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Tennessee football: Top five performers in Vols 34-7 loss to Kentucky

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) runs back to the sideline after scoring during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, October 17, 2020.Kns Ut Football Kentucky Bp
Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) runs back to the sideline after scoring during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, October 17, 2020.Kns Ut Football Kentucky Bp /
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Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson (0) warms up before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.101720 Tenn Ky Pregame
Tennessee defensive back Bryce Thompson (0) warms up before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.101720 Tenn Ky Pregame /

Junior. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Bryce Thompson. 4. player. Defensive back

4 tackles (4 solo); 1 FF, 1 FR

That fumble we were referring to on that last slide was all due to Bryce Thompson. It was critical play that could have put Tennessee football up early, and as a result, it was enough to put Thompson on this list. In fact, that combined with a couple of other things that happened throughout the day are enough to earn Thompson some recognition.

Starting with the fumble, this was a first down conversion by the Kentucky Wildcats. Terry Wilson found Josh Ali for a 12-yard gain on 3rd and 9. However, Thompson ripped the ball out of Ali’s hands after he made the catch, and then he recovered the fumble. This was a huge first quarter play that gave UT the ball inside Kentucky territory.

Beyond just that play, though, Ali only had four catches for 38 yards, well below his average in yardage for the year. As a result, in addition to forcing a turnover, Thompson did his job relatively well in guarding Kentucky’s best go-to receiver. That’s more than enough for such recognition.

Now, there is one glaring play that would make people question him being on the list. Allen Dailey Jr.’s touchdown reception on 3rd and goal early in the second half to put Kentucky up by three scores occurred on Thompson. However, Dailey blatantly pushed off there, and the refs didn’t call it. Thompson actually did his job. The refs didn’t do theirs. We won’t hold him accountable there.

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