Secondary
Nathanael: B+
Tennessee’s secondary didn’t get tested much today, but they did a good job at maintaining their assignments. Nigel Warrior did drop a surefire interception, but it would’ve been called back because of a roughing the passer penalty anyway. A lot of the Vols’ pressures on UTEP quarterback Kai Locksley came after he had the ball for a little bit but couldn’t find anyone open because of the solid coverage Tennessee had. Shawn Shamburger made some good plays, and Baylen Buchanan picked up a good tackle for loss.
Ben: B+
Even though they didn’t receive any help from the pass-rush, Tennessee’s secondary did a great job of holding UTEP to 9-of-23 passing and just 39 passing yards. Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor are slowly getting their feet under them, and as a result, the pair didn’t allow an explosive play for a second straight game. Baylen Buchanan was also solid in coverage and even run support. The junior recorded a tackle for a loss as he burst into the backfield on a corner blitz. Tennessee’s safeties did a nice job of not allowing any UTEP receivers to sneak past them. My only complaint is for Nigel Warrior. He has to find a way to haul in that interception that he dropped. This defense can’t afford to give teams a second life.
