Overall
Nathanael: C-
I hate to use this phrase, but Tennessee lost that game more than South Carolina won it. The Vols had that game ready to be won, but the defense couldn’t stop a nose bleed in the second half, and the offensive line beat themselves time and time again. When you commit nine penalties and don’t stop the opponent from running the ball, you’re not going to win in the SEC. And that’s exactly what happened on Saturday. The Vols showed some improvement in some areas, but ultimately this one got away from them.
Ben: C
Tennessee lost, but it took another step in the right direction and should have won that football game. The Vols lost because of silly penalty after silly penalty and their inability to stop the run. But I firmly believe they also lost because of the referees not reviewing the South Carolina fumble at the goal line. If that play is ultimately overturned, which it should have been, I truly think Tennessee beats South Carolina. It didn’t, though, and Tennessee’s chances of making a bowl game took a major blow.
