Saturday’s historic loss to Florida was a reality check for a Tennessee program that is still in decline. Fans thought the transition from the Butch Jones era to the Jeremy Pruitt era, along with moving on from the worst season in program history, would mark the start of something new. An upward movement toward relevancy. A step out of the wilderness.
Saturday showed that Tennessee is still clearly mired in dysfunction. In what might be the worst performance in modern Tennessee history, a decidedly mediocre Florida team came into Neyland Stadium and humiliated Tennessee.
In reality, the grade should be “E” for embarrassing.
Tennessee Vols Game Grades Florida Edition
Offense: F
The offense was awful. There’s just no other way to put it. The offense couldn’t get any sustained momentum, and when they did, they either fumbled it away or made terrible mental mistakes to kill drives. Tennessee’s offense absolutely self-destructed and paved the way for a historically embarrassing loss to Florida on Saturday night.
Offensive Stat of the Game: 5 Offensive Turnovers
Quarterback: D
Jarrett Guarantano was under duress all night long. And while he played decently when he had time to make plays, there was a certain quality about his demeanor that wasn’t indicative of leadership. In the worst of times–and make no mistake, tonight was the worst of times–you’d like to see your leader step up and inspire others. Guarantano continues to be the best player on the field. But he needs to be more than that. He must be the physical and emotional leader of this team.
After Guarantano’s departure due to injury, Keller Chryst was solid in relief.
Running Backs: D
For five years, fans clamored for a fullback. Austin Pope had a whiffed block, a fumble through the end zone, and a drive-killing personal foul all in the first half. Pope’s fumble through the end zone was the epitome of the last ten years for Tennessee football. It was the point in this game when Tennessee fans knew this was going to be a historically bad night.
Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan never really got going. Madre London and Jeremy Banks fared better in the second half. One of the many questions regarding the offensive coaching is why London and Banks didn’t get more looks in the first half, particularly between the tackles and in short yardage situations.
Receivers: D
Marquez Callaway had two chances to haul in touchdown catches in the first half. And while they would have been tremendous catches, it would have provided a needed spark to the offense. Brandon Johnson and Josh Palmer had three bad drops in the second half. Only Jauan Jennings graded out positively amongst the receivers.
Offensive Line: F-
Anyone that watched this game understands this grade. Pass blocking was atrocious. Run blocking was atrocious. Florida’s defensive line absolutely owned the line of scrimmage. Ryan Johnson had two poor snaps, one leading to a turnover. That’s shades of 2017, when Tennessee had a bad snap in each game. Drew Richmond had more penalties after having half of the team’s penalties last week. There really wasn’t one good thing from the offensive line tonight.
Tennessee’s inability to get out of their own end zone was a perfect example of the lack of physicality on the offensive line.
Defense: D
Yes, much of the damage was done by the ineptitude of the offense. But the defense crumbled under the weight of expectations. The first play of the second half, after Shawn Shamburger‘s kickoff return fumble, was an example of a defense that had given up. Florida’s long touchdown run with four minutes remaining highlighted this lack of effort in the second half.
Defensive Stat of the Game: 47 Florida points: the most points Florida has ever scored in Neyland Stadium.
Defensive Line: D
Tennessee wasn’t able to get a sustained pass rush against Florida. Shy Tuttle was good against the run, but the other defensive tackles were largely invisible. Kyle Phillips had a few plays in the pass rush, but couldn’t make an impact play. Too often the suspect Gators offensive line was able to push the line of scrimmage forward, particularly on first downs.
Linebackers: D
Tennessee needed someone to set a tone tonight, and no one was in better position to exploit a suspect Florida offensive line and under-achieving quarterback and running game than the linebackers. They were largely invisible during the night. Florida averaged 5.9 yards per rush and Feleipe Franks was able to run when his number was called.
Defensive Backs: D
Theo Jackson continues to struggle in the safety position, and Tennessee’s secondary let Feleipe Franks and Tyrie Cleveland beat them for a second straight season. Much like the linebackers, there just wasn’t a tone set during any point of the game.
Special Teams: D
Shawn Shamburger fumbled twice on the opening kickoff of the second half. The first half on-side kick should have been recovered, but wasn’t executed properly. Marquez Callaway couldn’t do anything on punt returns. The only positive was Brent Cimiglia going 2-for-2 on field goal attempts.
To add insult to injury, former Vol Tommy Townsend tormented Tennessee with his punting tonight.
Coaching: F
Tyson Helton’s play calling in the first half was head scratching, at best, and predictable, at worst. It was reminiscent of the past ten years of offensive futility.
Jeremy Pruitt’s decision to kick an on-side kick in the first half reeked of desperation. Moreover, Pruitt’s frustration was clear on the sideline.
This Tennessee team wasn’t ready to play, made too many mental mistakes, and failed to execute in any of the three phases of the game. There’s plenty of responsibility to go around, but the coaches share much of it.
Looking Ahead
Tennessee is now looking down consecutive SEC games against Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama. The Vols will not win any of those. Other than Charlotte, Tennessee won’t be favored against any team remaining on their schedule.
Volunteer fans experienced the worst season in program history last season. Is it possible that this season might be worse? Could Tennessee finish with just 3 wins against 9 losses?
Unless something changes, and changes quick, that possibility will become a reality.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
