TaxSlayer Bowl 2015: Game Grades, Analysis for Iowa vs. Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers pounded the Iowa Hawkeyes, 45-28, during the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.
Tennessee (7-6) controlled the game and earned a 42-7 advantage, winning its first postseason outing since 2007. Iowa (7-6) dropped its third consecutive bowl matchup.
| Pass Offense | D+ | C- |
| Run Offense | C | C+ |
| Pass Defense | D | D+ |
| Run Defense | D- | F |
| Special Teams | B- | C |
| Coaching | C- | C- |
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Pass Offense: The two-quarterback system was a failure, and the Hawkeyes failed to establish any offensive rhythm as they alternated shot-callers. C.J. Beathard was clearly the better option, completing 13 of 23 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns compared to Jake Rudock's 2-of-8 mark.
Run Offense: During the first quarter, Iowa couldn't run outside the tackles with Mark Weisman. Once the Hawkeyes let Jordan Canzeri take stretch handoffs, the running lanes opened up. Canzeri finished with 120 yards, but Weisman was ineffective other than his two short touchdowns.
Pass Defense: Josh Dobbs shredded coverages at every level, and the secondary lost track of Vic Wharton on a double pass. Though the Vols completed just 17 attempts, a staggering 10 resulted in a first down.
Run Defense: Iowa simply could not stop Tennessee's rushing attack, especially near the sideline. The 284 yards allowed was the third-most by a Hawkeyes opponent this year, but four touchdowns was a season-high.
Special Teams: Three Hawkeyes compiled a pitiful 12.7-yard average on six kick returns, which consistently cost Iowa field position. Marshall Koehn nailed four extra points, while Dillon Kidd and Connor Kornbrath managed 35.8 yards per punt combined.
Coaching: Offensive coordinator Greg Davis adjusted well to a sluggish opening, but his quarterbacks continued to miss open receivers until the game was decided. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker couldn't stop Tennessee's versatile—yet not elite—offensive attack.
| Pass Offense | A | B+ |
| Run Offense | A- | A |
| Pass Defense | B+ | B |
| Run Defense | A- | B- |
| Special Teams | B+ | A- |
| Coaching | A | A- |
Pass Offense: Josh Dobbs didn't overpower the Vols with his throwing arm, but he efficiently moved Tennessee down the field through the air. He finished the day 16-of-21 for 129 yards and one touchdown, with his one interception being a catchable pass. Marlin Lane added a 49-yard score on a trick play.
Run Offense: Hurd tallied 122 yards and two touchdowns, doing most of his damage during the team's explosive first quarter. Dobbs scrambled away from pressure on multiple occasions and properly executed zone-read calls, managing 76 yards and two scores.
Pass Defense: Though the defensive linemen didn't sack an Iowa quarterback, they constantly disrupted the backfield and forced a few errant throws. Plus, Desmond King intercepted a pass in the end zone. The secondary surrendered two late touchdowns, but Tennessee wasn't hurt by those 14 points.
Run Defense: Canzeri and Beathard raced to 202 yards but did a strong majority of their damage following the Vols taking a 35-point lead. During the first half, the Vols surrendered just 3.6 yards per carry and stuffed a 4th-and-1 attempt. Still, 244 yards is a big number to allow.
Special Teams: Aaron Medley connected on a 28-yard field goal and drilled six extra points. Matt Darr contributed 37.2 yards per punt, and Todd Kelly recovered three onside kicks. The kick coverage unit was stellar, as mentioned previously.
Coaching: Coordinators Mike Bajakian and John Jancek attacked Iowa's weaknesses and stayed aggressive until the fourth quarter. Butch Jones has this team trending in the right direction, especially with the backfield combination of Dobbs and Hurd.
Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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