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

Defense

Defensive line: B-

This was the weakest unit of an otherwise great defense. The Kentucky Wildcats could not throw the ball, but Lynn Bowden Jr. and the offense still had over 300 yards on the ground because of the push they would get up front at times. Now, Aubrey Solomon, Darel Middleton, Matthew Butler and LaTrell Bumphus all made specific plays. That’s why this unit was above average.

Linebackers: A

While the defensive line struggled, the linebackers consistently made plays. Daniel Bituli saved the day with a late goal line stand helped out by Henry To’o To’o, and Darrell Taylor had another sack. So overall, Tennessee football’s linebackers had a very good day. Now, they got caught out of position at times, but that was largely due to issues up front. So this unit was still great.

Secondary: A+

So Kentucky couldn’t throw the ball with Bowden at quarterback. But they didn’t have to be as bad as they were, and that’s a major testament to the secondary. They only allowed 25 yards passing, and Nigel Warrior also got an interception on one of their seven passes. So there is not much more they could have done in this game. The unit was superb.

Overall defensive grade: A-

Similar to the other side, Kentucky’s offense was not supposed to be anything special. But the Vols’ defense only allowed one legitimate touchdown, and it was on the first drive. Outside of that, they were nearly perfect. So this unit earned an A-grade.