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Tennessee football report card in 45-20 win vs. South Carolina

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receivers Jalin Hyatt (11) and JaVonta Payton (3) celebrate Hyatt's touchdown during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007
Tennessee wide receivers Jalin Hyatt (11) and JaVonta Payton (3) celebrate Hyatt's touchdown during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) points to a South Carolina defender as he runs downfield in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) points to a South Carolina defender as he runs downfield in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /

Offensive grades part II

Wide receivers: A+

Hendon Hooker deserves credit for how he played, and the running backs were also elite. However, Tennessee football’s receivers were perfect. Velus Jones Jr. had over 100 yards and a touchdown plus a 15-yard run, Cedric Tillman had 59 yards, Jalin Hyatt had 21 yards and a touchdown, and JaVonta Payton had a 39-yard score. They did everything right.

Tight ends: C

Princeton Fant had a three-yard catch, but by and large, the Vols tight ends didn’t do a lot in the game. Add in the six sacks, considering that pass blocking is part of a tight end’s job, and you have to say this was the one mediocre unit of the bunch.

Offensive line: B-

Run blocking was solid on its face given the numbers. However, the Vols’ offense stalled in the second half largely because of the line. They failed to convert 3rd and 1 on their opening drive of the second half, and they then allowed a sack on each of next three drives. That allowed South Carolina to turn 35-0 into 38-20, and it brings this overall grade down massively.

Overall offensive grade: A-

Make no mistake, the backfield and skill players were the reason for the Vols offense scoring the way they did. Still, getting 45 points legitimately when you only once had the short field is pretty impressive, and that’s enough for this A- grade.

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