Tennessee football: Vols stock report following Week Nine of 2019

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Linebackers

They actually struggled a bit the previous couple of weeks. Against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Daniel Bituli and Henry To’o To’o were never on the field together, and that played a role in the struggles. But on Saturday, Tennessee football’s linebackers had their most complete performance as a unit, and they are surging at just the right time.

Bituli had 15 tackles, 11 of which were solo, a pass deflection and tackle for a loss. To’o To’o was right there with him on many plays. Darrell Taylor had two sacks and two pass deflections, one on fourth down. Kivon Bennett had three hurries, and Deandre Johnson had a sack. So the unit was flawless, and it’s now reaching the potential Jeremy Pruitt always said they have.

Wide receivers

Just as the linebackers put together a complete game, Tennessee football’s wide receivers have been on a roll for a while now. And this game was no different. Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings each going over 100 yards, with Jennings getting 174 yards and two touchdowns and Callaway adding another touchdown, is just evidence of how great they are.

Meanwhile, Josh Palmer finally emerged as that slot guy with them and had 55 yards. Tyler Byrd had a drop, but if the other guys aren’t performing, Byrd will come through with a touchdown like he did against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. And Cedric Tillman even had a big catch. They did all this with two different quarterbacks as well and have had three the past four weeks.