Tennessee struggles to convert turnovers into touchdowns in 29-26 loss to Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Tennessee coach Butch Jones pointed to one factor for why the Vols couldn’t pull out the victory against Kentucky on Saturday.

“First thing, when you look at it, we didn’t capitalize on the turnovers,” Jones said after Tennessee’s 29-26 loss. “To get four turnovers and only get 9 points off of it.”

Tennessee (3-5, 0-5 SEC) had four drives begin due to Kentucky fumbles. The Vols settled for field goals each time, converting three.

Tennessee did not commit a turnover.

“It’s all about turnover margin,” Jones said. “It is the biggest indicator of wins or losses. Our defense did a really good job of taking the football away. It’s about complementary football. It’s about what you do with the football once you get it. To come away with nine points is inexcusable.”

Kentucky running back Benny Snell fumbled on the first play of the game. Tennessee safety Nigel Warrior recovered the ball on the 15-yard line.

Tennessee struggled to capitalize on the turnover, gaining 3 yards combined on the first two plays. On third-and-7, Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano overthrew an open Brandon Johnson in the end zone. Kicker Brent Cimaglia made the 24-yard field goal.

“There were opportunities, but we needed to score, “Guarantano said. “I missed a big throw, just a little high with it. We practice that throw every day and I make that throw every day. I missed it [yesterday].”

The other two turnovers that led to points came in the third quarter.

Nickelback Rashaan Gaulden forced a fumble from backup Kentucky quarterback Drew Baker on the 48-yard line. The Vols drove to the 6-yard line but a sack on Guarantano derailed the drive. Cimaglia made the 30-yard field goal.

Defensive tackle knocked the ball loose form Garrett Johnson on the next Kentucky possession. The Vols put together an 8-play drive that ended with a 45-yard Cimaglia field goal.

Cimaglia did miss a 44-yard field goal attempt that was set up by a Sihiem King fumble.

Tennessee entered the game with the 94th-ranked turnover differential in the country at minus-3. It seemed winning the turnover margin would be enough to lift the downtrodden team.

Tennessee might have to work on converting turnovers into touchdowns, instead of field goals, to get back into the win column.

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