Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols’ 20-10 win vs. Mississippi St.

1. Defense played a complete game.

Joe Moorhead made the questionable decision to start Tommy Stevens in the first half. But Stevens went six-of-11 with no touchdowns and two interceptions. So Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley ripped him to shreds from the start. That included a red zone interception and another one to set up a field goal.

Then, down 10-3 at halftime, Moorhead put in Garrett Shrader in the second half. And the defense got another interception, continued to shut down the offense and took it to the fourth quarter with a 13-3 lead.

Finally, they wilted a bit, allowing a touchdown drive after a targeting call on Henry To’o To’o in which MSU’s offense went 90 yards in less than four minutes. But they responded with a final stand to hold on for the 20-10 victory.

MSU had only 267 yards of total offense, allowed nine tackles for a loss and six sacks and committed three turnovers. This group came through and withstood everything in this game, and for that they deserve credit. Forcing three turnovers alone is a major step up for this program, but they responded to everything thrown at them.

Tennessee football’s defensive line played the best game of the year, as Ansley finally didn’t have to blitz. They held the best Mississippi State weapon, Kylin Hill, to less tan 15 yards on 11 carries. And they handled Shrader’s mobility. Meanwhile, the secondary continuously made bit plays. So it was a complete performance for this unit against an offensive genius coming off a bye.