Tennessee football report card: Grading the Vols in 17-13 Kentucky win

Offense

Quarterbacks: B-

If Jarrett Guarantano were playing by himself, this grade would be an A+. He went seven-of-eight for 115 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while leading the team with 30 rushing yards. However, Brian Maurer was seven-of-16 for 98 yards and no touchdowns while also fumbling a snap. He brought the grade down to a B-, but Guarantano’s great play is still the story.

Running backs: D+

Tim Jordan had a great block on a third down run by Jarrett Guarantano. Ty Chandler did not get enough carries, running it seven times for 28 yards. But Tennessee football’s running backs had 11 carries for 37 yards, and Chandler had a reception for minus-three yards while also having the crucial fumble late. That was horrendous play overall, and it’s why this unit gets a D+.

Wide receivers/Tight ends: A-

Take away a couple of first-half drops, and this unit was superb. Jauan Jennings got 49 yards, Josh Palmer had 55 yards and a touchdown, and Marquez Callaway went over 100 yards while scoring a TD. Palmer and Callaway both had amazing fade catches on their scores. Dominick Wood-Anderson also had a TD that was called back due to a penalty.

Offensive line: B-

They only allowed two tackles for a loss and a sack. And Jim Chaney did not call enough running plays to let them control the line of scrimmage. But the Vols’ offensive line didn’t show enough throughout the game to wear the Kentucky Wildcats down. That’s why we have to give this team a B-, even if they did go against a great defense.

Overall offensive grade: C+

It was against a very good Kentucky defense on the road, but Tennessee football managed to only muster 17 points in the game. And they had a key turnover. So we can’t give them too much credit, even if they did do enough to win the game.