Tennessee beats Florida 38-33: The Day After

Tennessee didn’t make it easy on themselves but they got the job done beating Florida 38-33 ending a five game losing streak in the series in a terrific performance by the offense. We review the Vols victory with The Day After.

Hot and Not

HOT

Hendon Hooker — There have been epic performances in Tennessee history and Hooker’s play on Saturday ranks up on that list. Hooker was 22 of 28 for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had 112 yards rushing on 13 carries and a touchdown. Hooker now owns the record for consecutive passes without an interception at Tennessee and Virginia Tech. 

Omari Thomas — Big Omari was a force in the middle. He had the huge forced fumble. He had a tipped ball, 5 tackles, 2 quarterback hurries and he clogged the middle multiple times in short yardage situations. His best day as a Vol. 

Ramel Keyton — When an injury occurs it has to be a next man up mentality and with Cedric Tillman out, Ramel Keyton got more chances and made good use of them with three catches for 69 yards including the 43 yard diving beauty late in the first half. Keyton also had another huge catch and run for a first down in the first quarter. Not bad for a guy who didn’t play two weeks ago at Pittsburgh. 

Bru McCoy — From game one, Bru McCoy showed he could play and play well in Josh Heupel’s system. He flashed again at Pittsburgh and Saturday he had his best day with five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown catch of one yard might have been his best play of the day as he kept running the backline of the end zone until he found an open window for Hendon Hooker. 

Alex Golesh — With a big tip of the cap to Josh Heupel, but the duo dialed up a beauty of a game. They had wrinkles like Jalin Hyatt over the middle and the wheel route to Jacob Warren. The running play on the final touchdown for the Vols. Just a really good day at the office calling ball plays. Tennessee’s players executed well but give Golesh credit for putting them in a position to succeed. 

NOT

The secondary — Anthony Richardson threw for more yards against the Vols than he had thrown four in the first three games of the season. Tennessee’s defensive backs were soft in coverage, they struggled to tackle and overall it was just a bad day at the office , especially at cornerback. Tennessee needs to get healthy with Warren Burrell and Dee Williams and they need to find some answers in the secondary during the by week. 

Linebackers in pass coverage — Tennessee’s linebackers just struggle in zone coverage. They don’t drop deep enough leaving big windows for the quarterback with a secondary that gives too much cushion. They lose receivers over the middle. The linebackers are playing well against the run, but their work in the passing game has to improve. 

Tennessee’s final offensive play — As I said earlier, I think Alex Golesh had a great day calling plays. Florida had no answer for Tennessee’s offense and the Vols executed at a high level, but the last offensive play was a head scratcher. On 4th and 3, Hooker hit Princeton Fant in the flat for a one yard gain. You have to run something there where the ball is throw to or beyond the sticks. If you do then it’s a first down, two kneel downs and an 11 point win and a few less Tums for the fans.

Defining moments

Hooker to Keyton for 43 yards — Following a huge 3rd and 10 conversion to Princeton Fant. Ramel Keyton lays out for a beautiful 43 yard catch to put the ball at the Gator 35 yard line. Setting Tennessee up for a touchdown inside the final minute of the half to give the Vols the halftime lead and momentum. 

Omari Thomas strips Anthony Richardson — Tim Banks’ defense struggled all afternoon. They forced one punt and forced one huge fumble. Leading 31-21, Florida had 1st and 10 at the Vol 13 and looked to be on the verge of cutting the lead to three points when Thomas stripped quarterback Anthony Richardson and Jeremy Banks recovered it. 

Small 39 yard run — Coaches always talk about winning the middle 8 (the last four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second). Tennessee did that. On the opening drive of the second half, Jabari Small went 39 yards to the Florida 28 setting Tennessee up for a score to take a two possession lead at 24-14. 

Hadden interception — After causing chest pains for many Vol fans, Byron Young got a hold of Anthony Richardson’s legs, preventing Richardson from stepping into a throw that fluttered down field to Kamal Hadden who intercepted the pass securing the long awaited victory. 

Inside the numbers

4 — Number of consecutive possessions where Tennessee scored touchdowns

1,170 — Number of total yards by both teams on the day. Tennessee averaged 8.2 yards per play. 

71.7 – Hooker’s completion percentage for the season. Saturday, Hooker was 22 of 28, completing 79% of his throws in a legendary performance against the Gators.

3 — Number of completions over 40 yards against the Gators. Tennessee has 10 receptions of over 40 yards in four games. 

Gameball

Hendon Hooker. Really nothing else needs to be said. Hooker’s performance is one few will forget anytime soon. 

The senior was simply terrific on the biggest stage he’s played on in his career in terms of the national spotlight.

Hooker finished with 112 yards rushing a touchdown and 349 yards passing and two scores. 

His best performance to date as a Vol. 

Biggest concern/question moving forward

It’s the defense. The secondary couldn’t cover anyone. They gave up too much cushion and tackled poorly. Tennessee put Florida in third and long all afternoon and couldn’t get off the field. 

This defense is playing the run well, but it looked like a 7-on-7 game at times in pass defense. 

Tennessee must use this open date to tighten up and correct things on the defensive side of the ball.