Special Teams
Nathanael: C-
Marquez Callaway’s muffed punt is a big black mark on Tennessee’s special teams unit from Saturday’s game. Callaway hasn’t done anything as a returner all season, and he’s made several questionable decisions. Today was no exception. Not only did he have that fumble, but he also lost six yards after getting hit almost immediately after catching a punt that he probably should’ve fair caught. The good news for UT is that the rest of the special teams looked fairly good. Joe Doyle didn’t boom many punts, but four of his six punts were downed inside the 20, and Brent Cimaglia nailed his lone 38-yard field goal attempt.
Ben: C+
Marquez Callaway’s muffed punt is why I give the special teams a “C.” I still believe in Callaway as a returner, but he has to start creating some explosive plays or we may see Jordan Murphy get a shot. Brent Cimaglia nailed his only field goal attempt, and Joe Doyle did a nice job of pinning UTEP inside the 20-yard line on four of his six punts. Tennessee also did not have any busts on its coverage teams.
