Special Teams
Daniel: Not sure if Tennessee wins without the solid play from the special teams. Cam Sutton’s punt return for a touchdown was the most obvious example, but virtually everybody played well in this area. Matt Darr is finishing his career out in style and his 60-yarder that pinned Vandy back in the fourth quarter was one of the best kicks of his career. Aaron Medley continues to be steady and all the coverage teams were solid, preventing Vandy, which had returned three kicks for touchdowns this year, from getting any easy scores in that department. Great job overall here and I’m bringing out the rare perfect score. Grade: A+
Houston: This group had the best night they’ve had all season, in my opinion. Cameron Sutton got Tennessee on the board early with a dazzling 76-yard punt return for a touchdown that demonstrated how dangerous he can be when given the opportunity to field a ball in space. Aaron Medley banged in his lone field goal attempt and kick coverage was solid once again. Matt Darr also pitched in a solid night’s work with seven punts for a 48.4-yard average. Without such a strong night on special teams, Tennessee may not win this game. Grade A+
Reed: For the second straight week, the Vols scored a special teams touchdown and decisively won this phase of the game. Darr pinned Vandy at the two on one occasion and averaged 48.4 yards per punt. Sutton’s electric return TD gave the Vols life. Medley made his lone field goal attempt and Tennessee’s kick coverage was solid. Grade: A
Average Grade: A+
