Tennessee is in the middle of its first of two bye weeks, sitting at 4–1, about where most fans expected the Vols to be through five games. Beating Georgia at home was within reach, and Tennessee probably let that one slip through its fingers, but it was always going to be a tough task. So, where do the Volunteers stand now? Who’s emerged? Let’s take a look.
It’s easy to say Tennessee has won the “trade” with UCLA. Joey Aguilar has been the boost this offense so desperately needed. Credit goes to Coach Heupel and the staff for revamping their scheme with more pro-style concepts, but a big part of it is Aguilar simply being the best passing quarterback the Vols have had in two years. Who knew that giving receivers a real chance to make a play on a deep ball could make an offense look this dangerous? That’s a rhetorical question.
Speaking of receivers, this isn’t a hot take: the best wideout in the upcoming NFL Draft might just be in Knoxville. Chris Brazzell II has been nothing short of tremendous. He’s actually outpacing Jalin Hyatt’s production from his Biletnikoff season. Through five games in 2022, Hyatt had 388 yards and three scores. Right now, Brazzell sits at 531 yards and seven touchdowns. He may not have the headline-grabbing five-touchdown game against Alabama (yet), but it’s hard to argue he hasn’t been more consistent than Hyatt was through five.
Sticking with the receivers, both Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley have had their moments to shine. Through five games, each has two touchdowns, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Matthews broke out against Mississippi State with six catches for 118 yards and a score, while Staley’s best showing came versus Georgia, hauling in nine receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Beyond the box score, both young guys have already delivered in pressure situations, converting key third- and fourth-down plays when Tennessee needed them most.
On the ground, it’s almost impossible to single out just one running back. Star Thomas, Peyton Lewis, DeSean Bishop, and even true freshman Daune Morris have all had their moments. Bishop’s most productive outing came against Syracuse, but his biggest play was the 20-yard touchdown to open overtime against Mississippi State — a run that ultimately sealed the win. Thomas, without question, has been the most versatile and explosive of the group. He hasn’t broken a run of 30+ yards yet, but it feels like only a matter of time. Lewis shone against UAB, carrying 11 times for 81 yards and a score, while Morris made the most of his opportunity against ETSU with nine carries for 48 yards and his first career touchdown.
Moving to the defensive side, Colton Hood has been nothing short of a revelation. In five games, he’s allowed just seven receptions for 56 yards while forcing five incompletions — lockdown numbers by any standard. He’s also added two defensive touchdowns, proving he’s not just shutting receivers down but flipping the field, too. Once Jermod McCoy returns to full strength, it’s no stretch to say Tennessee could be lining up two future first-rounders at corner in McCoy and Hood.
Outside of McCoy and Hood, Tennessee might have yet another first-rounder on defense in edge rusher Joshua Josephs — if he keeps up his current tear. Through five games, Josephs has 12 solo tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles, constantly wreaking havoc in opposing backfields. At this pace, don’t be surprised when his name gets called on Day 1 of the draft.
So far, this article has been all sunshine and rainbows — and rightfully so. Tennessee is 4–1 and should be 5–0. Should. That’s the keyword. For all the great things Josh Heupel has accomplished in Knoxville, his in-game decision-making still leaves something to be desired. It likely cost Tennessee the Georgia game, and it nearly did the same against Mississippi State when he inexplicably let the clock run instead of using a timeout on the final drive before overtime. Thankfully, DeSean Bishop bailed the Vols out with his overtime touchdown, and the defense slammed the door. But let’s be clear: the in-game decisions have to be better. No question.
With that being said, the goal now has to be the College Football Playoff. Anything less would feel like a disappointment. Honestly, if you had told me before the season that Tennessee would be in the thick of the Playoff hunt, I’d have been tickled pink.
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