Tennessee football’s top five performers in 44-21 loss at Georgia
4 catches, 71 yards; 2 TDs
Only one player in this game made a couple of huge plays and didn’t do anything to warrant criticism for Tennessee football. Josh Palmer has emerged out of the shadows of Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway.
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After the first 4th and 1 stop, the Vols were still trailing 14-7. Jim Chaney took a shot, and Jarrett Guarantano found Palmer in one-on-one coverage. He threw up a jump-ball, and Palmer out-leaped everybody for a 36-yard touchdown reception. That play tied it up and further cemented Palmer’s ability to be a No. 1 wideout in the SEC.
On the next drive, though, trailing 17-14, it got more impressive. Guarantano took another shot, and he found Palmer in the back of the end zone. Palmer made a great catch and showed great awareness to get one foot down, giving the Vols a 21-17 lead. The guy finished with four catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
Now, Brandon Johnson proved his value as a wideout as well, even with three catches for 28 yards, as he held onto the ball while losing his helmet after getting rocked on a catch over the middle and also had a great run after a catch to convert another third down. Guarantano also helped out Palmer with some nice throws.
However, Palmer was the star playmaker of the receivers, and Guarantano had the mistakes in the second half. As a result, Palmer gets the nod as Tennessee football’s best player in this game. He gets better every week, and with three touchdowns on the year, he’s emerging into a superstar.