Linebackers
Nathanael: B+
I’ve run out of words to describe how phenomenal Daniel Bituli has been this season. He was, once again, a stalwart for the Vols on Saturday, racking up 19 tackles and half a tackle for loss. He and Henry To’o To’o were flying around the field, and both players made stops time and time again. Granted, they often weren’t able to make the tackle till UK’s runner got four or five yards (or more) upfield, but that’s more on the defensive line. Bituli especially was great about pursuing the ball carrier closer to the line of scrimmage. Kivon Bennett played pretty well, and Darrell Taylor got another sack in his limited number of opportunities to rush the passer. Deandre Johnson had a forgettable game with two jumping offsides penalties on Kentucky’s first drive.
Ben: B+
Daniel Bituli was a man amongt boys against Kentucky. I picked him to be the MVP of the game heading into the contest, and boy was he, as he recorded 19 tackles and a massive goal line stop to help seal the game. Along with Henry To’o To’o — who had eight tackles and a tackle for a loss — and the defensive line, Bituli slowed down the Kentucky rushing attack when it mattered most.
