The Volquest stock report
Tennessee returns to action after a week off as the Vols travel to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers. At 4-0 and looking for their first 5-0 start since 2016, Brent Hubbs and Austin Price take a look at who’s stock is on the rise, who’s down and what’s flat in the weekly Volquest stock report.
Stock up
Hendon Hooker —After his performance against Florida, how is it not Hooker in the stock up section of this week’s stock report. Hooker was terrific against the Gators throwing for 349 and running for 112. But thought he first third of the season it’s not just the Florida game with Hooker. As Rob Lewis documented in his story on Saturday, Hooker is in some very elite company when it comes to looking at the start of his senior year. Hooker is in full command of Josh Heupel’s offensive system in year two and it shows. — Brent Hubbs
Bru McCoy —Without Cedric Tillman everyone wondered who would step up and senior Ramel Keyton did against Florida with 3 catches for 69 yards. But thanks to that diving catch, few have discussed the play of Bru McCoy who had 5 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. McCoy was targeted 7 times against the Gators the most of any receiver and he delivered. As he continues to get more opportunities look for McCoy’s numbers to only increase — Austin Price
Stock down
Pass coverage — What can you say other than it was just flat out bad against Florida who made Tennessee pay in third and long when the Vols tried to play zone on the back end. Tennessee’s defensive backs aren’t playing tight enough coverage and the linebackers drops in their zone schemes is just not very good or consistent. Tim Banks has spoken all off season about being a better team on third down. They certainly didn’t show any improvement in their third and long defense against the Gators. Can they get off the field in Baton Rouge? — Brent Hubbs
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Consistent pass rush — Tennessee’s pass coverage wasn’t good against Florida and has had it’s struggles all year. The secondary needs help. One area where they could get some is with the pass rush from the defensive front. Tim Banks’ defense has been created with 42 quarterback hurries, but the Vols only have 9 sacks on the season and only have 2 combined from Tyler Baron and Byron Young. Tennessee’s pass rush out of their front four must get better. — Austin Price
Stock stagnant
Punt operation — We have documented in the stock report and other areas on the site about how slow Tennessee’s punt operation appears to be. The Vols had a punt blocked at Pitt. Nearly had punts blocks against Ball State and Akron. Have they improved things? We don’t know. When you don’t have to punt as was the case against Florida you don’t have to worry about a part of the game that’s been a stock down all season. — Brent Hubbs
Cedric Tillman — The Vols’ senior receiver is two weeks removed from “tightrope” surgery on his ankle to try and speed up the healing process. Josh Heupel said Tillman has moved around some this week on the practice field, but his status for Saturday seems more doubtful than likely. But you never say never. It’s always felt like Alabama was the more likely game for his return, but how well rehab has gone this week and how functional he could be on Saturday will be the final determining factor on if the Las Vegas native returns to action this week — Austin Price
