Special Teams
Nathanael: F
For the first time this season, Tennessee’s special teams were a major disappointment. Joe Doyle had probably his worst night punting since he was named the Vols’ starting punter, and the usually automatic Brent Cimaglia missed a 47-yard field goal. That missed field goal from that distance isn’t a huge knock on Cimaglia, but it would’ve made the game 20-17 late in the second quarter. Instead, Georgia took over with decent field position and ended up scoring a touchdown before the half, making the game 26-14 at halftime rather than 20-17 or 26-17.
Not only that, but Tennessee again is getting absolutely nothing out of their return units. Ty Chandler and Marquez Callaway have done little to nothing to give the Vols’ offense better field position this season as kick and punt returners.
Ben: F
Saturday’s game against Georgia was the first time Tennessee’s special teams unit has been disappointing all season. Joe Doyle struggled punting the football, Brent Cimaglia missed his first field goal of the season, and Ty Chandler called for a fair catch on a kickoff just before the half with nine seconds remaining when it was Tennessee’s only chance of scoring.
Doyle averaged 33.4 yards per punt and Cimaglia missed a 47-yard field goal.
