Tennessee Football: 3 takeaways from frustrating loss to Pitt

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Sep 11, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) returns a kick against Pittsburgh Panthers place kicker Ben Sauls (90) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tennessee’s special teams were a bright spot

The Tennessee Volunteers got an excellent effort from its special teams unit today, capped by a blocked punt early in the first quarter by freshman defensive back Christian Charles.

Senior punter Paxton Brooks booted a terrific punt in the first quarter, setting it inside Pitt’s own 5-yard line. He had four punt attempts, averaging 45.8 yards per attempt. Senior placekicker Chase McGrath was a perfect 2-for-2 today on field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder.

During the third quarter, momentum nearly shifted after senior Theo Jackson stood in the back of Tennessee’s end zone to catch a missed field goal attempt by the Panthers. Jackson fielded the missed attempt, which resulted in a seismic touchdown return for Tennessee; however, the touchdown was negated after offsetting illegal block-in-the-back penalties by the Vols and Panthers.

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