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Tennessee football report card: Grading the Vols in 60-14 win vs. South Alabama

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive lineman/linebacker Roman Harrison (30) during a game against South Alabama at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Alabama Football
Tennessee defensive lineman/linebacker Roman Harrison (30) during a game against South Alabama at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Alabama Football /
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Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) tackles South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Desmond Trotter (1) in the end zone during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) tackles South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Desmond Trotter (1) in the end zone during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive grades

Defensive line: A

Kurott Garland had two tackles for a loss and a sack that resulted in a safety. Da’Jon Terry had one and a half tackles for a loss. Omar Thomas had a tackle for a loss, and Caleb Tremblay assisted on one. There’s a reason Tennessee football only allowed South Alabama to rush for 69 yards on 37 carries, and it had everything to do with this push up front.

Linebackers: B

Roman Harrison was the star of the night with two quarterback hurries and one and a half tackles for a loss. Tyler Baron assisted on another tackle for a loss. Jeremy Banks and Aaron Beasley were fine against the run, and they finally contained a mobile quarterback, but they were also part of the passing game for South Alabama moving the ball. That’s what brought this down to a B.

Secondary: C+

Theo Jackson had two tackles for a loss, and Trevon Flowers had a key fourth down sack. However, if the Vols allowed South Alabama to do anything, it was throw the ball. They gave up 216 passing yards and two touchdowns while forcing no turnovers. As a result, the defensive backs have to get an average grade for how they played.

Overall defensive grade: B+

Outside of allowing too many yards through the air, the Vols were fine on defense. Heck, they generated a safety here, and they had multiple stands when needed. Add in holding a team to 14 points, and this unit was fine.

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