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2021 Tennessee Volunteers football team

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2021 Tennessee Volunteers football
Music City Bowl, L 45–48OT vs. Purdue
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionEast Division
Record7–6 (4–4 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorAlex Golesh (1st season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorTim Banks (1st season)
Base defenseMultiple 4–3
Home stadiumNeyland Stadium
Seasons
← 2020
2022 →
2021 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 1 Georgia x#^   8 0     14 1  
No. 18 Kentucky*   5 3     10 3  
Tennessee   4 4     7 6  
Missouri   3 5     6 7  
South Carolina   3 5     7 6  
Florida   2 6     6 7  
Vanderbilt   0 8     2 10  
West Division
No. 2 Alabama x$^   7 1     13 2  
No. 11 Ole Miss   6 2     10 3  
No. 21 Arkansas   4 4     9 4  
Mississippi State   4 4     7 6  
Texas A&M   4 4     8 4  
Auburn   3 5     6 7  
LSU   3 5     6 7  
Championship: Alabama 41, Georgia 24
  • # – College Football Playoff champion
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • * – Kentucky vacated all wins due to NCAA violations.
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2021 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Volunteers played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, and competed in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They were led by first-year coach Josh Heupel.

Recruiting class

[edit]
Ranking Position Name Home State
★★★★ OT Addison Nichols Georgia
★★★★ QB Tayven Jackson Indiana
★★★★ WR Cameron Miller Tennessee
★★★ EDGE Joshua Josephs Georgia
★★★ TE Brody Foley Ohio
★★★ WR Marquarius (Squirrel) White Alabama
★★★ WR Chas Nimrod Arkansas
★★★ RB Dylan Sampson Louisiana
★★★ OG Mo Clipper Jr. Georgia
★★★ OT Brian Grant Florida
★★★ OG Masai Reddick Michigan
★★★ DT Jordan Phillips Florida
★★★ LB Elijah Herring Tennessee
★★★ LB Kalib Perry Kentucky

Coaching staff

[edit]
Name Position[1] Joined staff
Josh Heupel Head coach 2021
Tim Banks Defensive coordinator 2021
Kodi Burns Wide receivers 2021
Mike Ekeler outside linebackers / Special teams coordinator 2021
Glen Elarbee offensive line 2021
Rodney Garner Defensive line 2021
Alex Golesh Offensive coordinator / Tight Ends 2021
Joey Halzle Quarterbacks 2021
Brian Jean-Mary Linebackers 2021
Jerry Mack Running Backs 2021
Willie Martinez Secondary 2021

Schedule

[edit]
DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 2 8:00 p.m. Bowling Green* SECN W 38–6 84,314
September 11 Noon Pittsburgh*
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN
ESPN L 34–41 82,203
September 18 Noon Tennessee Tech*
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN
ESPN+/SECN+ W 56–0 80,053
September 25 7:00 p.m. at No. 11 Florida ESPN L 14–38 88,478
October 2 Noon at Missouri SECN W 62–24 45,655
October 9 Noon South Carolina
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
ESPN2 W 45–20 89,437
October 16 7:30 p.m. No. 13 Ole Miss
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
SECN L 26–31 102,455
October 23 7:00 p.m. at No. 4 Alabama ESPN L 24–52 100,077
November 6 7:00 p.m. at No. 18 Kentucky ESPN2 W 45–42 61,690
November 13 3:30 p.m. No. 1 Georgia
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
CBS L 17–41 100,074
November 20 7:30 p.m. South Alabama*
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN
ESPNU W 60–14 75,203
November 27 3:45 p.m. Vanderbilt
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
SECN W 45–21 77,349
December 30 3:00 p.m. vs. Purdue* ESPN L 45–48OT 69,489

[2]

Game summaries

[edit]

Bowling Green

[edit]
Bowling Green at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bowling Green 0 6 006
Tennessee 14 0 141038

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: September 2
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny, 77 °F (25 °C)
  • Game attendance: 84,314
  • Referee: Steve Marlowe
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color) and Cole Cubelic (sidelines)

Pittsburgh

[edit]
Pittsburgh at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Pittsburgh 0 27 7741
Tennessee 10 10 7734

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: September 11
  • Game time: Noon
  • Game weather: Sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 82,203
  • Referee: Stuart Mullins
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dvoracek (color) and Tom Luginbill (sidelines)

Tennessee Tech

[edit]
Tennessee Tech at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tennessee Tech 0 0 000
Tennessee 14 14 21756

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: September 18
  • Game time: Noon
  • Game weather: Sunny, 75 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 80,053
  • Referee: Kyle Olson
  • TV announcers (SECN+/ESPN+): Kevin Brown (play-by-play), Hutson Mason (color) and Abby Labar (sidelines)

At No. 11 Florida

[edit]
Tennessee at No. 11 Florida
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tennessee 7 7 0014
No. 11 Florida 10 7 14738

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

  • Date: September 25
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 88,478
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), and Katie George (sidelines)
Game information

At Missouri

[edit]
Tennessee at Missouri
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tennessee 28 17 10762
Missouri 3 7 7724

at Faurot Field, Columbia, MO

  • Date: October 2
  • Game time: Noon
  • Game weather: Rain, 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,655
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (SECN): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Deuce McAllister (color), and Andraya Carter (sidelines)

Vs. South Carolina

[edit]
South Carolina at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
South Carolina 0 7 7620
Tennessee 28 10 0745

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m.. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny • Temperature – 70°F
  • Game attendance: 89,437
  • Referee: James Carter
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Anish Shroff (play-by-play), Mike Golic Jr. (color) and Taylor McGregor (sideline)
  • Box Score
Game information
First quarter
  • (9:18) TENN – Jalin Hyatt 3-yard pass from Hendon Hooker (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 4:29.
  • (6:46) TENN – JaVonta Payton 39-yard pass from Hendon Hooker (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 57 yards, 0:35.
  • (0:58) TENN – Hendon Hooker 11-yard run (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 1:18.
  • (0:12) TENN – Velus Jones Jr. 21-yard pass from Hendon Hooker (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 0:33.
Second quarter
  • (5:40) TENN – Tiyon Evans 45-yard run (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 35–0. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 1:43.
  • (2:04) SC – Kevin Harris 6-yard run (Parker White Kick). Tennessee 35–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:36.
  • (0:00) TENN – Chase McGrath 25-yard field goal. Tennessee 38–7. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 2:04.
Third quarter
  • (7:15) SC – Payton Mangrum 44-yard pass from Kai Kroeger (Parker White Kick). Tennessee 38–14. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:18.
Fourth quarter
  • (12:18) SC – Kevin Harris 1-yard run (2PT Pass Failed). Tennessee 38–20. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 7:04.
  • (4:45) TENN – Len'Neth Whitehead 2-yard run (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 45–20. Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 3:06.
Statistics SC TENN
First downs 22 24
Plays–yards 75–370 72–472
Rushes–yards 153 247
Passing yards 217 225
Passing: compattint 21–34–1 17–23–0
Time of possession 33:55 26:05
Team Category Player Statistics
SC Passing Luke Doty 19/31, 167 yards
Rushing Kevin Harris 16 carries, 61 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Payton Mangrum 1 reception, 44 yards, TD
TENN Passing Hendon Hooker 17/23, 225 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Tiyon Evans 16 carries, 119 yards, TD
Receiving Velus Jones Jr. 6 receptions, 103 yards, TD

No. 13 Ole Miss

[edit]
No. 13 Ole Miss at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 13 Ole Miss 10 14 7031
Tennessee 9 3 7726

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: October 16
  • Game time: 7:30 pm
  • Game weather: Sunny, 59 °F (15 °C)
  • Game attendance: 102,455
  • Referee: Marc Curles
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color) and Cole Cubelic (sidelines)
Game information
First Quarter
  • (9:50) MISS – Snoop Conner 1 yard rush, Caden Costa kick Ole Miss 7–0; 4 plays, 11 yards, 0:58
  • (4:35) TENN – Matt Corral intentional grounding in end zone Ole Miss 7–2
  • (3:51) TENN – Cedric Tillman 16 yard pass from Hendon Hooker, Chase McGrath kick Tennessee 9–7; 3 plays, 49 yards, 0:37
  • (0:44) MISS – Caden Costa 30 yard field goal Ole Miss 10–9; 11 plays, 57 yards, 3:01
Second Quarter
  • (11:27) MISS – Dannis Jackson 33 yard pass from Matt Corral, Caden Costa kick Ole Miss 17–9; 8 plays, 54 yards, 2:30
  • (5:30) MISS – Snoop Conner 1 yard rush, Caden Costa kick Ole Miss 24–9; 12 plays, 91 yards, 3:37
  • (0:00) TENN – Chase McGrath 39 yard field goal Ole Miss 24–12; 6 plays, 62 yards, 0:53
Third Quarter
  • (12:38) TENN – Jabari Small 1 yard rush, Chase McGrath kick Ole Miss 24–19; 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:18
  • (2:04) MISS – Dontario Drummond 16 yard pass from Matt Corral, Caden Costa kick Ole Miss 31–19; 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:02
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:41) TENN – Hendon Hooker 5 yard rush, Chase McGrath kick Ole Miss 31–26; 9 plays, 88 yards, 3:14
Statistics MISS TENN
First downs 29 29
Total yards 510 467
Passing yards 231 245
Rushing yards 279 222
Penalties 10–75 6–48
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 34:09 25:51
Team Category Player Statistics
Ole Miss Passing Matt Corral 21/38, 231 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Matt Corral 30 carries, 195 yards
Receiving Dontario Drummond 2 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD
Tennessee Passing Hendon Hooker 17/26, 233 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Hendon Hooker 23 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Velus Jones Jr. 6 receptions, 93 yards

The game was delayed for nearly 20 minutes in the 4th quarter as some Tennessee fans started to throw objects onto the field, including a golf ball that hit Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin in the leg. The eruption occurred after officials ruled that Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren was short on 4th-and-24 with just under a minute left to play.[3] On the Monday following the game, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey announced that Tennessee would be fined $250,000 due to the fans' actions.[4]

At No. 4 Alabama

[edit]
Pregame line Over/under
ALA -27.5 66.5
Tennessee at No. 4 Alabama
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tennessee 14 0 3724
No. 4 Alabama 7 14 32852

at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

  • Date: October 23
  • Game time: 7:00 pm
  • Game weather: Sunny, 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 100,077
  • Referee: Alex Moore
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color), and Katie George (sidelines)
Statistics Tennessee Alabama
First downs 10 32
Total yards 346 574
Rushing yards 64 203
Passing yards 282 371
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 19:34 40:26
Team Category Player Statistics
Tennessee Passing Hendon Hooker 19/28, 282 yards, 3 TD's, 1 INT
Rushing Tiyon Evans 7 carries, 30 yards
Receiving Cedric Tillman 7 receptions, 152 yards, 1 TD
Alabama Passing Bryce Young 31/43, 371 yards, 2 TD's
Rushing Brian Robinson Jr. 26 carries, 107 yards, 3 TD's
Receiving Jameson Williams 6 receptions, 123 yards

At No. 18 Kentucky

[edit]
Tennessee at No. 16 Kentucky
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tennessee 14 10 14745
No. 18 Kentucky 7 14 14742

at Kroger Field, Lexington, KY

  • Date: November 6
  • Game time: 7:00 pm
  • Game weather: Sunny, 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 61,690
  • Referee: Steve Marlowe
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Kirk Morrison (color), and Dawn Davenport (sidelines)
Statistics Tennessee Kentucky
First downs 17 35
Total yards 461 612
Rushing yards 145 225
Passing yards 316 387
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 13:52 46:08
Team Category Player Statistics
Tennessee Passing Hendon Hooker 15/20, 316 yards, 4 TD’s
Rushing Jabari Small 4 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Velus Jones Jr. 5 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD
Kentucky Passing Will Levis 31/49, 372 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Rushing Chris Rodriguez Jr. 22 carries, 109 yards
Receiving Wan'Dale Robinson 13 receptions, 166 yards, 1 TD

No. 1 Georgia

[edit]
No. 1 Georgia at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 1 Georgia 7 17 31441
Tennessee 10 0 0717

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: November 13
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 49 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 100,074
  • Referee: James Carter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color) and Jamie Erdahl (sidelines)
  • Pregame line: Georgia −19.5 • Odds to win: Georgia 88.1% • Game summary: ESPN
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:43) TENN – Velus Jones Jr. 9 Yd pass from Hendon Hooker (Chase McGrath Kick) (Tennessee 7–0)
  • (9:11) UGA – James Cook 39 Yd Run (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Tied 7–7)
  • (1:39) TENN – Chase McGrath 24 Yd Field Goal (Tennessee 10–7)
Second quarter
  • (9:42) UGA – Jack Podlesny 40 Yd Field Goal (Tied 10–10)
  • (7:24) UGA – Stetson Bennett 9 Yd Run (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Georgia 17–10)
  • (0:37) UGA – James Cook 23 Yd pass from Stetson Bennett (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Georgia 24–10)
Third quarter
  • (4:41) UGA – Jack Podlesny 26 Yd Field Goal (Georgia 27–10)
Fourth quarter
  • (13:14) UGA – James Cook 5 Yd Run (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Georgia 34–10)
  • (7:03) UGA – Kenny McIntosh 5 Yd Run (Jack Podlesny Kick) (Georgia 41–10)
  • (3:38) TENN – Cedric Tillman 12 Yd pass from Joe Milton (Chase McGrath Kick) (Georgia 41–17)
Statistics UGA TENN
First downs 26 22
Plays–yards 70–487 84–387
Rushes–yards 41–274 36–55
Passing yards 213 332
Passing: compattint 17–29–0 30–48–1
Time of possession 32:40 27:20
Team Category Player Statistics
UGA Passing Stetson Bennett 17/29, 213 yards, 1 TD
Rushing James Cook 10 carries, 104 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Adonai Mitchell 5 receptions, 65 yards
TENN Passing Hendon Hooker 24/37, 244 yards, 1TD, 1 INT
Rushing Jabari Small 12 carries, 49 yards
Receiving Cedric Tillman 10 receptions, 200 yards, 1 TD

South Alabama

[edit]
Pregame line Over/under
TENN –28.0 61
South Alabama at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
South Alabama 0 7 0714
Tennessee 14 21 141160

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 7:30 pm
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,203
  • Referee: Jason Autrey
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Clay Matvick (play-by-play) and Rocky Boiman (color)
Game information
First quarter
  • (11:13) TENN – Jabari Small 1-yard rush (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 2:00.
  • (6:46) TENN – Jaylen Wright 17-yard rush (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 1:57.
Second quarter
  • (10:37) TENN – Cedric Tillman 27-yard pass from Hendon Hooker (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 21–0. Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 2:38.
  • (6:41) TENN – Princeton Fant 24-yard pass from Hendon Hooker (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 28–0. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 0:55.
  • (1:36) USA – Lincoln Sefcik 3-yard pass from Desmond Trotter (Diego Guajardo Kick). Tennessee 28–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:05.
  • (1:18) TENN – Velus Jones Jr. 96-yard kickoff return (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 35–7. Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 1:04.
Third quarter
  • (12:06) TENN – Jabari Small 3-yard rush (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 42–7. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 1:54.
  • (7:29) TENN – Hendon Hooker 6-yard rush (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 49–7. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 2:57.
Fourth quarter
  • (12:50) TENN – Len'Neth Whitehead 5-yard rush (Chase McGrath Kick). Tennessee 56–7. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:06.
  • (11:02) USA – Jalen Tolbert 68-yard pass from Desmond Trotter (Diego Guajardo Kick). Tennessee 56–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:48.
  • (6:37) TENN – Team Safety. Tennessee 58–14. Drive: 3 plays, -9 yards, 1:40.
  • (2:43) TENN – Team Safety. Tennessee 60–14. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:18.
Statistics South Alabama Tennessee
First downs 13 28
Total yards 285 561
Rushing yards 69 250
Passing yards 216 311
Turnovers 0 0
Time of possession 37:00 23:00
Team Category Player Statistics
South Alabama Passing Desmond Trotter 19/32, 216 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Kareem Walker 7 carries, 29 yards
Receiving Jalen Tolbert 7 receptions, 143 yards, 1 TD
Tennessee Passing Hendon Hooker 17/20, 273 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing Jaylen Wright 13 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Velus Jones Jr. 6 receptions, 103 yards

Vanderbilt

[edit]
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vanderbilt 0 7 6821
Tennessee 7 17 14745

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 3:45 pm
  • Game weather: Sunny, 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 77,349
  • Referee: David Smith
  • TV announcers (SECN): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Deuce McAllister (color), and Andraya Carter (sidelines)
Statistics VAN TENN
First downs 18 25
Total yards 321 441
Rushing yards 115 285
Passing yards 206 156
Turnovers 1 1
Time of possession 38:16 21:44
Team Category Player Statistics
Vanderbilt Passing Mike Wright 16/31, 198 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Rocko Griffin 30 carries, 104 yards, TD
Receiving Will Sheppard 5 receptions, 98 yards, TD
Tennessee Passing Hendon Hooker 10/18, 156 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Jaylen Wright 15 carries, 112 yards, TD
Receiving Cedric Tillman 6 receptions, 106 yards, 2 TD

Purdue

[edit]
2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Tennessee 21 0 1014045
Purdue 7 16 715348

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,489
  • Referee: Jerry Magallanes
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (color), and Cole Cubelic (sidelines)

Players drafted into the NFL

[edit]
Round Pick Player Position NFL club
2 49 Alontae Taylor CB New Orleans Saints
3 71 Velus Jones Jr WR Chicago Bears
5 175 Matthew Butler DT Las Vegas Raiders
6 199 Cade Mays OG Carolina Panthers
6 204 Theo Jackson S Tennessee Titans

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Football Coaches". University of Tennessee Athletics. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  2. ^ "2021 Tennessee Football Schedule". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  3. ^ Wilson, Mike (October 17, 2021). "How Tennessee Vols fans trashed end of Ole Miss game vs. Lane Kiffin". Knox News. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  4. ^ Low, Chris (October 18, 2021). "SEC Fines Tennessee Volunteers $250k for fan behavior at end of loss to Ole Miss Rebels". ESPN. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
[edit]