The Tennessee Volunteers tried their hardest to close out the regular season on a positive note, even though they didn’t cover. Josh Heupel deserves praise for his efforts to increase Joe Milton’s draft value at this late stage of the season, and this passing attack deserves praise for its performance.
Although it wasn’t the best offensive season by any means, there’s value in putting on a performance like this late in the season to build some momentum for bowl season. This was the offense that, in my opinion, many people expected to see all season back in September. Five important lessons can be learned from Tennessee’s victory over Kentucky.
Joe Milton departs Neyland with a flourish.
Anything that hasn’t already been yelled from the tops of the Smoky Mountains about Joe Milton? Tennessee supporters have witnessed both excellent and terrible games, such as those against Texas A&M and Kentucky. This was one of those truly exceptional shows. With over 380 yards and all six of Tennessee’s touchdowns coming from him, it’s difficult not to be ecstatic for the young man. Someone who, after losing his spot two years ago, had the option to transfer, stay on as a backup, and now get the chance to play his final game in a semi-decent bowl game against a Power 5 opponent. Despite the numerous low points, it was encouraging to see Joe depart Neyland today.
Their finest match of the season is WR Group.
Tennessee’s receivers seem to have hurt the team more often than they have helped it, based on how it feels. That was not the situation today. Ramel Keyton scored two touchdowns, one of which included some impressive yards-after-catch, and Squirrel White recorded a 10-catch performance, among the nine pass catchers on Tennessee’s offense.
