Offensive Line
Nathanael: A
Vanderbilt’s front seven isn’t good, and Tennessee did what they should’ve done against a bad front seven: dominate. The Vols didn’t allow a sack and only gave up three tackles for loss in the entire game on Saturday. Granted, UT didn’t drop back to pass a lot, but not allowing a sack is still solid, and only three tackles for loss allowed on 40-plus rushing attempts is exceptional. Eric Gray had plenty of holes to run through all night, and the Vols’ O-line repeatedly flattened Vandy’s defensive line.
Ben: B+
The conversation will be all about Eric Gray’s performance, but Gray would not have been able to have a record-setting night had it not been for the play of Tennessee’s offensive line. The interior line of the O-line — particularly Brandon Kennedy and Trey Smith — were instrumental in opening up the holes for Gray on his 56-yard, and 94-yard touchdown runs. Tennessee’s O-line had taken a step back over the last couple of games and didn’t have a great first two possessions of the game, but they were able to get it together and have a really nice outing.
