Rick Clausen completed nearly two-third of his passes (19 of 30) for 189 yards with two TDs and two interceptions. Neither pick was a horrible throw, and Clausen showed his ability to manage the team and call protections with no delay penalties nor sacks.
RUNNING BACKS (B)
The fresh legs of Gerald Riggs (16 carries, 149 yards) and Cedric
Houston (19-97) were apparent. Fullback Cory Anderson was the team's
leading receiver with three catches for 40 yards. There were at least
two misses in blitz pickup.
OFFENSIVE LINE (C)
Not a bad day for this M*A*S*H unit. Michael Munoz's series of career
injuries (knee, foot, concussion, shoulder) has had a ripple effect as
less experienced players were forced to play. Cody Douglas (foot) and
Jason Respert (hand) didn't dress. Albert Toeaina needed to step
up.
RECEIVERS (C)
Not much to evaluate. No receiver had more than three catches. Jayson
Swain had two TD catches and Robert Meachem (3-25) got his hands on the
ball. Where's Chris Hannon? Holding penalty on Tony Brown wiped out a
C.J. Fayton TD.
DEFENSIVE LINE (D+)
The plus is for Parys Haralson, who had QB pressures that were as big
as his two sacks, as they led to interceptions. Turk McBride showed up
early, but for the most part there was a big drop off at defensive
tackle. Not much pressure or push from inside.
LINEBACKERS (D+)
Omar Gaither let his temper get the best of him when he taunted Jay
Cutler, and it cost UT 15 yards. Kevin Burnett was flying around making
plays. Jason Mitchell has disappeared since moving to middle
linebacker.
SECONDARY (D)
Vandy had two 100-yard receivers. UT gave up 80-yard and 62-yard
passes. Jonathan Wade was scorched on the 80-yarder with safety Robert
Boulware taking a bad angle and missing a tackle on the play. Roshaun
Fellows played well despite playing hurt. Jonathan Hefney played soft
in zone.
SPECIAL TEAMS (C)
Hefney added excitement to the punt and kick returns. James Wilhoit
made a 34-yard field goal his fourth in a row. Dustin Colquitt
averaged only 36 yards a punt, and failed to bury Vandy inside the 10
on a late punt from inside the 'Dores' territory.
OVERALL (C-)
A lack of intensity on defense was apparent in the second and fourth
quarters. Vols weren't in serious danger of losing until very late, and
that threat evaporated quickly. The lack of vertical passing limited
the offense. If UT was looking for respect, it didn't find it in
Nashville.
Bruce Pearl through the years
Tennessee's signing class for 2012











Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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