Defensive Line
Nathanael: D
Alexis Johnson got two sacks, and one was instrumental in keeping Vanderbilt from scoring a touchdown. His performance is the only reason I’m not giving this unit an “F.” Kyle Phillips got credited with a pass deflection and a quarterback hurry, but the rest of the line was disappointing. Vanderbilt lost their leading rusher and star running back, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and they still had some success on the ground with Khari Blasingame. The stats look good for the Vols’ run defense, giving up 100 yards but only 2.3 yards a carry, but it would’ve been a lot worse had Vaughn stayed in the game. And aside from Johnson’s two sacks, this group rarely got pressure on Kyle Shurmur.
Ben: F
It was the same song and dance as it was almost the entirety of the season. No pressure was generated and the defensive line was unable to get off blocks. As a result, Kyle Shurmur had yet another career day against Tennessee and Khari Blasingame totaled 132 yards and a touchdown.
