Tennessee moves up to #15 in the AP and Coaches polls after beating Virginia Tech in the Battle at Bristol 45-24.
Ohio topples Kansas
The Ohio Bobcats (1-1) picked up their first win against the Kansas Jayhawks (1-1), which marks Ohio’s first victory over a Big XII team since 1967 (Kansas). Ohio senior quarterback Greg Windham threw for 167 yards and a touchdown, while adding 146 rushing yards and another score. The Bobcats come to Knoxville this Saturday for a noon kickoff.
Kentucky becomes Gator Bait
The Gators (2-0, 1-0 SEC) chomped on the Wildcats (0-2, 0-1 SEC) with a final score of 45-7. Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio went 19-of- 32 for 320 yards and four touchdowns. His 320 yards were the most by a UF quarterback since Chris Leak threw for 322 yards against Arkansas in 2004. Florida also amassed 244 rushing yards with two touchdowns. The Vols will host the Gators on September 24th and the Wildcats on November 12th.
Georgia fends off Nicholls State
The #9 Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) squeaked out a 26-24 victory against FCS opponent Nicholls State. Nicholls had a third quarter lead, but the Bulldogs scored two quick-strike touchdowns –one on offense, one on defense – in a span of two minutes. Jacob Eason went 11-of- 20 with 204 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Nick Chubb had a tough game as he only reeled in 80 yards and a score. The Vols will travel to Athens on October 1st.
Texas A&M dismantles Prairie View A&M
The #20 Texas A&M Aggies (2-0) dismantled the Prairie View A&M Panthers 67-0. Aggie quarterback Trevor Knight threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a score on the ground. Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk also had a solid day with 106 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns. The Vols will travel to College Station on October 8th.
Alabama rolls Western Kentucky
In usual fashion, Nick Saban wasn’t exactly pleased with his #1 Crimson Tide’s (2-0) 38-10 victory over the Hilltoppers. He should be proud, though, as freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start. Alabama receiver Calvin Ridley reeled in nine catches for 129 yards and a score. The Crimson Tide will visit Neyland Stadium on October 15th.
Mississippi State defeats South Carolina
The Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0 SEC) defeated the Gamecocks (1-1, 1-1 SEC) in Starkville 27-14. Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback by rushing for 195 yards. The Gamecocks couldn’t mount much of an offensive attack as running back A.J. Turner only rushed for 32 yards. The Gamecocks will host the Vols on October 29th.
Tennessee Tech beats Austin Peay
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (1-1) defeated the Austin Peay Governors 41-7. Tennessee Tech quarterback Michael Birdsong went 19-of- 27 for 280 yards and four touchdowns. The win gives TTU coach Marcus Satterfield his first at the program. The Vols will host the Golden Eagles for Homecoming on November 5th.
Missouri slashes Eastern Michigan
The Missouri Tigers (1-1) blasted the Eastern Michigan Eagles 61-21. The victory is Barry Odom’s first as head coach. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock had a career day as he threw for 450 yards and five touchdowns. Tiger receiver Ray Wingo had a huge day as he reeled in 125 yards and a score on just three receptions. The Tigers will travel to Knoxville on October 19th.
Vanderbilt anchors MTSU
The Vanderbilt Commodores (1-1, 0-1 SEC) defeated the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders 47-24. The Commodore offense went 7-for- 7 in the red-zone (six TDs and a field goal). Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns. The Commodores’ special teams broke down, though, as they suffered a failed fake field goal and blocked punt, which eventually led to MTSU points. The Vols will travel to Nashville on November.
