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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols win 28-10 win vs. Vanderbilt

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 30: Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates running a ninety-four yard touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 30: Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates running a ninety-four yard touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images
Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images /

3. Defense was below average outside of the pass rush.

There’s not much to tout with Tennessee football’s defense. The Vanderbilt Commodores scored only 10 points, but they were able to move the ball at times. When UT was up 21-3, they allowed Vandy to go 90 yards for a score in the second half to cut it to 21-10, making Vol fans a bit nervous at one point given the past.

Sure, they responded, but that never should have happened. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt’s best offensive player, played most of the game but got banged up. Jared Pinkney, their tight end, missed the game. But Keyon brooks managed 70 yards on just 13 carries, and Riley Neal and Deuce Wallace combined to throw for 169 yards and a touchdown.

So how could a defense that was somewhat mediocre hold the Commodores to only 279 yards? It was the pass rush. UT managed three sacks on the night, and they also picked up another six quarterback hurries. That was why they ended up controlling the game, as their outside linebackers and defensive ends got real pressure.

Roman Harrison had a sighting with a sack, Kivon Bennett came through, and Quavaris Crouch and Deandre Johnson had impact as well. So it was a great all-around day for the outside rushers on Rocky Top, and they didn’t even need Darrell Taylor to do it. These guys led the defense from start to finish, and as a result, they deserve a ton fo credit.

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