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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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Oct 9, 2021; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee defensive backs Brandon Turnage (29) and Trevon Flowers (1) run down South Carolina running back Juju McDowell (21) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee defensive backs Brandon Turnage (29) and Trevon Flowers (1) run down South Carolina running back Juju McDowell (21) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive grades

Defensive line: B

In terms of raw numbers, Tennessee football’s defensive line was actually pretty solid. Matthew Butler and Tyler Baron each had a sack. Byron Young assisted on a sack and a separate tackle for a loss. Ja’Quain Blakely had a tackle for a loss. However, the Vols did let South Carolina run on them for their two second-half touchdowns. That was enough to move this to just above average.

Linebackers: B

The exact same situation with the defensive line applies to linebackers. UT had standout performers in Aaron Beasley, who recovered a fumble, Jeremy Banks, who had a sack and assisted on another, and Solon Page III, who assisted on a tackle for a loss. South Carolina’s ability to move the ball, though, and sustain long drives, has to be held against this group.

Secondary: A

Although the defensive backs were part of allowing South Carolina to stay on the field, this unit was nearly flawless. Jaylen McCollough killed one drive with a key interception, Brandon Turnage was all over the field in place of Theo Jackson, Trevon Flowers was also all over the field, and Warren Burrell and Alontae Taylor both shut down their sides. This was an elite performance.

Overall defensive grade: B+

Take away the McCollough interception, and it’s likely South Carolina scores 27 or 28 points. They did gain 370 total yards, and their offense isn’t that great. Still, Josh Heupel’s system calls for lots of plays, so UT’s defense was largely fine. You can’t ignore a 38-7 halftime lead.

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