Coaching
Nathanael: B
Tennessee’s coaching wasn’t the reason they lost they lost on Saturday; A lack of overall talent and bad match-ups are what cost the Vols. You could tell that the coaching was actually improved from last year, and that started with Jeremy Pruitt’s decision to go for it on fourth down at the goal line in the first half. The offensive play-calling was more creative and played to UT’s strengths more than the previous staff, and the defensive play-calling did what it could to try and scheme up WVU’s potent offense. It wasn’t the most spectacular coaching effort you’ll see, but it was certainly better than what Vol fans have seen recently.
Ben: B-
Jeremy Pruitt’s decision to go for it on fourth and goal twice are the biggest reasons as to why I’m giving the coaching grade a “B.” Even had Wood-Anderson not caught the touchdown to make it 10-7, it was the absolute right decision to go for it. Pruitt is trying to change the culture in Knoxville, and going for it on fourth and goal the first opportunity you have will help instill the mindset needed to win in the SEC. Offensively, I would have liked to see Tennessee maybe toss the ball around more in the first half while the running game was struggling.
