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Tennessee football report card in 34-7 Kentucky loss

By Caleb Calhoun

The Vols tackle a Kentucky player in the first quarter of a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.
The Vols tackle a Kentucky player in the first quarter of a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. /
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Oct 17, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kentucky wide receiver Allen Dailey Jr. (89) is tackled by Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) and Tennessee defensive back Shawn Shamburger (12) during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 17, 2020; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kentucky wide receiver Allen Dailey Jr. (89) is tackled by Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) and Tennessee defensive back Shawn Shamburger (12) during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY NETWORK /

Defensive grades

Defensive line: C-

In the first half, Tennessee football’s defensive line got a great push on the Kentucky Wildcats all game. However, a couple of key completions early in the second half forced Derrick Ansley to soften up the unit a bit. Once that happened, these guys struggled severely to stop the run, as the elite UK offensive line went to work. That turned a solid A grade to barely an average grade.

Linebackers: D+

Henry To’o To’o made some great plays with a sack and two tackles for a loss, and Quavaris Crouch led the team with 11 tackles. However, these guys were awful in coverage, which is why the unit had to loosen up to begin with. Once that happened and the line couldn’t get a push, these guys were useless. They took advantage of the push early. So their dipped below average.

Secondary: D

At least the linebackers and defensive line made plays in the first half. The secondary had one good play all game: Bryce Thompson’s forced fumble. It’s the only thing that keeps this from being a fail. Although they only gave up 107 yards, Kentucky completed 13 of 16 passes. The safeties were disastrous, and that’s what brought balance to the offense in the second half.

Overall grade: D+

An elite first half was completely undone in the second half. Down 17-7, Jeremy Pruitt punted on 4th and 1 on the Vols’ first offensive drive that half. He was trusting his defense to get a stop. Kentucky then scored a touchdown, a field goal and another touchdown the next three drives, putting the game out of reach.

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