Quarterback B-

Nick Stephens was 10 of 17; two incompletions were drops. Stephens showed poise and pocket presence and appeared to manage the offense well. Stephens made a couple of dangerous throws and took a costly sack on third-and-goal that led to a missed FG. Stephens short-hopped a pass to an open Austin Rogers with the game in the balance.

Running backs D

Arian Foster (18 carries, 75 yards) hit the corner a couple of times but continues to get caught from behind on other runs. Foster also showed a lack of heart - or power - on short-yardage runs. Montario Hardesty had only seven carries and never got into a groove.

Receivers D+

The plus is for Denarius Moore, who used his speed to make the biggest play of the game, hauling in a 52-yard TD pass. Josh Briscoe had two catches for 22 yards but fumbled. Brandon Warren and Gerald Jones each dropped a pass, and Jones was called for being an ineligible man downfield.

Offensive Line D

Outplayed by a Mid-American Conference defensive line despite a 45-pound per man size advantage. Ramon Foster's missed block led to Stephens taking a fumble-inducing hit. Jacques McClendon had motion penalties on consecutive plays. No surge on short-yardage plays.

Defensive Line C

Looked very ordinary much of the night as Wes Brown recorded one sack and Dan Williams a 1/2 sack. Demonte Bolden got a silly personal foul for a late hit. Failed to dominate an inferior opponent in the manner of past UT D-Lines.

Linebackers C

Appeared fairly active, but NIU was falling forward on most of its runs. Nevin McKenzie had nine tackles, two tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. Rico McCoy was in on eight tackles and had a sack. Nick Reveiz had four stops in getting the start.

Secondary C+

Eric Berry's interception and 48-yard return was the highlight. Arguably the secondary's worst game of the season. NIU receivers were open often, but the Huskies' third-team QB couldn't find them. Dennis Rogan was called for holding and DeAngelo Willingham had a pass interference.

Special Teams C-

Good coverage, but otherwise subpar in most areas. Daniel Lincoln's kicking was disconcerting. Lincoln made field goals of 36 and 34 yards, but one bounced off the upright and the other one slipped just inside the upright. Lincoln missed a 32-yarder. Chad Cunningham had a punt partially blocked.

Coaching C-

Phillip Fulmer and Dave Clawson deserve credit for having Nick Stephens ready to execute. Time management wasn't a problem, and the only turnover was Briscoe's fumble. Defense played hard despite being on the field 33:05.

Overall C-

It was a win over a well-coached mid-major opponent with a brand-new quarterback, albeit, not as decisive as a program like UT should score. The Vols' biggest problems remain on offense, where UT needs more competition at tailback and receiver and a more motivated, physical offensive line.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.