Tennessee football report card: Grading the Vols in 35-13 Alabama loss

Offense

Quarterbacks: C-

Brian Maurer was five-of-seven for 62 yards with a touchdown run. His interception was not his fault. But Jarrett Guarantano’s play was not good. He was seven-of-16 for 55 yards. And he made the worst play of the day with the QB sneak fumble that was returned 100 yards for a touchdown, turning 28-20 into 35-23. That play alone was so bad that it brings down the whole grade.

Running backs: A

Tim Jordan, Ty Chandler and Eric Gray did not have any touchdowns. But they averaged over five yards a carry against the Alabama Crimson Tide’s defense with no real passing game. Jordan had 17 carries for 94 yards, Chandler added four carries for 23 yards and Gray had three carries for 12 yards. Meanwhile, Chandler had nine yards receiving. So they did their part.

Wide receivers/Tight ends: C

Jauan Jennings had a drop that resulted in an interception. He rebounded to lead the team with six receptions for 66 yards. However, nobody else really showed up, as Josh Palmer and Marquez Callaway each had one catch, and Dominick Wood-Anderson only had nine receiving yards. The mistake combined with the lack of production gives this Tennessee football unit a C.

Offensive line: C+

The good news is Tennessee football is getting much better on the line. Their interior line with Trey Smith and Brandon Kennedy is superb. In terms of a push, they get an A. But key mistakes by Darnell Wright on multiple plays and Wanya Morris at times as well were drive killers. Three Wright penalties and one by Morris along with an allowed sack drop this grade to a C+.

Overall offensive grade: C

They only had 231 yards on the night. And they had two turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown. But the Vols were actually more efficient than you would think offensively. By moving the ball, we could at least give them an average grade, as the mistakes brought it down.