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Tennessee football report card in 45-42 win at Kentucky

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) catches a pass in the end zone putting the Tennessee Volunteers ahead of the Kentucky Wildcats 44-35 during the fourth quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) catches a pass in the end zone putting the Tennessee Volunteers ahead of the Kentucky Wildcats 44-35 during the fourth quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the ball as Tennessee punter/placekicker Paxton Brooks (37) holds the ball during an SEC football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Tennvskentucky1106 1428
Tennessee placekicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the ball as Tennessee punter/placekicker Paxton Brooks (37) holds the ball during an SEC football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Tennvskentucky1106 1428 /

Special teams grades

Place kicking: C-

Chase McGrath was the difference in the game in the first half. He hit a 43-yard field goal, and Kentucky kicker Matt Ruffolo missed a 50-yarder. However, McGrath missed a 35-yarder late in the game, which is inexcusable. That 43-yarder plus not missing an extra point and ever Toby Wilson kickoff going for a touchback is what kept this grade average.

Punting: A

Paxton Brooks had one punt in the game. It was a 52-yarder that pinned Kentucky back at the 35. Kentucky scored on that drive, but that’s not his fault. This grade won’t have much of an impact on Tennessee football’s kicking game grade overall, but Brooks still gets an A grade.

Return game: A

After Kentucky went up 21-14, Velus Jones Jr. returned a kickoff 31 yards and drew a horse collar, which allowed them to tie it up with a score on that drive. Jimmy Holiday then had a 33-yard return to midfield after Kentucky went up 28-24. That allowed the Vols to score in three plays and take the lead back. With no punts, these were the only two returns, so obviously this gets an A.

Overall special teams grade: B-

That missed field goal didn’t prove to make a difference. Tennessee football did make a difference with McGrath’s made field goal and both kickoff returns. Those two things, despite the inexcusable miss, push this grade to just above average. If McGrath makes that field goal, this unit gets a perfect score.

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