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Tennessee football report card in 56-0 win vs. Tennessee Tech

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) dives into the end zone during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) dives into the end zone during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /
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Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles quarterback Drew Martin (4) is tackled by Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles quarterback Drew Martin (4) is tackled by Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive grades

Defensive line A+

Aubrey Solomon lead the team in tackles. Matthew Butler blew up tons of plays. The push from Tennessee football’s defensive line is what generated six team sacks on the day. Ja’Quain Blakely and Tyler Baron each assisted on a tackle for a loss, as did Solomon and Caleb Tremblay. Byron Young had six tackles in his debut. Their pressure also contributed to three of the interceptions.

Linebackers A- 

Playing without Juwan Mitchell, the Vols had some developing to do on their depth front at linebacker in this game. They allowed the Golden Eagles to move the ball at times, but they also made big plays. Solon Page III had a pick-six, William Mohan had three solo tackles, and Aaron Beasley assisted in a tackle for a loss.

Secondary: A

The defensive line created the condition for the secondary to thrive, but the secondary did its part. Jaylen McCollough, Alontae Taylor and Tamarion McDonald all had interceptions. Theo Jackson once again led the way in tackles for a loss with one and a half, and Christian Charles had one. They were solid in coverage all day.

Overall defensive grade: A

Obviously, a shutout is going to earn an A grade regardless of whether or not it comes against an FCS program. The defense did its job, allowing only 179 yards, and the reason the defensive line stood out was the six sacks, the pressure-forced picks and only allowing 22 yards on 10 carries from the running backs.

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