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Tennessee football report card in 34-27 OT win at Pitt

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) falls into the end zone to score a touchdown past Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker Bangally Kamara (11) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) falls into the end zone to score a touchdown past Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker Bangally Kamara (11) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Panthers defensive line attempts to block an extra point by Chase McGrath (40) of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 10, 2022.Pittsburgh Panthers Vs Tennessee Volunteers
The Pittsburgh Panthers defensive line attempts to block an extra point by Chase McGrath (40) of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on September 10, 2022.Pittsburgh Panthers Vs Tennessee Volunteers /

Special teams grades

Place kicking: A+

Every Paxton Brooks kickoff either resulted in a touchback or pinned Pitt inside the 20-yard line. Chase McGrath didn’t miss an extra point, and he made both field goals. One of those attempts was a 51-yarder. This is the most important aspect of special teams, and Tennessee football won it handily, so it obviously gets a perfect grade.

Punting: D+

While place kicking was elite, punting was awful Never mind that Paxton Brooks averaged 42.5 yards a punt. He shanked one for 30 yards. Most notably, though, the Vols had a punt blocked in the second half, and yes, that goes to the punt game. Those outweigh any good punts, so this has to be below average.

Return game: F+

Jimmy Holiday’s 29-yard kickoff return is what warrants the plus here. Trevon Flowers returned two punts, and his long was a four-yard return. He also spotted Pitt the tie by muffing a punt late, and that obviously pushes this to a failing grade. You can’t make those mistakes.

Overall special teams grade: C-

The absolutely awful punt game, in the return and punting itself, should give this grade below average. However, McGrath being so elite saved the unit. Pitt had two missed field goals in overtime, including a chip shot. As a result, McGrath saved Tennessee football in general, and he single-handedly carried this into the average range.

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