Grading the Tennessee Volunteers after their convincing win in Friday’s TaxSlayer Bowl:

OFFENSE: A

Since being inserted into the lineup against Alabama in late October, quarterback Joshua Dobbs took the Tennessee to new heights and flexed his talents again during the Vols’ 45-28 victory over Iowa. Known for his escapability and play-making prowess on the move, Dobbs tallied 205 yards of total offense and three touchdowns during an efficient outing against the Big Ten’s sixth-ranked rushing defense. The Vols rushed for 283 yards and four scores — 125 more yards than the Hawkeyes had been giving up on average this season — and hit the 45-point plateau for the third time in their last five games. Last fall during Butch Jones’ first season, Tennessee scored 45 points only once.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was complimentary of Tennessee’s execution after the game:

DEFENSE: B

Tennessee set the tone early during its first bowl appearance in four seasons, turning up the pressure on Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard and keeping the Hawkeyes in check for 3.5 quarters. The Hawkeyes converted just 3-of-11 third-down opportunities and never found a rhythm offensively until they pieced together two touchdown drives over the final 3:30 against a mix of second-teamers and starters for the Vols’ defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A-

Kicker Aaron Medley nailed a 28-yard field goal and made all six of his PATs. The Vols should’ve been awarded a fumble recovery in the first half on a wacky Iowa kickoff return, but after review the officials ruled an illegal forward pass.

COACHING: A

The Vols were well-prepared thanks to Butch Jones and his staff, a first-half dissection resulting in a 28-point lead at intermission. Tennessee helped the SEC redeem itself after consecutive days of disappointment against other Power 5 conferences with a balanced attack on offense triggered by the play of Dobbs.

OVERALL: A-

The final margin wasn’t indicative of the dominant display the Vols put on at EverBank Field after Tennessee took its foot off the gas in the fourth quarter. Oft-critcized during the regular season against their SEC West brethren, the East is now 4-0 this bowl season with Florida’s matchup against East Carolina pending. It’s great to be a Tennessee Vol in 2015, a team that has the pieces to compete for a conference championship next season.