LV on Sports: Grading the Vols

I have mixed thoughts about the Vols this weekend. Hey, a 33-7 win is never a bad thing but there are some concerns as we get closer to a tough SEC schedule and lets not look past Memphis. We got caught doing that a few years ago when a certain quarterback by the name of Peyton was at UT and the offensive coordinators name that year; Davide Cutcliffe.

Offense: C+
The offensive line just isn't getting the job done the last two games. With the exception of LaMarcus Coker's 89 yard TD run the run (which came at the beginning of the 4th quarter)blocking was near nonexistent. The Vols only rushed for 36 yards during the first 3 quarters. The pass blocking was pretty good although Ainge was sacked twice. The receivers and the improved play from Eric Ainge are the bright spots. Ainge appears to be more confident each game and is making better decisions(with the exception of that sack he took in the second half where he should thrown the ball away). The receivers are playing well but it does concern me that I don't hear many names called other than Jason Swain (Sr.), Brett Smith (Sr.) and Robert Meachem (Jr.). Who will catch the ball if and when these guys get hurt and Graduate next year?

Defense: B-
This D-line has been run over for the 3rd straight week. Marshal had the ball for nearly 10 more minutes than Tennessee. The Vols only managed one possession in the 3rd quarter. This is large in part to Marshal's ability to run the football. Linebackers played well but missed some tackles. The secondary also did well but when a team only attempts 14 passes it's kind of hard not to.

Special Teams: A+
James Wilhoit has been phenomenal. He had made 11 straight field goals until he missed one from 42 yards Saturday night. He later nailed one from 49. He has been on fire on kickoffs. He has had 3 touchbacks per game this season and Saturday he ran down the field and made a non-touchdown saving tackle. He has stepped it up this season. Punter Britton Colquitt averaged 56 yards on 3 punts and all were downed inside the 10 yard line.

Coaching: C
I think David Cutcliffe has improved a lot in his play calling but at times it looks like the same crap that he did for years at UT. To many screen passes and he abandoned the run for awhile. You have to run in the SEC. If you can’t run you will not win. They are going to have to get creative in the run game. This line is not good enough to just line up and run over anyone. I was pleased with the play action call on third down for a touchdown. I wouldn’t have made that call but I am glad he did.