Rapid Reaction: Tennessee falls 29-21 to No. 20 Missouri
Quick thoughts from Tennessee’s 29-21 loss to No. 20 Missouri:
What it means: Tennessee struggled to stop Missouri’s pass rush. SEC sack leader Shane Ray and teammate Markus Golden dominated the Vols’ offensive line, containing dual-threat quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The sophomore was held to 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 24-of-37, while rushing for just 13 yards on 17 attempts. Tennessee still has a chance to secure bowl eligibility, but is not the offensive juggernaut some expected entering Saturday’s game.
What I liked: The Vols defense looked strong in the first half. Tennessee held Missouri to 13 points at halftime, but couldn’t provide enough offense to move ahead. The Vols offense provided an impressive scoring drive on its final possession, but it was too late to avoid suffering a loss.
What I didn’t like: Tennessee’s offensive line. The Vols provided little protection against the SEC’s top pass rush, failing to capitalize on good field position. Tennessee was held to 279 total yards, including 53 net rushing yards. The Vols line needs to improve and continue its maturation process entering next season.
Who’s the man: Alex Ellis. The junior tight end caught his first touchdown of 2014 on a fake field goal pass in the second quarter. After the play, Ellis took out two spectators, including a fan in the front row that was taken over the barricade trying to hug him.
Key plays: Trailing 16-13 in the fourth quarter, Tennessee drove downfield to the Missouri 27-yard line. Dobbs threw a pass that bounced off freshman receiver Josh Malone’s hands and into the grasp of Kenya Dennis. The Tigers scored on the ensuing possession as Mauk connected with Jimmie Hunt on a 73-yard touchdown.
What’s next: Tennessee looks to secure bowl eligibility at Vanderbilt next week. The Commodores are coming off a 51-0 loss to No. 4 Mississippi State in Week 13. The Vols look to end their three-year bowl drought by finishing the regular season at 6-6.