Tennessee football report card in 40-13 win at LSU
Coaching grades
Offensive play-calling: A+
It was clear Josh Heupel had two weeks to prepare for this game. Tennessee football’s offense once again needed a quarter to get going, as the 13-0 lead was set up by special teams. However, that was about rhythm, not Heupel’s play-calling. The fourth-down shovel pass and 45-yard touchdown from Hendon Hooker to Jalin Hyatt were all on Heupel and Alex Golesh.
Defensive play-calling: A+
Tim Banks didn’t have the same game plan he did against the Florida Gators. Knowing Jayden Daniels’ weaknesses, he brought more pressure, and it worked, as the Vols came away with five sacks. They still gave up too many yards through the air, but Banks did his job, calling a near-perfect game outside of one drive in the first half.
Overall head coaching grade: A+
Amidst all the hype and excitement after a 4-0 start and top 10 ranking coming off of the bye, the Vols had every reason to be overconfident or feel distracted. Josh Heupel didn’t let them get to that point. LSU was the undisciplined team in this one, and that’s saying something.
Next. Top five Vols performers in win at LSU. dark
Now, one drawback is Tennessee football did have double-digit penalties again, but you can’t put all that on the coach. In general, Heupel called a perfect game, and his staff was two to three steps ahead of Brian Kelly’s staff on both sides of the ball all day.