TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Jarrett Guarantano’s first career road start came with lots of time spent on the turf. The redshirt freshman was repeatedly swarmed, but his confidence was unshaken when he talked to media after the game..
RUNNING BACKS
The running backs did not get much help from the offensive line or the passing game. As a result, they were ineffective. No one is questioning John Kelly’s heart. He just needs a little help.
RECEIVERS
A thin receiving corps continues to fail at gaining separation in coverage, which handicaps Tennessee’s entire offense. Alabama’s elite secondary only reinforced the already evident flaw of this group.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Guarantano was pressured all day and the running game never got going as the Vols started their fifth offensive line combination of the season. Will this group ever find a groove?
DEFENSIVE LINE
This defensive line failed to generate a pass rush against Alabama. Everyone knew replacing three senior defensive ends from last year’s team would be difficult, and Saturday was another reminder of how much the Vols miss Derek Barnett.
LINEBACKERS
Daniel Bituli’s 97-yard interception return for a touchdown was Tennessee’s top highlight. Considering the injuries this group has dealt with, they’ve continued to perform at a decent clip.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
To the surprise of no one, Alabama’s receivers ran crisp routes and gained separation from Tennessee’s defensive backs. True freshman Shawn Shamburger’s performance provided a glimmer of hope for the future.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Trevor Daniel’s mercurial season continues. The senior punter had a confounding mix of booming punts and shanks on Saturday ranging in distance from 25 yards to 60.
COACHING
Did anyone see this game turning out differently? Taking a beating at the hands of Alabama taught us little about embattled coach Butch Jones and his staff. Their fate may hang in the balance at Kentucky next week.