The Day After

Tennessee's offense again failed to score in a 45-7 loss to Alabama. We review the Vols 11th straight defeat at the hands of the Crimson Tide with The Day After.

HOT

Quarte Sapp – The linebacker had 11 tackles Saturday and his speed clearly showed up early in his ability to get sideline to sideline. Sapp now has 37 tackles the last four games.

First down passing – Jarrett Guarantano was sacked on first down, but when given the chance to throw it on first down, the offense had a pulse. The offense was 5 for 5 for 37 yards throwing the ball on first down. That means they were 4 of 11 for 7 yards and an interception on non-first down throws.

NOT

Larry Scott's offense – Another fail in the redzone. Another four quarters without a touchdown. The offense only had 108 yards of total offense and had 6 three and outs in 11 offensive possessions. Seven of John Kelly's 12 rushes were for 12 yards or less. And Tennessee was just 1 of 12 on third down conversions. It's a unit that's going to go down as one of the worst offenses in Vol history.

Defensive personnel decisions – Volquest has noted many times about the defensive coaching staff's refusal to rotate on the defensive front. Saturday, Shawn Shamburger's play was a head scratcher. The true freshman in his first start and first extensive playing time had 12 tackles and a sack begging the question why did he got get any real defensive snaps before the Vols seventh game of the year.

The second half – Since scoring 17 fourth quarter points at the Swamp, the Vols have been outscored 60-10 the last four weeks. In the last four games, the Vol offense in the second half has gained 253 total yards. Saturday, they were out gained in the second half 352-42.

Hands to the face penalty – The penalty nullified what would have been a fumble/touchback for the Vols. To make matters worse, it ended up being a 35 yard penalty and set Alabama up at the Vol one yard line where they would score 4 plays later to go up 14-0.

Bituli to the house – Pass coverage is not sophomore Daniel Bituli's greatest strength but his tip to himself interception and 97 yard return was the Vols only highlight and was only reason the Vols were shutout for the second time in three games.

Second sack of Jarrett Guarantano on the Vols last first half possession – Facing 2nd and 10 at the Alabama 44 yard line, Guarantano was blasted for a sack and a 9 yard loss. It was the Vols only hope of possibly getting points in the first quarter as their only other snap in Alabama territory in the first half was a 4th and 2 punt.

Tennessee's only trip in the redzone – It epitomized this offense and just how bad they are. After a roughing the passer penalty put them at the Alabama five, Tennessee rushed for 4 yards on two snaps, had a touchdown overturned on review, jumped off-sides, ran for no gain and threw an interception.

210:25 – Number of games minutes elapsed since the Vols last offensive touchdown, that's 14 quarters and 43 drives.

75% – Alabama's third down conversion rate in third and long. The Vol defense got Alabama backed up to 3rd and 9+ four times and converted 3 of them.

5 of 11 – Of the Vols 11 third down plays offensively, the yard to make a first down was 11+ yards 5 times. Tennessee had 2 third down attempts of less than five yards in the game.

0% – Tennessee's touchdown rate with the ball inside the 10 yard line. After having -17 yards on 8 snaps inside the 10 a week ago, the Vols had 4 yards, a penalty, and an interception in 5 snaps Saturday.

Let's go with Shawn Shamburger. Shamburger was flagged a couple of times, but he clearly played as if he belonged. Shamburger had a team high 12 tackles, a sack and he forced a fumble.

That's pretty good considering he was battling cramps, playing his first game in the defensive line up and guarding the Tide's best receiver Calvin Ridley most of the day.

Hats off to Shamburger for just continuing to work even though he wasn't playing like he had hoped. He just kept battling and his hard work is paying off.

There's only one question on any Vol fans mind at this point. What's John Currie thinking at this point? Currie is not expected to make any news on Sunday.

Saturday Currie took notes and observed. He also had dialogue/communication with Jones after Currie spent time with Jones after the game.