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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 placekicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football
Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football /

Special teams grades

Place kicking: A-

Chase McGrath was perfect on extra points and nailed his only field goal of the day. It was only from 25 yards out, though, so it’s not like he made a difficult kick to change the game. This still would have been an A+ grade if not for Toby Wilson’s final kickoff, which South Carolina ran back to the 40. Every other one pinned them inside the 25-yard line, but that play makes this an A-.

Punting: C+

Paxton Brooks’ first punt went 52 yards and pinned South Carolina on its own 7-yard line. After that, though, he had a 24-yard shank, a 44-yarder that spotted South Carolina the ball on the 41, a 40-yarder that spotted them at the 24 and a 60-yarder that still went for a touchback. As a result, he had one great, one bad and three average punts. This plus is due to solid punt coverage.

Return game: A-

Velus Jones Jr. had two punt returns of 19 and 14 yards, which is pretty impressive. Miles Campbell returned his only kickoff past the past 25-yard line to the 28, which is always the goal. As a result, despite no gigantic plays and limited impact, this was enough to reach the A range.

Overall special teams grade: B+

Outside of a few disappointing punts, Tennessee football was solid on special teams throughout the day. The good news for the Vols was that they didn’t really need special teams in this one. If they did, punting could’ve proven a bit costly.

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