Defensive Line
Playing against a veteran offensive line, the Vols’ defensive line got to Johnson a few times, but perhaps not as regularly as Tennessee hoped. A group that is hoping it can be among the best in the league was neutralized too often against the MAC offensive line. Curt Maggitt, who missed some time early after a minor injury, and Derek Barnett combined for eight tackles and three quarterback hurries, but no sacks and just one TFL. Danny O’Brien recorded a sack, but the defensive tackles weren’t overly disruptive. Outside of that one sack, the primary defensive tackle rotation of O’Brien, Shy Tuttle, Owen Williams and Kendal Vickers didn’t do a ton. Kahlil McKenzie didn’t appear until later and made minimal impact. The Vols played a ton of guys at defensive end and have a lot of depth and options there. It wasn’t necessarily a poor performance, just not the overall debut that many were looking for.
Grades
Daniel: C-
Houston: C
Reed: C
Average Grade: C
