It's a measure of how bad this season has been that Phillip Fulmer referred to yesterday's game as a "big win." It's a measure of the fans' enthusiasm that we are now saying we have a good chance to beat Miami. It's a measure of this weird season that we actually do have a chance to beat Miami. Just ask Georgia, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, or NC State.
This still was not the breakout game the Vols were looking for, although they did take a big step forward. 2 fumbles, multiple penalties, a missed PAT, substitution problems, all continuing problems with the Vol offense. This time, however, they played well enough to overcome the miscues.
Report Card:
Quarterbacks B-.
Clausen generally played well, despite a couple of problems handing the ball off early in the game, which may have been the tailbacks fault. 17-23 for 175 yards is respectable. Add in a bootleg run for a touchdown, particularly on a bum ankle, and you get a winning effort. IOf only we could teach him not to spit on camera...
Receivers B.
Witten had a good day, as did the rest of the Vol receivers. Without Washington to throw to, Clausen had to look for alternate receivers, and they came through.
Running Backs B.
This would have been an A, except for Gerald Riggs' fumble. Cedric Houston showed why he won the starting job this spring. On one particularly gruesome play, a Gamecock defensive player grabbed Cedric's injured thumb in an attempt to strip the ball. I saw his thumb, despite being wrapped and taped, get yanked backwards, yet Cedric held onto the ball. Excellent effort.
Offensive Line A
What a remarkable change from last game. There were holes for the running backs, but none for the defensive backs. The two groups, offensive line and running backs, worked together fed off of each other's improved play. The offensive line made some beautiful holes for Houston and Davis, who hit them cleanly, resulting in the Vols best rushing performance to date. Yes, it was just South Carolina, who ranks 9th in the SEC in rushing defense, but it was still a good performance by a line that hasn't lived up to it's preseason promise. UT is averaging just under 143 yards per game while giving up 21 sacks, a total second only to Kentucky. Yesterday, the line began to redeem themselves. Miami's rushing defense is suspect. We'll see if our O line will continue their comeback.
Defensive Line/Linebackers B
South Carolina had some success running the ball, but couldn't mount a sustained drive. They chalked up 3 sacks, and pressured the quarterback all afternoon.
Secondary A
3 picks, and only one pass over 10 yards adds up to excellent play by the secondary. Julian Battle played very well, racking up 8 tackles, despite being disappointed that he was the only starter not to get a pick yesterday.
Special Teams C-
Too many men on the field cost us a timeout, even though the end result was an improvement. A poor snap cost us points, as did a Mark Jones' fumble, and the usually reliable Dustin Colquitt shanked a punt. Not a good day for the special teams.
Coaching C.
I liked Fulmer's call to go for it on 4th and 1. The players said after the game that the coach's confidence in making that call gave them a spark, and it showed in their performance; the Vols held the ball for 13 minutes in the 4th quarter.
I still have a problem with the screen passes, though. Until the offensive line shows that they can block it effectively, we need to retire that play. Also, I still think we need to get Banks involved in the game. Clausen is one good hit from going out for the season. In a game where the defense is dominating and we have a lead, if Clausen is getting banged up, get him out of there, and get Banks some game time.
Officiating D+.
Multiple missed calls yet again. Both teams were getting away with holding, and there were at least two blatant block in the backs that went uncalled. Add in the mystery personal foul against South Carolina, and once again I understand why Joe Pa is getting ornery.
Overall B-
Bouyed by a marked inprovement in the offensive line and the running backs, UT played it's best game of the season. Granted, it wasn't against a team like Miami, but we looked better than we did against Rutgers, Wyoming, or MTSU. Miami is another story altogether. Yes, they've suffered let downs, and had to win in the 4th, but the fact is they have won in the 4th, every time they needed to. Does anybody think they will take Tennessee as lightly as they took Rutgers? How many times do you think they will watch the '85 Sugar Bowl?
Tennessee will need their best game, a flat Miami, and a few calls going their way to come out on top next weekend. Early prediction:
Miami 31 Tennessee 24