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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; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the game winning field goal against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the game winning field goal against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Special teams grades

Place kicking: B+ 

If not for that missed extra point, this would’ve been an A+. However, you can’t miss those. Still, Tennessee football pinned Alabama within the 25 on almost all their kickoffs, and Chase McGrath made the 40-yard field goal to win the game. Taking that into account, it’s safe to say place kicking was still nearly great even with that huge fail.

Punting: B-

Paxton Brooks’ one punt in this game was actually a bad one and should’ve put this grade at a D. However, Alabama muffed that punt, and the Vols recovered. Punt coverage is a part of this grade, so that alone was enough to push this to above average, as you can’t deny recovering a fumble on a punt, regardless of whose fault it was.

Return game: C-

Jimmy Holiday made a poor decision running out one kickoff, and a penalty spotted the Vols the ball inside their own 10-yard line. However, Dee Williams did return one punt 12 yards. The combination of the two pushes this grade to the average range.

Overall special teams grade: B-

McGrath’s made field goal is the one bit of special teams success that Tennessee football generated. The Vols won this game on special teams because of Alabama mistakes: a muffed punt return and a missed field goal. Still, capitalizing on those differences, even with a missed extra point, pushes this grade to above average.

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