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Tennessee football’s top five performers in 38-14 loss at Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 25, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA;Tennessee Volunteers running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs with the ball as Florida Gators cornerback Avery Helm (24) defends during the third quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA;Tennessee Volunteers running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs with the ball as Florida Gators cornerback Avery Helm (24) defends during the third quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) runs up the sideline after making a wide-open catch he will run for a touchdown during the football game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 25, 2021.Flgai 092521 Ufvs Tennesseefb 26
Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) runs up the sideline after making a wide-open catch he will run for a touchdown during the football game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 25, 2021.Flgai 092521 Ufvs Tennesseefb 26 /

There was no real consistency from almost anybody Saturday as Tennessee football fell to 2-2 in its 38-14 loss at the Florida Gators. The Vols did a lot of things right in the first half, but they were the inferior team, so it took some key big plays to put them in the game. Miscues took them out of it, as they couldn’t afford any in this one.

As we get set to hand out our helmet stickers recognizing the best UT players in The Swamp Saturday, it’s worth noting that some of them are on here just because of those few big plays. Hey, you have to give credit to those players able to give their team a chance.

We try to recognize people who played great throughout the game, but in this case, the guys who made the big plays were the reason Rocky Top ever somewhat threatened to begin with. Let’s dive in and break down the players we are talking about. These are Tennessee football’s top five performers in their loss to Florida.

Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. JaVonte Payton. 839. Scouting Report. Senior. 5. player

2 catches for 82 yards, 1 TD

Both of JaVonta Payton’s catches were huge plays. The first one is the most obvious. In the second quarter, with the Vols trailing 10-7, Payton got free in the secondary and caught a deep pass that he took to the house for a 75-yard touchdown reception. Putting UT ahead at that moment was huge, and it was the second straight week of Payton scoring a touchdown.

However, in the second half, Payton made a very clutch play that should’ve saved a touchdown drive. Down 24-14, Josh Heupel went for it on 4th and 5 from the Florida 42 on UT’s first drive of the second half. Hooker threw a high pass over the middle, and Payton came down with it in an amazing catch to secure the first down.

Later on in that drive, a miscue cost Tennessee football on another fourth down, but that wasn’t Payton’s fault. He did his part, and when his number was called, he made two plays that would be considered crucial in any game. As a result, he makes this list.

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