SEC Power Rankings: LSU – Alabama set up for another instant classic

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) works out prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers are finally looking like the SEC East contender many thought they would be at the beginning of the season. It’s too late, of course, because Tennessee has lost three SEC games and the Florida Gators are running away with the division, but the stars are lining up for a strong finish to the 2015 season.

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The Vols began a soft second half schedule with a dominant 52-21 victory over Kentucky in Lexington. Tennessee was the better team on offense, defense, and special teams and put together the first complete performance of the season against a FBS opponent.

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs completed 16 of 26 passes for 233 yards, two touchdowns and an interception and added 51 rushing yards and two TDs on the ground. Hobbs’ two touchdowns were equally impressive, but for different reasons.

The first was a 75-yard bomb to Josh Malone, who led the Vols with 103 receiving yards on four catches. The second was a screen pass that running back Jalen Hurd took 37 yards to the house, weaving through the Kentucky defense on his way to the end zone.

Hurd was held in check in the running game most of the night, and gained 61 rushing yards and a TD on 18 carries, but backup Alvin Kamara added 70 yards – 63 of which came on one explosive play. Tennessee blew the game open in the third quarter when Evan Berry returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown – his third kick return TD of the season. Not long after, Cameron Sutton scored on an 84-yard punt return.

Now 4-4, Tennessee should be favored in its final four regular season games against South Carolina, North Texas, Missouri and Vanderbilt.

Next Game: Saturday November 7 vs. South Carolina

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