TENNESSEE VOLS

Patrick Brown evaluates Saturday’s 52-20 win over Western Kentucky:

QUARTERBACK

Though he settled down after halftime, Justin Worley was inaccurate on throws to open targets and underthrew his deep passes. The Vols need better quarterback play.

RUNNING BACKS

Rajion Neal and Marlin Lane were again productive, combining for 121 yards on 17 carries (7.1 yards per carry) in the second half. Lane broke off runs of 20 and 19 yards, while Neal scored three times.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Juco transfer Johnathon Johnson accounted for two of Tennessee’s plays of 20 yards or more, and freshman Josh Smith (three catches for 36 yards) also played well. Marquez North made a highlight-reel grab, but Croom’s drop was costly.

OFFENSIVE LINE

On 24 first-half plays, Tennessee had 12 non-scoring plays go for two yards or less, including a second-quarter thirdand-1 stuffed for no gain. The Vols’ shortest run by Neal or Lane in the second half was 2 yards.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Western Kentucky ran for 171 yards and averaged 5 yards per carry, and Tennessee’s pass rush was spotty, but the Vols seemed to get pressure on Hilltoppers quarterback Brendan Doughty.

LINEBACKERS

Dontavis Sapp and Brent Brewer combined to have a hand in three turnovers, but Western Kentucky running backs and tight ends caught eight passes for 128 yards, a total that included gains of 43 and 33 yards.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Sure, the Vols showed some holes in the secondary, but when you intercept five passes and return two for touchdowns, it’s a good day. LaDarrell McNeil (10 tackles) was often near the ball, and Tennessee broke up six passes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Coach Butch Jones called the punt blocked by a three-man rush “inexcusable.” Vincent Dallas and Jacob Carter had nice days in the return game. Michael Palardy made a field goal, booted three touchbacks and had one punt downed at the 2.

COACHING

The Vols were penalized only twice and played turnoverfree while Western Kentucky imploded. Multiple offensive players credited the coaching staff for its halftime message and adjustments. The defense showed some resiliency and made the game’s key plays.