5 Biggest Takeaways: Tennessee captures first SEC win of 2014

Here are five takeaways from Tennessee’s 45-42 win over South Carolina:

1. Joshua Dobbs is a game changer: Several weeks ago, Tennessee looked incapable of producing any offense. However, the Vols offense looked rejuvenated with the addition of dual-threat quarterback Joshua Dobbs to the starting lineup. Dobbs accounted for 467 total yards (301 passing, 166 rushing) and five touchdowns (two passing, three rushing).

2. Jalen Hurd excels with a mobile quarterback: Tennessee’s leading rusher Jalen Hurd excelled alongside the dual-threat quarterback. He rushed for 125 yards on 21 carries and caught seven passes for 58 yards, including a touchdown. The duo should prove to be dominant against opposing SEC defenses moving forward.

3. Tennessee defense answered in the clutch: By all standards, Saturday was Tennessee’s worst defensive performance of the season. However, the “Orange Swarm” answered in the clutch by forcing a three-and-out on South Carolina’s final possession of regulation. After connecting on a field goal in overtime, Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett recorded back-to-back sacks that pinned the Gamecocks out of field goal position.

4. Pig Howard remains a sure handed target and x-factor: Pig Howard has been a consistent option at wide receiver throughout his collegiate career. The “jack of all trades” offensive weapon recorded 109 yards on five catches and added 29 yards on four carries, including a goal line touchdown run.

5. Tennessee looks strong as bowl dreams remain alive: The Vols needed to win on Saturday. Tennessee hasn’t made a bowl game appearance since 2010 and needs to end that draught to keep optimism high entering Butch Jones’ third season. For the Vols to do so, they need to win two of their next three remaining games, which seems possible after Saturday’s performance.

Jason Hall

A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky