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Rapid Reaction: Tennessee wins first SEC game of 2014 season at South Carolina
By Jason Hall
Published:
The Tennessee Volunteers (4-5, 1-4 SEC) captured their first SEC win of the 2014 season in a 45-42 overtime thriller at South Carolina (4-5, 2-5) Saturday. The Vols held a 645-625 advantage in total yards, including a season-best 304 yards passing. Joshua Dobbs, who made his first start of the season, recorded 466 total yards (301 passing, 166 rushing) and five total touchdowns (two passing, three rushing).
Here are a couple of thoughts on the game:
What it means: Tennessee’s offense saw its most efficient output of the season. Dobbs silenced any remaining doubt about his ability to lead Tennessee’s offense with a historic performance. With the win, the Vols keep their bowl dreams alive needing two more wins in three remaining games.
What I liked: Tennessee found itself in a shootout and managed to capture a win. The offense looked rejuvenated with the mobile Dobbs at the helm. The duo of Dobbs and freshman tailback Jalen Hurd– who recorded 122 rushing yards and 61 receiving, including a touchdown– looks to be a force to be reckoned with for opposing SEC defenses.
What I didn’t like: Tennessee’s defense was dominated by Pharoh Cooper. Cooper scored four touchdowns in Saturday’s game: one passing, one rushing and two receiving. His 233 yards were the most in school history for a single game and his 85-yard receptions was the longest of the Steve Spurrier era.
Who’s the man: Joshua Dobbs. Tennessee’s offensive line has been bailed out by the sophomore quarterback’s elusiveness. Dobbs’ presence in the Vols offense has done wonders in his two appearances this season and will be the ultimate factor in Tennessee’s bowl chances.
Key Play: Trailing 42-35 with 1:23 remaining in regulation, the Vols offense conducted a nine play, 85 yards drive that was capped off by Jason Croom’s 9-yard touchdown catch. The play forced overtime, which was decided by Aaron Medley’s 32-yard field goal. Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett each forced a sack that halted any potential comeback by the Gamecocks offense.
What’s next: Tennessee enters its second bye week before hosting Kentucky (5-4, 2-4) on Nov. 15.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky