Overall
Nathanael: C-
This grade would be more positive if not for Tennessee just wilting in the second half. I know a lot of that is more due to the fact that Georgia is just bigger, stronger, deeper, and more talented than the Vols, so that’s why I’m not dropping the grade any lower than I am. But after the Vols’ strong start, they fizzled really badly in the third quarter, totaling just 15 yards of offense. They also turned the ball over twice in the second half after keeping it clean in the first half. Tennessee’s defense, again, couldn’t force a turnover, either.
There were plenty of positives to take away from this game, but it wasn’t a successful outing, either. I don’t count it as a “moral victory,” but there’s definitely reason for hope after this game and the way UT’s schedule (aside from Alabama) looks moving forward.
Ben: C
The main reason I’m giving Tennessee a somewhat positive grade is because of the play of Brian Maurer and the way the team fought for 60 minutes. The fight is there, the execution isn’t. But with teams coming up on the schedule that aren’t all that strong, there’s reason for hope, and Maurer can be thanked for that.
