Positional Grades: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State

Tennessee tallied its first conference victory of the season on Saturday as it stifled Mississippi State at home. Cory Sanning grades the Vols' positional groups.

Despite a disastrous start to SEC play, Tennessee was able to rebound at home on Saturday at contain Mississippi State's high-powered rushing attack on the way to a 20-10 victory at Neyland Stadium.

Here;s how the Vols' individual groups fared:

Quarterback: B

After a hot start against Georgia a week ago, freshman Brian Maurer didn't quite get off to the same start on Saturday.

Twice in the first half, Maurer led the Vols in to the red zone and seemingly had them in position to notch six points on the board. Instead, he threw end zone interceptions not once, but twice.

The first may have been the worst decision the Ocala, Florida native has made all season. Attempting to force the ball to Jauan Jennings in double coverage, the ball instead landed in the arms of a Bulldogs defender.

On the second, Maurer attempted an across-the-body throw to Josh Palmer that was far too low and Brian Cole easily picked it off.

Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Brian Cole II (32) intercepts a pass in the endzone against Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Palmer (5) during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn't until he was replaced by Jarrett Guarantano in the second half did Tennessee begin getting production from the quarterback position. Finishing the game 6-of-7 for 106 yards and one touchdown, it was the former starter that put on the finishing touches late.

His lone touchdown pass to Tyler Byrd with 2:35 remaining in the game was exactly what the Vols needed and the redshirt junior delivered.

Running back: B-

Tennessee's running backs didn't have the most prolific afternoon, but they were effective when needed.

Combining for 35 carries for 122 yards, Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan did a majority of the heavy lifting while Eric Gray received just two touches all game long. UT's other 63 rushing yards came by way of Maurer and Jennings.

While they certainly did not have their best afternoon in terms of yards per rush average, Chandler and Jordan made plays when they were called upon.

That in itself warrants an above-average grade for Tennessee's much-maligned running game.

Wide Receiver: C+

Byrd made the play of the game at the end, but it was not a banner day for Tennessee's group of receivers. 

For the first time all season, Jennings made virtually no impact in the passing game. The redshirt senior receiver tallied just three receptions for 17 total yards. After a big game last week Marquez Callaway was held without a catch.

Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Tyler Byrd (10) runs away from Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Somon Anderson (25) for a touchdown at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Freshman Ramel Keyton made a big play down the sideline for the first catch of his collegiate career, but other than Byrd's 56 yards receiving, it was a quiet day for UT's pass-catchers.

Tight End: C-

For the second consecutive week, the Vols' tight ends for a virtual no-show in terms of impact.

Dominick Wood-Anderson made a spectacular 28-yard catch early, but failed to make any impact beyond that. Austin Pope didn't fare much better, either.

The redshirt junior once again failed to make a catch and while he serves primarily as a blocker, it was the success Tennessee was having on the offensive line that spurred its running game when needed.

Offensive Line: B

Putting together one of its most consistent performances on the year, UT's offensive line was able to push the pile when called upon. 

While the quarterbacks didn't always have the most time to throw, when big plays were needed, the Vols executed. When a team puts up 190 total yards on the ground, it's not solely due to the talent of the ball carrier.

With Trey Smith seemingly back at full strength and this unit now starting to show some chemistry, Tennessee may begin to see more success in the run game moving forward.

Defensive Line: A

Heading into Saturday, Mississippi State's Kylin Hill was the top-ranked rusher in the SEC with 596 yards on the season. He was top 10 in the nation and did not seem like he was slowing down anytime soon.

Then Tennessee's defensive front got ahold of him and they made life very difficult for him all game long.

Limiting the junior running back to just 13 yards on 11 carries, the Vols' defensive line continuously formed a wall around him while also creating pressure on quarterbacks Tommy Stevens and Garrett Shrader.

Overall, when push came to shove, Tennessee's defensive line answered the call.

Linebackers: A-

A banner day for UT's defensive line also produced quite the performance from its linebacking core.

Darrell Taylor spearheaded Tennessee's pass rush, recording two sacks and five tackles during the game. He was eclipsed in stops only by senior Daniel Bituli, who recorded seven tackles of his own.

Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Shawn Shamburger (12) and defensive back Terrell Bailey (36) and defensive back Shawn Shamburger (12) and linebacker Daniel Bituli (35) and others gang tackle Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Osirus Mitchell (5) in the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

After Henry To'o To'o was ejected for targeting, Quavaris Crouch stepped in and filled the void left by the freshman phenom nicely, notching four tackles of his own.

They may not experience the same amount of success next week, but overall, an admirable performance from this group.

Cornerbacks: B+

They may not have had the best day in terms of pass coverage, but Tennessee's cornerbacks also put forth one of their best efforts of the season.

Despite allowing 146 yards receiving, they were played a key role in the Vols' stifling Mississippi State's rushing attack. Bryce Thompson put forth his best performance of the season, notching three tackles, one sack and a tackle for a loss.

Alontae Taylor was second on the team in tackles with five of his own and provided smothering coverage when called upon. 

Not their best day, but enough nonetheless.

Safeties: A+

Holding Hill to just 1.2 yards per carry is wildly impressive, but the Vols' safeties provided the electricity.

Notching two of Tennessee's three interceptions on the day, Nigel Warrior and Trevon Flowers were tremendous over the top in coverage. They also combined for six tackles and two pass break-ups. 

Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) and defensive back Nigel Warrior (18) break up a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive end Chauncey Rivers (5) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 20 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

While Flowers would go on to suffer an ankle injury during his interception return, it was certainly a day to remember in terms of making plays and getting the home crowd involved.

Coaching: A

If there is one aspect of Jeremy Pruitt's game-planning methods that can't be denied, is that when called upon, he and Derrick Ansley typically have their defense ready to go.

Saturday was no different.

From the opening kickoff, the Vols had an energy about them on that side of the ball that had not manifested itself since week two against BYU. Only this time, they didn't collapse at the end, they rose up.

Given that reality, it's hard to find any holes in the coaching staff's methods leading up to and during this game.

Overall: A-

While not a perfect performance by any means, Tennessee was in desperate need for a victory and despite some flaws, it delivered.

With top-ranked Alabama waiting for them in Tuscaloosa next Saturday, the Vols needed a confidence boost going forward if they are to recover and potentially become eligible for a bowl game during the final stretch.

After the Crimson Tide, UT faces a very favorable schedule that could see it rebound and save its season, but it all starts with carrying over the effort brought forth on Saturday.

Only time will be the deciding factor on how this season is remembered.