Tennessee football report card: Grading the Vols in 31-26 loss to Ole Miss

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Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) scores a touchdown 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 /

Offensive grades part II

Wide receivers: A

Cedric Tillman was the star, as he had seven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown and almost made a spectacular game-winning touchdown. Velus Jones Jr., who had issues elsewhere, added six catches for 93 yards. Those two were huge for the Vols’ offense, and if Hendon Hooker could’ve gotten the ball downfield more, they definitely would’ve made more plays.

Tight ends: D

Jacob Warren had the epic grab on 4th and 24 that led to the spot that upset fans. However, that was the only catch on the night for the tight ends. Warren also could’ve saved the day by actually stretching out to confirm the first down. Add in pass protection issues and a drive-killing penalty by Princeton Fant earlier, and this unit struggled once again.

Offensive line: D

Cooper Mays being hurt was bad enough. Cade Mays going out on a dead ball play wrecked Tennessee football’s line, though. The Vols had no chance to truly establish the run after that, and giving up five sacks while failing to average even four and a half yards a carry is a major indictment against the play of this unit.

Overall offensive grade: C+

Gaining 467 yards of offense should always seem like an elite performance, and 24 points to go with it is solid. However, the Vols were playing an awful defense and had way too many drives stall. As a result, this grade is barely above average.

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