Tennessee football Smokey Points: Top five Vols performers in Georgia State loss

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 5: The Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey runs through the end zone after a score against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium on October 5, 2013 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 5: The Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey runs through the end zone after a score against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium on October 5, 2013 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images
Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images /

Yes, the one player who had no flaws on Saturday was the kicker. Tennessee football’s special teams unit as a whole proved to be a strength, but nobody stood out more than Brent Cimaglia, who could have a breakout year.

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Entering his second full season as a starter, Cimaglia made three field goals and did not miss an extra point. But his field goals were clutch and important as well, which is why we put him at the top of this list.

They were from all distances. The first was a chip-shot from 19 yards at halftime. But the second was in the third quarter and desperately needed. At that point, the Vols were down 21-17, had turned it over on downs their previous possession and needed points. So Cimaglia came in and nailed a 48-yard field goal, dead-center with room to spare.

His third field goal was only from 31 yards. But it was to take the lead back with the Vols down 21-20, and Cimaglia nailed that one. So he showed the leg and the clutch gene to be UT’s place-kicker, and those are huge deals. Also, this is one skill not measured against the level of competition. Cimaglia could have done this against anybody.

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As a result, Cimaglia is the one bright spot for Tennessee football on the day. Well, special teams as a whole was solid, but nobody was a bigger deal than Cimaglia. He’s one positive that may serve the Vols well going forward.