessee football up 14-0 early. However, his other catches mattered as well.

In the second quarter, Palmer had an 11-yard grab on a 3rd and long play that allowed Joe Doyle to pin Charlotte inside their 10-yard line. That was their one good offensive drive, but the deep pin forced them to settle for a field goal.

Then came the third quarter, and Palmer did his part to set up a field goal drive with a 45-yard reception, even if Brent Cimaglia missed the kick. Simply put, Palmer did his part. And it’s enough to put him on this list.