The Vols played the first half like last year's team, undisciplined and over-confident, and it nearly cost them an upset loss. Marshall is a tough opponent, and earned everything they got on the field, but there is no excuse for 49 yards worth of penalties on a single drive, or for the way the Vol defense was blown off the line in the first half. The team will need to do some major work if they hope to compete with Florida in the Swamp in two weeks.
Report Card
Quarterback: C
At least he threw more touchdowns than interceeptions this week. Clausen showed flashes of redeeming Coach Fulmer's confidence in him, but those flashes were offset by continued poor decision making, and some very woobly passes. Fortunately, his receivers made up for his poor throws with some brilliant catches, including James Banks' circus grab on the sidelines in the second quarter. In a plus for Clausen, he distributed the ball well, with 9 Vols catching the ball, and three recording touchdown grabs.
Running Backs: A
Again, a solid effort on the part of the running backs. Cedric Houston got his second 150+ yard game in a row, and the running backs averaged over 5 yards per carry for the game.
Receivers: B
The receiving corps showed some depth, as nine Vols caught at least one pass. Clausen had plenty of open targets most of the night, particularly in the second half.
Offensive Line: B
If the running backs are averaging 5.6 yards per carry, the offensive line is doing their job. Clausen was sacked twice during the game.
Defensive Line: A
The defense performed well against the run, holding Marshall to 88 yards on the ground. They also recorded 7 sacks on the Herd q-backs.
Defensive Secondary: C-
294 yards passing, three touchdowns given up, vs only one interception. If they play like that against Florida, we'll be embarrassed once again.
Special Teams: A
50.8 yds per punt; 14 yards per punt return; 22 yards per kickoff return. 2 field goals by Wilhoit. And it may be that Troy Fleming has found his best role on the team, as a kick returner on special teams.
Coaching: C-
118 yards inpenalties, including 49 on a single drive further reveals a lack of discipline which traces right back to coaching. On the positive side, the play selection was effective, balancing the run and the pass, and the Vols moved the ball well in the second half.
Overall: B-
We're still seeing the Vols plagued by the same problems we've seen for years. Inconsistent effort, poor tackling, and a surprising lack of leadership from the quarterback position. The defensive secondary has a lot of work to do if they want to hang with the Gators, or Miami, particularly on their home turf. On the plus side, we have a running game; our defense can get pressure on the quarterback, and we have some receivers with breakaway speed that can actually catch the ball, and we have a week of to get ready.