John Adams|Knoxville News Sentinel
My literary contributors didn'tjust look at the scoreboard when they evaluated Tennessee’s performance. They considered the competition in judging UT’s 56-0 victory over hopelessly overmatched Tennessee Tech on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
The composite ranking on a 1-to-100 scale was 74.1, UT's highest rating of the season. Here's a sampling of their critiques:
Mike writes: With much less talent, Heuple has fielded a better team (so far) than any of Herr Pruitt's.
My response:Jeremy Pruitt has taken his talent to the NFL, where he is a “senior defensive assistant” with the New York Giants. He has had an immediate impact.
The Giants are 0-2.
Phillip writes: 55. How is it possible to feel so badly about a 56-0 win? Three 2nd-string quarterbacks. Anemic running game. Swiss cheese O-line with no Center. Big plays wiped off by penalties. Dropped passes. Coaches that still, still call a shotgun running play on the goal line. But, hey, our kick coverage is awesome!
My response: Good kick coverage could decide a close game.
Jim writes: 70. Hard to put ratings on this game, kinda like grading a high school freshman on their ability to recite the alphabet. Too bad Alcoa or Knox Catholic weren't available. Please, oh please Master Heupel, do not start Milton against Florida.
My response: Starting Hendon Hooker over Joe Milton shouldn’t be a tough call.
JOHN ADAMS: Hendon Hooker should be Tennessee football quarterback vs Florida even if Joe Milton is healthy
TENNESSEE FOOTBALL: Josh Heupel talked about Florida more than Tennessee Tech after win, and he has good reasons
REPORT CARD: Tennessee football defense gets an A and so does Josh Heupel
Mike: 70.We expected the Vols to win big and they did. They reduced the penalties from prior weeks and intercepted four passes.
My primary takeaway from this game is that Tennessee should NEVER again schedule a team like this. Tens of thousands of empty seats are a total embarrassment to our program.
My response: UT might never play three easier opponents in the same season than Bowling Green, Tennessee Tech and South Alabama.
Bill writes: 76. Thank goodness Tennessee Tech is a lot more not-very-good than we are. I shudder to think what the Gators will do to us next week.
My response: At least, the Vols don’t have to play Western Michigan, which beat Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Panthers beat UT 41-34.
Glenn writes: Defense fired on all cylinders against a vastly weaker opponent. Fleet-of-foot Hendon Hooker has potential to rekindle memories of VFL Josh Dobbs. Now, it’s on to the Swamp where the rubber meets the road.
My response: Hooker’s 22-yard run to the goal line in the first half was vintage Dobbs. It took three Golden Eagles to bring him down. But I’m not sure Dobbs could match Hooker’s spin move.
John writes: 65. Of course they won easily, hence the mediocrereport. Another FCS sleeper game with the visitor getting a payday for being slapped around.
Hendon Hooker did look like a starter.
My response: Few other Tennessee opponents have looked as helpless as Tennessee Tech. Bring back Georgia State.
Rachel writes: I miss Tim Priest. Listened to the radio and ended up napping. Vols blew out tenn tech, which they should have done.
Florida next week should keep me awake. Did I mention I missed Tim Priest?
My response: Priest had a great run as a color analyst. But he would have been hard-pressed to keep you awake against Tennessee Tech. Some fans probably fell asleep in Neyland Stadium.
Chris writes: 70, but honestly who knows. These games are awful and it’s very hard to make an assessment because of the inferior opponent.
I’ve liked how the defense and special teams have played all year. QB situation is worrying!
My response: It’s less worrisome when Hooker is playing.
James writes: 85. The good news is that the Volunteers won convincingly. In recent years that has not always been the case. See Georgia State (2019).
The bad news is that, try as they might, (and they did try) the FCS Golden Eagles were unable to put up much resistance.
My response: Even No. 3 quarterback Harrison Bailey finally got playing time after starting three games last year. I was beginning to wonder if he had entered Witness Protection.
Mark writes: 90. I wonder if Bearden High could beat Tech? Overall, this offense is ON FUEGO, bring on Bama. Jack and I can't wait. Can somebody create a WayBack Machine soon, I seriously need a Vol Burger. WOO!
My response: If you’re ready for Bama, sounds as though Jack is in control.
Rick writes: 90. Should have put Bailey in sooner.
My response: Some of the Neyland faithful were expressing the same opinion.
Slim writes: 80. Clearly Hooker gives us our best chance to win. He runs like a running back with strong cuts/spins and balance. Was glad to see Bailey get some time but he was underwhelming. Im concerned that the offensive line didnt move defenders as easily as I thought they should.
My response: A healthy Cooper Mays at center could boost the offensive line. But you’re right, it should have been more dominant against Tennessee Tech.
Karen writes: 88. Vols looked much better today. Kept penalties to only 3. Big improvement there. QB’s looked better. Defense solid. Points off for not being able to convert 4th and short multiple times against TTU.
My response: The Vols need to get more from their running game. Take out Hooker's 64 yards and they rushed for only 138 yards.
Jeff writes: 80. Turnovers were a huge plus. Hooker looked better. He puts them in much better position against higher quality teams coming up. Bailey looked like he was trying too hard to make an impression.
I have a bad feeling about Florida coming up.
My response: Trips to The Swamp rarely evoke good feelings.
Jack writes:Felt like they played better against Pitt. Wondering if they are playing to the level of their completion. If so, Florida will be an interesting game.
My response:Maybe, the Tide softened the Gators up for the Vols.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
