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Tennessee football report card: Grading the Vols in their 59-10 win vs. Ball State

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (24) is stopped by Ball State defenders on a run during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (24) is stopped by Ball State defenders on a run during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901 /
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Ball State wide receiver Yo’Heinz Tyler (6) loses the ball while tackled by Tennessee defensive back Warren Burrell (4) during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901
Ball State wide receiver Yo’Heinz Tyler (6) loses the ball while tackled by Tennessee defensive back Warren Burrell (4) during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901 /

Defensive grades

Defensive line: A-

There were no sacks from the edge rushers. That didn’t stop Tennessee football’s defensive line from playing superb. The Vols held Ball State to 74 rushing yards and under three yards a carry. Omari Thomas, Joshua Josephs and Amari McNeill all knocked down passes. Da’Jon Terry, Tyre West and Byron Young each got hurries. Elijah Simmons had a tackle for a loss.

Linebackers: A

Yes, the weakest unit for the Vols on defense last year was the best in this game. It started on the first play of the game, when Aaron Beasley brought the pressure to force the interception. Beasley led the team with eight tackles. Kalib Perry added two hurries, and Elijah Herring had one. Jeremy Banks had six tackles, so this unit was solid all night

Secondary: B-

In his first start, John Paddock actually carved up the Vols’ secondary at times. He had 269 yards and a touchdown through the air and was a bobbled ball on the pylon away from two touchdowns. However, forcing turnovers saved the unit. Tamarion McDonald had that first interception, and Kamal Hadden had one while playing lockdown coverage all night. That pushes this above average.

Overall defensive grade: A-

Sure, they allowed 343 yards, but Tennessee football’s defense only gave up 10 points, and they did force a turnover on the first play of the game. That’s enough to give this unit an A grade, and given the makeup of the team, you couldn’t ask for much more.

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