Offensive Line
Nathanael: C
The Vols’ offensive line did a better job blocking in the run game overall, particularly whenever the run play went to the edge and not up the middle. But blocking was still inconsistent, and this time the pass blocking was a little more suspect than it has been to star the season. Guarantano got sacked twice and was harassed several other times too. The run blocking was better than it has been, but there were still four tackles for loss allowed by an inferior opponent, and there were several other runs that went for three yards or less that shouldn’t have happened. Drew Richmond in particular had a bad game on Saturday.
Ben: C-
This grade is indicative of the opponent Tennessee played. If the Vols rush for 345 yards and two touchdowns against Florida, I’ll give the offensive line an A++++ next weekend. But against UTEP, that’s exactly what they should do. And although they were better in run-blocking, the group was still inconsistent. In pass-protection, Tennessee allowed two sacks and multiple pressures. Against a team that has lost 15 straight games, that is unacceptable. The Vols have plenty of weapons at receiver and running back, but if the offensive line can’t even be average at minimum, those weapons will go to waste.
