Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Nathanael: B+
I thought aside from Marquez Callaway’s drop on Tennessee’s opening possession of the game, Tennessee’s receivers had a pretty good game against Alabama. Jauan Jennings had another great game, pulling down six catches for 102 yards, his first 100-yard game since the Florida game in 2016. Josh Palmer made a big 30-yard grab, and Tyler Byrd made an impact in the passing game with his 20-yard touchdown reception. Brandon Johnson also hauled in a big pass, one that went for 27 yards. Eli Wolf was the only tight end that made a catch, but Dominick Wood-Anderson missed the game due to injury. Marquez Callaway didn’t get a catch, and that shouldn’t happen in a game. He dropped a pass early, but I don’t remember him being targeted after. He could’ve been covered well the rest of the game, but UT needs to find ways to get him the ball if they can. Otherwise, it was a really good day for the pass catchers.
Ben: A-
Again, another group who isn’t the problem on offense. Tennessee’s receivers showed out once again on Saturday, specifically Jauan Jennings. Marquez Callaway didn’t record a reception, but Josh Palmer made a nice catch on a 50-50 ball on the sideline, Jennings had over 100 receiving yards, Tyler Byrd had an impressive touchdown catch, and Chandler continues to be a strong presence in the passing game. Jennings, Callaway, and Palmer are NFL-bound receivers and should be used as such. I wasn’t a fan of how long it took for Tyson Helton to get them involved in the down field passing game.
