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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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Sep 24, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks a field goal against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks a field goal against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Special teams grades

Place kicking: A+

A huge difference in the game was Chase McGrath making his one field goal and Adam Mihalek missing his. Sure, Mihalek’s was 20 yards further, but he’s automatic, so that nullified what should have been an advantage. That combined with two failed two-point conversions is why Florida didn’t have a chance to win in the end.

McGrath also nailed every extra point, and every kickoff by Paxton brooks pinned Florida at or inside the 25-yard line except one at the end of the first half, when Tennessee football was trying to run out the clock. Simply put, this unit was fine, and with Brooks not punting in the game, it was the only area where kicking made a difference.

Return game: D

Jimmy Holiday had a 34-yard and a 27-yard kickoff return. That should’ve put this grade above average and pushing A-range. However, failing to recover that onside kick late pushes it down to the D-range. You can’t make those mistakes, and that was a crucial one.

Overall special teams grade: C+

Again, failing to recover the onside kick pushed what was a good special teams performance all day down to average. Situational plays are huge, and Tennessee football was awful on them all night. That they allowed an onside kick failure to be a part of that almost cost them.

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