Overall
Daniel: Maybe the only other thing you could ask for is that the team put its foot on Iowa’s throat and win by 40+. But that’s really a moot point when compared to the overall job that Tennessee did. The Vols were incredibly crisp on offense against a highly-ranked defense and, while not perfect, the defense had a bend-but-don’t-break mentality that kept Iowa off the scoreboard early while the offense piled up points. I didn’t think this game would really be a huge deal – win or lose – for the Vols. But I also didn’t anticipate Tennessee playing that well and creating so much confidence and momentum for the program. There’s still a lot of work to do, and UT isn’t back where it needs to be yet, but Friday was a huge step in the right direction. Grade: A
Houston: Few had this as a must-win game for Tennessee, but this win – and the fashion in which it was won – has given, and will continue to give Tennessee a lot of momentum heading into the 2015 season. Everything about this game was nearly perfect from Tennessee’s perspective, and has sent this team and program into the offseason with a different buzz and feeling surrounding the program than has been present in quite some time. While a close loss wouldn’t have been detrimental to the future of Tennessee football, this blowout win in front of a predominantly orange-clad crowd will be remembered for a long, long time. It’s rare that a 7-6 team could earn such a special place in the hearts of Vol Nation, but, with this win, Team 118 achieved did just that. Grade: A+
Reed: What a game for the Tennessee football program. Vol fans flocked to Florida like snowbirds in the dead of winter and were reworded with an absolute beatdown of another “Power-5” team. The Vols were clearly the more prepared and more talented team in Jacksonville. And that team sent a clear message to the nation that they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2015 and beyond. Grade: A+
Average Grade: A+
