Tennessee’s blowout of Alabama on Saturday was a team win, but the SEC handed out individual recognition on Monday to two Vols who helped set the tone early and often.
DL Ty Weathersby and K Cooper Ranvier were named players of the week at their respective positions after Tennessee’s 26-10 victory inside Neyland Stadium.
Weathersby took home lineman of the week honors after a disruptive day off the edge. He finished with four tackles, two sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss.
One of his biggest moments came in the first quarter, when he recovered the fumble Keelon Russell lost after Jeremiah Telander -who also had a terrific game with two sacks and a fourth down stop - sacked Russell. Weathersby then rumbled 20 yards for what looked like a touchdown, but the play was called back because Weathersby’s knee was down.
Even so, the turnover still led to points.
Those points belonged to Ranvier, who was Tennessee’s entire scoring offense in the first half. He made all four of his field goal attempts and both extra points, accounting for every Tennessee point before halftime.
Ranvier connected from 29, 33, and 41 yards in the first quarter, then added a 34-yard field goal in the second. His 12 points from field goals outscored Alabama’s entire team on the day.
It was a strong showing from two players who clearly earned the league’s notice, even if Telander, Dejuan Lane, and DeSean Bishop also have a case for recognition at their own positions.
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