Special Teams
Nathanael: A+
The only miscue from Tennessee’s special teams unit on Saturday was Paxton Brooks shanking a kick-off out of bounds. But everything else UT’s special teams did against UTC more than made up for that.
The Vols blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown, nearly blocked another punt, boomed two punts themselves, and remained perfect kicking field goals. Brent Cimaglia connected on a 34-yard field goal to improve to 8-of-8 on field goals for the season. The one punt UTC actually returned was snuffed out almost as soon as the returner got the ball, as he advanced the return just two yards. Ty Chandler ripped off a 58-yard kick return to open up the game as well.
Ben: A++
Brent Cimaglia remains stuck on automatic. Tennessee’s kicker is now 8-for-8 on field goal attempts this season after nailing a 34-yarder with 41 seconds remaining in the first half. Paxton Brooks and Joe Doyle both recorded punts, and both were beauties. Brooks’ punt went 59 yards, and Doyle’s punt went 53 yards. Brooks was also busy on kickoffs. He kicked off eight times, and although one went out-of-bounds for a penalty, the other seven resulted in touchbacks.
The best play of the game on special teams came on Tyler Byrd’s blocked punt that resulted in a Brandon Johnson touchdown. If Tennessee’s special teams performs against Florida like it did against UTC, the Vols will win at least one phase of the football game.
