Offensive Line
Tennessee’s offensive line was able to create some running lanes for Jalen Hurd and Joshua Dobbs in spurts, but their lack of consistency in the running game and inability to protect Joshua Dobbs against the blitz really hurt Tennessee’s ability to move the football when they had to. The Vols finished with 49 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns (2.9 yards per carry), but gave up too much penetration that led to negative rushes and quarterback pressures/sacks/hurries. Joshua Dobbs was sacked three times and Tennessee was tackled behind the line of scrimmage eight times as a team. Downfield passing was made nearly impossible due to consistent pressure on Dobbs, and a crucial false start in overtime turned a crucial 3rd and 8 into a 3rd and 15, and the game would end on the next play as Dobbs was intercepted. For all their progress, this group still has a long way to go.
Grades:
Daniel: D
Houston: C-
Reed: D
Average Grade: D
