Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols 31-27 win at South Carolina

3. Shawn Shamburger was sorely missed at nickel.

There’s a reason Pro Football Focus labeled Shawn Shamburger as Tennessee football’s best returning player. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage last year, and he forced the worst quarterback rating of passes intended for slot receivers he was covering of all defensive backs in the nation. With Nigel Warrior gone, he’s the key glue guy in the secondary this year.

However, for whatever reason, he was kept out of this game. Doneiko Slaughter, a true freshman, had to step in, and the result was disastrous. Slaughter will be a good player in the long run, but the same way Henry To’o To’o  was not ready to step in last year against the Georgia State Panthers as Daniel Bituli’s replacement, Slaughter wasn’t ready this year.

Shi Smith, after going for over 100 and a touchdown last year against the Vols, had 10 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown this game in the slot. Tight end Nick Muse had four receptions for 50 yards. Collin Hill found them over the middle all night, and that made a huge difference. Muse could have had a touchdown reception on top of that, but he dropped a perfect pass from Hill.

With Baylen Buchanan missing a second straight year, the Vols need Shamburger back. They don’t have many options at nickel, and Bryce Thompson, Alontae Taylor and Kenneth George Jr. won’t be able to play their game until he gets back. His physicality is crucial to the secondary.