Following the Tennessee Vols’ 28-18 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats, here’s a breakdown of the offensive performance, grading each key unit:
Quarterback: A
Nico Iamaleava had his best SEC game to date, minimizing mistakes and maximizing his mobility. His smart decisions allowed him to avoid sacks and effectively connect with tight ends, enhancing Tennessee’s offensive rhythm.
Running Backs: A+
Dylan Sampson set a new single-season rushing touchdown record with two scores in just eight games. Freshman Peyton Lewis also found the end zone for the first time, stepping up in place of an injured DeSean Bishop.
Wide Receivers: B+
Though not spectacular, the receivers performed solidly. Chas Nimrod stepped in well for a limited Squirrel White, with both Nimrod and Bru McCoy as primary targets.
Tight Ends: A+
This group excelled, especially Holden Staes and Miles Kitselman in the passing game. Kitselman became a key target for Iamaleava, scoring the only receiving touchdown, while Staes contributed significantly as well.
Offensive Line: A-
While the line protected Iamaleava reasonably well, there was room for improvement in pass protection, as they allowed two sacks and four tackles for loss. However, they excelled in run blocking, aiding in three rushing touchdowns.
