Shots Across The Bow

Vols get a leg up on the Gamecocks

It's not often that your punter is the MVP. That honor is usually reserved for the marquee positions. But Saturday night, Dustin Colquitt put the Vols in a position to win, giving Tennessee the edge they needed to overcome a very talented and motivated South Carolina team. The Vols didn't come out flat, as many feared, nor did the weather seem to have much effect on the offense. Instead, it was South Carolina's gritty determination to win that made the game a lot closer than most predicted. Led by their sensational running back, Demetris Summers, the Gamecocks shredded the Vol defensive line, which was plagued by poor tackling and missed assignments. On the other side of the ball, the Vol rushing attacks was blunted by South Carolina's defense, one of the highest ranked rushing defenses in the nation.

The Gamecocks out passed, out rushed, and outplayed the Vols, running 15 more plays and gaining 105 more yards. So how did they lose? Dustin Colquitt's punt's averaged 20 yards longer than the Gamecocks. Over 7 punts, that totals 140 yards, which means that Colquitt's leg gained the equivalent of just over half the Vol's offensive output.

It was enough to turn an even match into a win for the Vols.

Report Card

Quarterback: B-

No interceptions, 2 touchdowns, a few ducks, but nothing dangerous, Clausen played a respectable game. The call for the fade route in the overtime was risky, but when you have a receiver like Banks, it's worth the risk. And it worked.

Running Backs: C+

The lack of production in the running game may not have been all their fault; the offensive line has to share part of the blame. But there were bad decisions on the part of both Davis and Houston that cost the team yards.

Receivers: B

The Vols handled a tough South Carolina secondary pretty well. The Gamecock defenders played to not give up the big play, leaving only the dhorter routes open. I would have liked to see the receivers to more after the catch.

Offensive Line: C-

2 sacks, barely 100 yards rushing. I expected better from this unit. Without solid blocking, no offense, no matter how talented, can perform well.

Defensive Line/Linebackers: B-

They get a mixed grade here. Only one sack, and they couldn't tackle Summers. But they played a "bend, don't break" style, kept pressure on Pinkins, and generally frustrated the Gamecock offense, despite spending a lot of time on the field, while the Vol offense spluttered.

Defensive Secondary: B

Only one interception, but the secondary played well, particularly when backing up the front 7 on stopping the run. Summers could get past the line, but couldn't break through the secondary.

Special Teams: A+

I've already talked about Colquitt, who had an outstanding night, but I'll add this. I would vote him the SEC Player of the Week.

Not that I'm biased or anything.

However, I also have to mention the other special team players, who decided the game. The blocked punt in the first quarter provided the margin of victory. Without it, we lose.

Coaching: B-

The Vols are still making too many drive killing penalties. Poor tackling techniques allowed Demetris Summers to gain too many yards after the first hit. The play calling was decent, keeping a balance between the rush and pass, despite what had to be a frustrating performance by the offensive line.

Overall: B-

As Fulmer said after the game, the Vols didn't do much right during the game. As a buddy of mine said, "We couldn't pass, we couldn't run, but we sure could kick the hell out of the ball!" When you have an off game, and still come out with a W, particularly against a quality opponent, that is something you can build on.

Next week, we go to Auburn, a team which has improved tremendously following their 0-2 start. The Vols will have to play much better if they want to keep their undefeated status.

Posted by Rich at September 29, 2003 12:06 PM | TrackBack