Receivers/Tight Ends
Daniel: There still wasn’t much of a vertical passing game as has been the case all season, but this group, also a touch short-handed, got the job done with 21 catches for 207 yards. Jason Croom (6 catches, 76 yards) and Johnathon Johnson (2 TDs) both had big afternoons. Marquez North made a nice leaping 5-yard TD reception to put the Vols in front early, but had to leave the game early after taking a big shot. Von Pearson still isn’t 100%, though he’s working his way back in with a couple catches for 14 yards. Pig Howard, who Johnson got the start over, and Josh Malone were both very quiet. That’s a little bit concerning. The mismatch was evident here, however, and this group helped make sure that this game would never be in doubt. Grade: B
Houston: Another so-so effort from this group in my opinion. Marquez North’s injury probably played a big role in this unit’s lack of production, but I just expected more from them in this game. Josh Malone was nowhere so be found yesterday – even thought he saw plenty of snaps – and appeared disinterested at times. Jason Croom and Johnathon Johnson each provided a spark for this group, but they will need everybody on the same page over the second half of the season if this team is to reach its potential. They just seem to struggle to get open and create separation at times. Von Pearson appears close to 100% and will certainly add another element that has been missing since his injury against Arkansas State. Pearson had two catches for 14 yards against the Mocs. They were far from bad, but they didn’t play up to WRU expectations in this one. Grade: C
Reed: Jason Croom turned in a career day with six catches for 76 yards. That’s a good sign for Tennessee. They need him to use his big frame in the middle of the field, an area that’s been vulnerable to attack for much of the season. North made an acrobatic TD catch and Johnathon Johnson caught three passes for 46 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the season. Tennessee didn’t get many big plays from this group, something you’d like to see against an FCS foe. It was a solid, but not spectacular, day overall. Grade: B
