Tennessee Grades

Tennessee Grades


It was a day of firsts, or at least firsts in a while, both good and bad:

• It was the first time that Tennessee had scored more than 20 points in a game against Alabama since 2003.  
• It was the first time that Tennessee had scored more than 20 points in regulation against Alabama since 2001.
• 58 points are the most points that either team had scored against the other in 101 meetings.
• 12 straight losses are the most that Tennessee has ever lost to any opponent.
• It was the first time a fan has ever thrown a drink at Nick Saban while he walked toward the locker room at halftime.

Bama thoroughly dominated Tennessee for the third year in a row.  If Bama wasn't taking their foot off the gas and making mental errors, it would have been even worse.  While I respect Tennessee for refusing to quit, they were so completely overmatched that they could have played their best game of the season and it might have been another score closer.  Had Bama played their best game of the season, they might have scored 100.  The beatdown was so massive that the game was over, for all intents and purposes, by the end of the third quarter.  The fourth was nothing more than both teams running out the clock.

It would be very easy to forget that Alabama-Tennessee is, historically, the South's most important rivalry.  It has determined more SEC champions than any other pairing.  But the arrival of Nick Saban to the Capstone, and a string of disastrous hires on Rocky Top, have rendered this rivalry a bit of joke.  Tennessee is currently more akin to their rivals in Nashville than they are to their betters in T-Town.

I've always said that I could never envision a scenario in which I felt bad for Tennessee fans.  Turns out I was right.

Here's how I grade the game:

OFFENSE - A

But for a lifeless start to the second quarter and a late pick six, the offense would easily have an A+.  The Vols could do nothing to slow Bama down until the Tide lost focus up 28-0.  Tua was 19 of 29 for 306 yards and 4 TDs.  He's still yet to take a snap in the fourth quarter of any game.  Once again, Jerry Jeudy was his favorite target, snagging 5 catches for 72 yards and a score.  Irv Smith also had 5 catches and a TD to go along with 50 yards receiver.  True Freshman wunderkind Jaylen Waddle continues to prove that, if you let him get a head of steam, he will not be caught.  He had 4 catches for 117 yards, including a 77 yard score in which Tua put the ball on him in stride and let Waddle absolutely torch the UT secondary.  Henry Ruggs had 3 catches for 65 yards and a TD, and Damien Harris, Derek Kief, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris had 1 catch each.  Jalen Hurts completed 2 passes on 3 attempts; the third was returned for the aforementioned pick six.

As a team, the Tide ran 42 times for 218 yards, an average of 5.2 yards per carry.  Josh Jacobs got the start at tailback and was the teams leading rusher, carrying it 12 times for 68 yards and 2 TDs.  Hurts and Damien Harris each had a TD run.  Najee Harris continues to be a human highlight reel.  He carried it 9 times for 50 yards, including a 14 yard scamper during which he hurdled a safety.  I'm assuming the poor Tennessee DB has quit football in shame.

DEFENSE - B

Tennessee only had 31 yards rushing on 30 attempts, much of which came late in the game.  The defense forced 3 fumbles, and received credit for recovering 1, though I'm convinced they recovered another, but the refs gave it to the UT receiver.  The team had 3 sacks, countless QB hits, and 11 tackles for loss.  That's the good.  Tennessee had 227 yards passing, including 2 TDs.  The Vols started relying on back shoulder throws, and the Bama DBs often failed to look back for the ball.  Tennessee was only 4 for 14 on possession downs, but 3 of the four were plays of 7, 10, and 13.

Deionte Thompson led the team in tackles with 7.  Xavier McKinney, Shyheim Carter, and LaBryan Ray had 5 tackles each.  McKinney also had a sack, as did Isaiah Buggs and Christian Miller.  McKinney's sack resulted in a forced fumble, which was recovered by Miller.  Carer and Dylan Moses both had multiple tackles for loss.

Perhaps I'm being a bit hard with this grade.  But, after a first quarter in which UT barely had positive total yards, it seems like the defense relaxed a bit, and UT took advantage.  It was a good performance, but there is room for improvement.  They need to play better against LSU.

KICKOFFS - A-

Joseph Bulovas had a little trouble early, but the wind was whipping from one endzone, so it can be excused.  Tennessee averaged 13.8 yards on 5 returns, with a long of 22.

Bama averaged 21.5 yards per return, with Jacobs putting up a long of 42.

PLACEKICKING - A+

Bulovas was perfect on 8 extra points.  Bama did not attempt a field goal.

PUNTING - A+

This may be generous, but after our punting woes this season, I'm not going to apologize for it.  Mike Bernier kicked his first two punts of the season.  Both went for 41 yards, and neither was returned.

COACHING - A-

The team was ready to play.  They scored on their first 4 possessions and basically ended the game by the end of the first quarter.  However, the team relaxed and let UT to move the ball, and some of that is on the coaches.  A lot of guys saw playing time, and there don't appear to have been any significant injuries.

It was a great game.  It always is when Alabama beats Tennessee.  As I mentioned before, this 12th victory in a row surpasses Bear Bryant's streak of 11 between 1971 and '81.  The last three wins have been by 39, 38, and 37.  If that doesn't put a smile on your face, why are you subscribed to this blog?


If you'll indulge me in adding a personal note, the Grades lost a loyal subscriber this week.  Retired Army Colonel Tom Bowden bravely fought a battle with Early Onset Alzheimer's, and though he did not lose that battle, it ended this past Wednesday.  Tom, along with Barbara, his wife of 46 years, was a friend of the Commissioner for over four decades.  I was privileged to have known him for the past few years.  Please join me in praying for Barbara and their two daughters in this difficult time, and hug your loved ones just a little tighter tonight.


God Bless and Roll Tide,

The Commissioner's Son and Heir

TO COMMENT ON THIS POST, PLEASE CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK.