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A combined 100 points were scored and a combined 1,352 yards were amassed in Knoxville on Saturday afternoon by Tennessee and Missouri. TOP was nearly split down the middle with only two minutes or so separating the two teams. The only thing that wasn’t close though was the point differential, as the Volunteers pasted the Tigers 63-37 to improve to 8-3 on the year.
Mizzou gained 743 yards (!) on the afternoon in a loss, which is as unsavory as it sounds. The Tigers gained 420 yards on the ground and 323 yards through the air but still found themselves on the losing end thanks in part to four costly turnovers during the game.
Here’s what we learned from this game:
Damarea Crockett remains a beast
Mizzou’s running back seems to be getting better by the week, and Damarea Crockett had a huge day against the Vols’ porous run defense. Crockett rushed for 225 yards on 24 carries picking up a touchdown and consistently found ways to wreak havoc. In a lost season, Damarea Crockett’s potential has been able to flash consistently and the future looks bright for him.
Josh Malone had another big day
The Vols’ receiver was profiled in our preview for the game, and he went and had a great outing against the Mizzou defense. Malone caught three passes and stretched the field for 83 yards and a touchdown on a 57-yard reception. Given that he’s a junior we may see him flee for the pastures of the NFL, but if he does stick around, Tennessee will have a hell of a playmaker on their roster next year.
The Volunteers won’t be going to Atlanta
Even with the victory and the chance to finish with 10 wins, Tennessee will still leave the 2016 season with lots left to be desired. With the Gators’ victory earlier Saturday afternoon against LSU, the Vols’ preseason goal of heading to Atlanta for the first time since 2007 is now officially up in smoke. One should expect those expectations to be weighed heavily this offseason.