Report card: Tennessee vs. Memphis

Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess

Tennessee running back David Oku (27) runs the ball past Memphis defensive back Deante' Lamar (16) on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at Neyland Stadium.

Here's our report card for the Tennessee-Memphis game.

Quarterbacks

Jonathan Crompton has established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the SEC. The senior was 21-of-27 for 331 yards and five touchdowns with no significant missteps. Nick Stephens threw a bad interception but completed five of nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. A-

Running Backs

Against a defense determined to stop the run, Montario Hardesty ran for 60 yards on 13 carries and Bryce Brown for 55 yards on 11 carries. David Oku provided a burst with 21 yards on six carries. This, however, is obviously Hardesty's backfield. He looks as quick and nimble as ever. B

Receivers

UT's receivers were open on most every play. Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore looked like a formidable duo on the outside with 11 catches for 173 yards combined. Moore made up for one drop with a touchdown catch later in that same drive. Tight end Luke Stocker caught three passes for 60 yards and is proving to be a tough match-up over the middle. A

Offensive Line

UT averaged 4.2 yards per carry on the ground against a defense that loaded the box to stop the run. The Vols gave up only one sack. The Vols also are building depth by playing Cory Sullins and Vladimir Richard at guard. B+

Defensive Line

UT generated pressure for the second week in a row, and the return of Chris Walker seemed to provide a major spark. The junior was credited with 1.5 sacks and Ben Martin added another that created a turnover. UT only got one hurry, but the starters weren't in the game long enough for it to matter. A

Linebackers

Herman Lathers became the second player to make a successful transition to middle linebacker in place of Nick Reveiz, and he handled the defensive calls, as well as the Tigers. Lathers led the team with six tackles. B

Secondary

Eric Berry finally broke through with another interception and added a fumble recovery for good measure. The junior safety still didn't break the return yardage record, but it hardly mattered. Dennis Rogan continued his solid coverage, and Prentiss Waggner was capable in place of Janzen Jackson at free safety. A

Special Teams

The Vols finally busted a big return on a kickoff, forced a fumble in coverage and didn't miss an extra point, but the beleaguered unit still had some issues. In the second quarter, UT was hit with a roughing-the-punter penalty and muffed a return for a turnover - on the same play. The Vols also tried and recovered an onside kick, but they were flagged again for jumping offside. Shane Reveiz forced a fumble. D+

Coaching

Some might not like Lane Kiffin's aggressive, in-your-face style, but UT's players do - and so will recruits. And, isn't it Memphis' job to stop the Vols? A

Overall

The Vols are riding high, as evident by their refusal to overlook an overmatched team. All joking aside, the Vols look like a team that will win out. B

- News Sentinel staff

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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