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Tennessee football report card in 52-49 win vs. Alabama

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) fights through contact from Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle (9) during a game between Tennessee and Alabama in Neyland Stadium, on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.Tennesseevsalabama1015 3198
Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) fights through contact from Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle (9) during a game between Tennessee and Alabama in Neyland Stadium, on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.Tennesseevsalabama1015 3198 /
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Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jermaine Burton (3) catches a pass against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Christian Charles (14) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jermaine Burton (3) catches a pass against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Christian Charles (14) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive grades

Defensive line: C

Honestly, this isn’t on the defensive tackles. With Omari Thomas leading the way and getting a sack, Tennessee football did a solid job closing off the running lanes in the middle. However, the edge rushers didn’t have the impact the Vols needed them to have, and while part of that was on Bryce Young being elite, it caused some problems.

Linebackers: B+

By far the strongest unit of the defense, the linebackers are the reason Alabama averaged under four yards a carry. They closed the gaps perfectly, and they also executed all of Tim Banks’ well-designed blitzes. Jeremy Banks was the star with four quarterback hurries, and while they still have issues in coverage, they still did so many other great things in this game.

Secondary D-

What did you expect? The Vols were without their top two cornerbacks, their strong safety, and they were facing a Heisman winner? In terms of facing expectations, this unit was fine, but we can’t ignore Bryce Young throwing for 455 yards on the day. Even if that was mostly Young just being elite, you can’t let that happen.

Overall defensive grade: C-

In typical Josh Heupel fashion, the defense did just enough to win, and they did it despite the Vols being banged up on the back end of the secondary. They had two key stops in the first half and another key stop in the third quarter.

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