Special Teams
Nathanael: B+
If not for the blocked 48-yard field goal, Tennessee’s special teams unit would get an “A” from me. Aside from the kick he had blocked, Brent Cimaglia was spot-on for the Vols on Saturday, nailing two other field goals from 40-plus yards and finishing with three made field goals on four attempts. Joe Doyle continued to show that he’s more than capable of filling Trevor Daniel’s shoes at punter, flipping the field on almost every punt. Three of his four punts were downed inside the 20, and his longest punt (64 yards) was also his most impressive. That punt bounced, rolled, and was eventually downed at the Auburn two-yard line. Tennessee still didn’t do anything in the return game, but they weren’t given much opportunity on Saturday either.
Ben: B+
The blocked field goal is the only thing keeping this unit from receiving an “A.” But the field goal unit did a great job of bouncing back. Brent Cimaglia finished the day 3-for-4 on his field goal attempts with a long of 45 yards, playing a big part in the Vols win.
Joe Doyle had a tremendous 62-yard punt that pinned Auburn at its own goal line and averaged 42.3 yards per punt. Both return units, kick and punt, did a great job of not allowing any big returns.
