Secondary
Nathanael: A
Tennessee’s secondary was vital to the Vols’ defensive success on Saturday. The Vols’ defensive backs played well against the pass and the run both. UT’s safeties and corners were racking up tackles left and right, and I thought Alontae Taylor played one of his best games of the season. Nigel Warrior was solid in his final home game of his UT career, and Theo Jackson got in on a few plays.
Ben: A
Riley Neal completed less than 50 percent of his passes against the Vols as he threw for 139 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-29 passing. Tennessee’s secondary did such a good job that Vanderbilt’s leading receiver was running back Keyon Brooks. The defensive backs were also good against the run. Shawn Shamburger had five tackles while Jaylen McCollough, Alontae Taylor, Nigel Warrior, and Kenneth George Jr. recorded four tackles. Theo Jackson added three.
