Game report

Both played like freshmen in the first half, as each committed a turnover that led to a Florida TD. Erik Ainge engineered the game-winning drive, playing all but one series in the second half, and was 13-of-20 for 159 yards and 2 TDs over the final 30 minutes.

RUNNING BACKS (B)

Cedric Houston looked good at times, but missed some big holes early. Gerald Riggs was strong, but didn't get enough opportunities. Nice goal-line leap by Jabari Davis. Protection appeared adequate.

RECEIVERS (A-)

Clutch catches from Bret Smith, Chris Hannon, Tony Brown and Jayson Swain. Young QBs leaned on receivers and they produced. Can still get tougher on blocking assignments. The mystery: Where's Robert Meachem?

OFFENSIVE LINE (A-)

Strong push against Gators' front seven on inside runs. Not as good running wide. Pass protection was cohesive. Michael Munoz dominated and Jason Respert and Cody Douglas stepped up. One motion penalty and no holding calls.

DEFENSIVE LINE (C+)

No penetration. Gap control appeared shaky at times in first half. Came up big with the goal-line stand and late stops to get the ball back in fourth quarter. Parys Haralson and Jesse Mahelona picked it up in the second half.

LINEBACKERS (C+)

Kevin Burnett had career-high 16 tackles and looked fast. Corps dropped off when Kevin Simon went down, but Jon Poe looked better as game progressed. Jason Mitchell missed too many tackles early. Receivers were open underneath quite often.

SECONDARY (C-)

Some broken coverages and got beat deep on key occasions. Jason Allen had a huge interception, but couldn't come up with big plays on third downs in first half. Unit's coverage and tackling improved in the second half.

SPECIAL TEAMS (C-)

James Wilhoit's 50-yard field goal heroics aside, special teams are still a disappointment. Kick coverage was spotty, and the return game was not productive. Dustin Colquitt dropped first snap and punted only 40 yards but came back with a 50-yarder late.

OVERALL (C+)

Vols played to their inexperience in the first half, but rallied in the second half. Tailback personnel management was questionable. John Chavis motivated the defense, and Randy Sanders delivered key calls in the clutch. This young team has potential, but it has hardly arrived.