Tennessee vs. Oregon: Live Game Grades and Analysis for Volunteers

Tennessee 14, Oregon 59—Final

The Volunteers scored first but were completely out of the game after the first quarter. The Ducks had their way, with 687 total yards of offense.

For the full box score, check out NCAA.com.

Game Analysis for the Tennessee Volunteers

Run Offense

The running backs were intermittently effective behind an underperforming offensive line. Rajion Neal rushed for 42 yards, while Marlin Lane rushed for 63.

Neal accounted for the Vols’ only turnover.

 

Pass Offense

Justin Worley was bad against the Ducks, save for one long pass to Josh Smith, most of which was Smith picking up yards after the catch. The junior tallied 13 completions on 25 attempts for 126 yards in three quarters before being replaced by Nathan Peterman in the blowout loss.

 

Run Defense

After a decent first half of limiting big rushes, Tennessee was completely unable to keep the Ducks bottled up. Oregon gained 216 rushing yards, with eight different players running the ball.

 

Pass Defense

The Volunteers gave up 471 passing yards in the game. Most of those yards were gained on wide-open receivers simply catching and running.

Tennessee’s secondary was absolutely embarrassed.

 

Special Teams

The kick returners got plenty of work in the blowout loss. They performed admirably, averaging 20.4 yards per return. Michael Palardy directionally punted well, averaging 43.6 yards per boot.

 

Coaching

After promoting a conservative game plan in the first half, the coaches refused to open things up in the second after the blowout was on.

Why not mix things up?

1st-Half Analysis for the Tennessee Volunteers

Run Offense

Aside from an early fumble from Rajion Neal (which resulted in no points), Tennessee's rushing attack has been mildly effective enough to move the ball when supported by an occasionally average passing game.

Neal has 29 yards, and Marlin Lane has 35.

Pass Offense

Tennessee’s only touchdown was aided by the pass-and-catch of 49 yards from Justin Worley to true freshman Josh Smith.

Though the stats may not show it, Worley’s accuracy has been way off.

Run Defense

The Vols limited runs up the middle but got gashed on sweeps and pitches in the first half. Oregon simply showed its superior speed. It looks like the Ducks’ De’Anthony Thomas can pick up six yards at will.

Pass Defense

The Volunteers gave up 350 passing yards in the first half. Most of those yards were gained on wide-open receivers simply catching and running.

Tennessee’s secondary has been embarrassed.

Special Teams

After a couple kick- and punt-return scares, Tennessee has played solid special-teams defense, while averaging just under 20 yards per kick return. The Vols also “forced” a missed field goal to start the game.

Coaching

You have to give Butch Jones’ coaching staff a ton of credit for preparing their team for the speed, noise and intensity of Oregon in Autzen Stadium. The coaches have been conservative, unwilling to go for it each and every fourth down.