No one reads the special teams entry in a series like this: “We need a new punter, we get it.” But if you’re trying to spring an upset in year one? The third phase can make all the difference.

#9: Special Teams

In Tennessee’s upsets and near-misses in previous year ones, special teams played a critical role:

  • You know all about Tennessee’s special teams miscues in the 2009 loss to Alabama in Lane Kiffin’s year, but don’t forget it was a successful onside kick that gave Tennessee a chance to win.
  • Butch Jones and the 2013 Vols almost beat Georgia thanks to a blocked punt returned for a touchdown…
  • …then did beat South Carolina thanks to a trio of made field goals from Michael Palardy, including the game-winner.

When you’re trying to close the talent gap, one of the quickest ways to make a difference on a fall Saturday is by making a play on special teams. So who’s going to do that for Tennessee this year?

Unfortunately, it won’t be Evan Berry and his better-to-kick-it-out-of-bounds average. But Ty Chandler did take one back to the house last year, finishing 33rd nationally in kick return average. Marquez Callaway housed a punt return in 2016; he was 28th nationally in punt return average in 2017. It may not be Evan Berry and Alvin Kamara, but there is plenty of potential in the return game.

The other side of special teams in a coach’s first year: don’t miss opportunities to score points. A good field goal kicker can make a big difference when the margin is so thin. Daniel Lincoln went 1-of-4 against Alabama in 2009, and also missed a field goal and an extra point in a four-point loss to Auburn; he rebounded to hit 10-of-11 in Derek Dooley’s first season. Meanwhile Palardy was 14-of-17 in 2013, the best kicking performance of the decade for Tennessee.

Last year Brent Cimaglia went 8-of-13, including a pair of costly misses against both Florida and Kentucky. Will he be the answer with Aaron Medley’s graduation? Or will Michigan transfer Ryan Tice get in on the action? A good way to add to frustration in any season, but especially a coach’s first, is to ride the kicker roller coaster all season.

Perhaps the biggest special teams issue will be replacing Trevor Daniel, who was second in the nation last year with 47.47 yards per punt. Freshman Paxton Brooks and Farragut sophomore Joe Doyle will be in the mix this fall.

It’s not sexy, but could make the difference between 5-7 and 6-6 this fall, or help Tennessee score a significant upset. And if the Vols find answers in Chandler, Callaway, Cimaglia, and whoever punts, they could all be around long enough for this to be a true strength in 2019.

10 Questions for 2018

#10: What backup defensive linemen in 2018 will be starting in 2019?