Defensive Line
Nathanael: D-
Kyle Phillips is the only defensive lineman worth mentioning in this game. He had a good outing, totaling seven tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. He also blocked a PAT by Missouri. Other than Phillips, though, the Vols’ defensive line had a forgettable day. Alexis Johnson and Shy Tuttle failed to make an impact stopping the run, with Tuttle being the only one to credit a TFL (and it was only half of one). Emmit Gooden made five tackles, and Matthew Butler actually played okay when he was in, but the front line was a big reason Missouri totaled over 200 rushing yards.
Ben: D
Outside of Kyle Phillips, the defensive line had a rough outing. Phillips recorded seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack on senior day, but he didn’t receive much help. Against a veteran O-line of Mizzou, Tennessee struggled to get off blocks and really struggled with the Tigers’ up-tempo. As a result, Missouri rushed for 227 yards and three touchdowns.
