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Tennessee football’s top five performers in 31-26 loss to Ole Miss

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) runs past Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Nick Broeker (64) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Matthew Butler (94) runs past Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Nick Broeker (64) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) makes a catch during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) makes a catch during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football /

Scouting Report. Wide receiver. player. 839. 2. Pick Analysis. Redshirt junior. Cedric Tillman

7 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD

One criticism of Hendon Hooker and Josh Heupel is that they didn’t do enough to get Cedric Tillman the ball more. Ole Miss’ weakness all year has been big wideouts who can use their size to make huge plays down the field. Tillman was able to do plenty of that in this game, and Tennessee football should have gone to him more.

UT’s first offensive touchdown drive came because of Tillman, as he caught a 16-yard pass from Hooker after Jabari Small had two carries for 33 yards. Throughout the night, Tillman was there to make plays on the outside, and it was enough for us to put him on this list.

Velus Jones Jr. still led the way in receiving with six catches for 93 yards, but he also made a crucial mistake by muffing a punt early, and Tillman had the touchdown. Taking all of that into account, Tillman was the top skill player for the Vols in this game.

When Joe Milton III came in at the end, Tillman had a chance to make the play of the game. Milton overthrew what could have been a game-winning touchdown pass to him with three seconds left, and it just went above Tillman’s fingertips. If he had made that catch, he would have topped this list. Still, he was one of the best players in the game.

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