QUARTERBACKS (A)

Erik Ainge showed excellent command of the offense and was virtually flawless, finding open receivers, throwing the ball away when appropriate and making clean handoffs. A delay of game penalty prevents a perfect grade.

RUNNING BACKS (A-)

Arian Foster ran hard and smart, and Montario Hardesty hit the line like a missile. LaMarcus Coker had the big play with a 56-yard TD reception. Backs broke more tackles than any other game this season.

RECEIVERS (A)

No drops. This corps ran precise routes, showed great hands and threw solid downfield blocks. Lucas Taylor led the way with 50 yards on six catches, and Austin Rogers had 61 yards on five receptions. Chris Brown had one catch for 3 yards, but proved effective as a blocker out of the backfield.

OFFENSIVE LINE (A+)

Outstanding run blocking paved the way for the Vols’ most balanced attack of the season. Pass protection was again bullet-proof, as Ainge felt little pressure throughout the game. Only one meaningless penalty, when Vladimir Richard was caught downfield on a pass.

DEFENSIVE LINE (A)

Demonte Bolden stepped up big with four tackles and strong gap control Robert Ayers and Xavier Mitchell harassed Georgia QB Matthew Stafford from the edge. J.T. Mapu recorded a sack, and Walter Fisher showed athleticism breaking up a screen pass.

LINEBACKERS (B+)

Jerod Mayo and Rico McCoy set the tone with 11 tackles apiece, and Ryan Karl was considerably more active. Better play from the front four enabled the linebacking corps to be more effective and make more plays in backside pursuit.

SECONDARY (A-)

Brent Vinson and Marsalous Johnson played lock-down man coverage. Even when beat for a TD, Vinson was in excellent position. Jonathan Hefney enjoyed one of his best performances with a pass break-up and an interception.

SPECIAL TEAMS (B)

Britton Colquitt’s kickoffs were key, as he put two into the end zone and three others inside the 5 while kicking just one out of bounds. Coverage was excellent on punts and kicks. Ellix Wilson blocked a punt but also had a personal foul on the play. Colquitt averaged 42 yards per punt. Punt return game still absent.

COACHING (A)

Coaches had team prepared in every aspect. Great trick play call by David Cutcliffe, and commitment to the run game was rewarded. Defense was a step ahead of Georgia throughout the day. New punt formation showed innovation and willingness to make changes. Only potential criticism was not playing young players earlier in one-sided game.

OVERALL (A)

UT coach Phillip Fulmer showed once again how effective he is with his back to the wall. Fulmer’s decision to go for it on fourth down was gutsy, and his team rewarded him. Vols deserve praise for a pivotal win in this must-game against No. 12 Georgia.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.