Rapid Reaction: Tennessee's defense completely dominates UAB, Vols win 30-7
Tennessee continues to state its case as the SEC’s most improved team this season as the Vols just finished up their non-conference schedule by blasting 6-1 UAB 30-7.
While Jeremy Pruitt would be the first to admit his defense is nowhere close to having the depth the coach covets on that side of the ball, the unit continues to improve and has quickly emerged as the most consistent group on Rocky Top.
Stretching back to the South Carolina game, the Tennessee defense had not been scored for nearly six quarters until the Blazers scored with 2:35 remaining in the game. The star performer for the Vols was sophomore cornerback Bryce Thompson, who registered three first-half interceptions Saturday night.
Tennessee’s quarterback situation continues to be an interesting storyline to watch as redshirt freshman JT Shrout got the start for the Vols but was quickly replaced by Jarrett Guarantano for the rest of the first half. Guarantano, who was sporting a glove/cast on his (non-throwing) left hand, threw a bad interception just before halftime was replaced by Shrout for the first drive of the second half.
Following the first drive of the second half, Guarantano then replaced Shrout. Guarantano finished the game completing 13 of 21 passes for 147 with one touchdown and one interception. Shrout finished 3 fo 6 for just 34 yards.
Tennessee’s banged-up offensive line, Darnell Wright and Jahmir Johnson sat out due to injuries, took a step back on the field on Saturday as the Vols rushed for only 133 yards (this total is adjusted for sacks) on 38 carries. Pass protection was also an issue at times, as the Vols surrendered two sacks and seven total tackles for loss.
Ty Chandler led the way on the ground with 85 yards on 16 carries. Jauan Jennings had another solid outing with a team-high five catches for 70 yards.
Tennessee’s Brent Cimaglia continues to perform at an All-SEC level as the kicker converted all three of his field goal attempts in this game. He hit from 36, 48 and a career-best 53 yards out.
With this win, Tennessee improves to 4-5 on the season and will travel to Kentucky next weekend. While the Wildcats will be coming off a bye week, Kentucky is currently looking up at Tennessee in the SEC East standings.
that bowl game should happen. that Ga State loss is still bad but if Tennessee can finish with 7 or even 8 wins it will be forgotten
That loss will never be forgot but hopefully we will build from it
Not forgotten, but forgiven by me if we make it to post play..
It’s very bad
Well Put TFK.
Congrats to the Vols, although I could never be happy for Bryce Thompson. Wish it was a different DB racking up the picks tonight, either way solid win and here’s to TN winning out and making a bowl.
Thank you Bill, congrats on your win against Vandy.
Thank you, you can never take Vandy for granted any more.
He is a great recruit out of SC. Just like the old days when Fulmer owned the state.
Congrats on the win you can keep Thompson, not a fan
Thanks Bill, and you are correct, You can’t take Vandy for granted. Great Win for USC.
It’s gonna be a really interesting game with Kentucky next week.
Yes it is. Kentucky owns us with a wide receiver at QB.
Hopefully, Dooley won’t show up on the sidelines!
If Pruitt breaks out the Orange pants for this game, we’re in trouble.
Good win. Need better QB play obviously and continue to work on run game. Good game by D. We will need then next week against Kentucky.
A nice defensive win tonight. Hope we are at full strength on the O line next week. Morris had a rough night as did others. Thompson has so much talent I sure hope Pruitt can keep a tight leash on him.
Oh and I thought G played pretty good except for that int of course. A couple missed throws but he is clearly the right choice over shrout over the course of a game. He really needs a complete game with no bad decisions and no int’s. I think he is capable but that noggin is so full of stuff now who knows. Maurer may be back for the ky game but he has lots of bad decisions too. I know many/most want Maurer but IMO G gives us the best opportunity to win right now. TN will be better if G can settle in and remain settled next season while Bailey gets his first year in. That’s an unpopular take I know but what I prefer to see.