Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols’ 42-17 win at Vanderbilt

4. Offensive play-calling and pass protection remain questionable.

There was solid play by Tennessee football’s quarterbacks, and the rushing attack dominated. However, the offense still had plenty of issues, and given the state of the Vanderbilt Commodores, it was clear that the Vols’ success was more about Vandy’s issues than it was their talents. Anybody who has seen either team play in previous weeks knows that.

The reason that is so clear is the horrendous play-calling and pass protection that has plagued this team all year. It all happened on one drive. UT and Vandy were tied at 7 in the first half, but the Vols were moving the ball down the field. Vandy couldn’t buy a stop in its rush defense.

However, in his infinite genius, Jim Chaney called a pass play with Harrison Bailey on 2nd and 6 from the Vanderbilt 8-yard line. Horrendous pass protection by the Vols’ offensive line resulted in Bailey being hit from behind and fumbling the ball while Vandy recovered. Replay suggested it should have been an incomplete pass, but the refs still ruled it a fumble.

Either way, the issue was Chaney’s decision to throw it there and the pass protection. That blocking allowed 3 sacks on the day, and it’s an issue that this team has not resolved. Chaney’s ill-timed decisions to throw the ball have only made it worse.