You couldn’t ask for a better start on offense than what Tennessee football did to Georgia. While it wasn’t enough and the Vols fell 44-41 in overtime, UT did jump out to a 21-7 lead after the first quarter with three-straight touchdown drives.
As a part of his weekly film reviews on Tennessee games, former Vols quarterback Jarrett Guarantano broke down the first half. This featured the opening drive that went 75 yards in eight plays and two-and-a-half minutes to put up a touchdown. This was capped off by a Joey Aguilar rushing score — the first of his Tennessee career.
“That’s as good of a first drive against a top-four opponent in the country that you could possibly have,” Guarantano said. “That was as flawless as any drive I’ve seen in college football in I don’t know how long. Yeah, obviously it wasn’t a one-play drive, so whatever those are flawless, whatever it is. But a drive that goes by momentum and tempo, first down after first down after first down, after beautiful play, after great decision by the quarterback, after great job by the offensive line, that’s flawless. There’s not a better way to start off the game than that. Coach Heupel’s first 15 were money. Whatever he was seeing on tape, he had it dialed up. Excellent.”
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Watch his full breakdown of the first half below:
Guarantano also broke down Chris Brazzell’s 72-yard touchdown reception through the defensive pass interference. Brazzell finished the game with six receptions for 177 yards and three scores. This was the first of the game and gave UT a 14-7 lead after Georgia responded well to the Vols’ opening drive.
Guarantano pointed out how impactful the threat of the run game was. He identified the linebackers as not blitzing, but stepping up to try to stop a rush. To Aguilar’s right, Brazzell ran a post route and flew by his defender with no help over the top due to the single high safety stepping up to help with a potential run, as well.
While Aguilar was hit as he threw, Gurantano pointed out that he should’ve gotten rid of it a tick sooner. With Brazzell dusting the corner, he could’ve delivered a ball with no contact to make it an easier score. At the end of the day, a touchdown is a touchdown, though.
“Tiny bit underthrown, but when you give a receiver a chance that’s sitting there and he has hit guy beat by three or four yards and you let him go up top on somebody, it’s hard for a cornerback to make that play,” Guarantano said. “Regardless, it’s a 15-yard penalty. But Brazz just made an awesome play. He played his you know what off all day.”
Next, Tennessee will host UAB for a game inside Neyland Stadium. The Vols’ attempt to bounce back will begin at 12:45 p.m. ET and air on SEC Network.
