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Tennessee football report card in 44-6 win vs. Kentucky

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) spins off Kentucky defensive back Zion Childress (11) during the NCAA football match between Tennessee and Kentucky in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.Tennesseevskentucky1029 3840
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (20) spins off Kentucky defensive back Zion Childress (11) during the NCAA football match between Tennessee and Kentucky in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.Tennesseevskentucky1029 3840 /
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Just because it wasn’t the way they usually win games doesn’t mean Tennessee football didn’t pass with flying colors across the board in their win over the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday. In fact, winning in a different way actually increased their marks, as it proved their versatility across the board and what they could do in these games.

The Vols beat a team that likes to slow the game down and force you to win ugly. Well, all they did was force the other team ugly while still dominating themselves. In the process, they scored their fifth victory over a ranked team this year and second blowout among those.

As we get set to break down the different position groups for the Vols based on this performance, we’ll take into account the style of play they were facing. Just like we usually do, we’ll separate them by offense, defense, special teams and coaching. Starting with the first half of the offense, here is our Tennessee football report card.

These are our grades for Tennessee football in the Volunteers’ victory over the Wildcats.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) with the touchdown during the NCAA college football game against Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.Utvkentucky1029
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) with the touchdown during the NCAA college football game against Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.Utvkentucky1029 /

Offensive grades part I

Quarterback: A

Hendon Hooker was 19-of-25 for 245 yards and three touchdowns, and he added 23 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was a typical stat-padding performance that should make him easily the favorite in the Heisman race. Overall, he had a near-perfect performance. Standing in the pocket and making throws was a huge boost.

However, there were a couple of drawbacks. Hooker was sacked twice, and one of those sacks was solely due to him holding onto the ball. Then he one-hopped a pass after one of the sacks, killing a drive. A+ performances need to be perfect, and that’s enough to make this an A.

Running back: A

Jabari Small averaged fewer than four yards a carry, but he converted every short-yardage play necessary, and he caught a touchdown pass. Jaylen Wright proved just how elite he is in open space. While Small had 21 carries for 78 yards while catching two passes for 17 yards, Wright had seven carries for 73 yards and a score for Tennessee football.

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