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Tennessee football report card in 38-33 win vs. Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) runs after catching a pass during TennesseeÕs football game against Florida in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Kns Ut Florida Football Bp
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) runs after catching a pass during TennesseeÕs football game against Florida in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Kns Ut Florida Football Bp /
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Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) tries to avoid tackles by Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) and Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) during Tennessee’s football game against Florida in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Kns Ut Florida Football Bp
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) tries to avoid tackles by Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) and Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) during Tennessee’s football game against Florida in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Kns Ut Florida Football Bp /

Defensive grades

Defensive line: A

Fans will question the lack of pressure by this unit, but that was by design, as the goal was to not let Anthony Richardson run the ball. In the process, Tennessee football kept Florida from dominating on the ground the way it usually does. Omari Thomas had a forced fumble, a pass deflection and two hurries, Byron Young had four hurries, and Da’Jon Terry had a sack.

Linebackers: B+

Issues in pass coverage, once again, is what kept this unit from getting an A. Still, Jeremy Banks stopped a fourth down run by Richardson, and he recovered the fumble Thomas forced. This unit held Florida to 141 yards and under three and a half yards a carry. They came in averaging over 200 yards and nearly six and a half yards a carry, so the linebackers truly stepped up.

Secondary: F

While the defensive line stopped the run and the linebackers held Richardson in check, the pressure was on the secondary as he threw from the pocket. They failed. Warren Burrell was out, to be fair, but Richardson had 453 passing yards and two touchdowns. He’s not an accurate quarterback either, so this unit was awful for the Vols. There’s no sugarcoating it.

Overall defensive grade: D+

Yes, the secondary alone brought this unit’s grade to below average. Kamal Hadden showed why he’s not a No. 1 cornerback, and the situational defense by this unit was awful. Tennessee football allowed Florida to convert five of six fourth downs, and Richardson was 3-of-3 for 52 yards on fourth down. Blame the secondary, but they drug down the whole group.

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