Tennessee (3-0) moved up to #14 in the AP Poll and #12 in the Coaches Poll after defeating Ohio 28-19. Here’s a look at how UT’s upcoming opponents fared:
Past opponent scores:
Miami 45, Appalachian State 10
Virginia Tech 49, Boston College 0
Future opponent recap:
Florida shuts out North Texas
The #19 Florida Gators (3-0, 1-0 SEC) defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio went 14-of-25 for 186 yards and an interception before he went out with an MCL sprain. Purdue transfer Austin Appleby stepped in and only completed two passes for 30 yards. Del Rio is expected to miss two to four weeks. ESPN’s College GameDay will be back in Knoxville this Saturday to catch the Vols-Gators contest.
Georgia sneaks by Missouri
It was a close game, but the #16 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC) sneaked out a 28-27 win against the Missouri Tigers (1-2, 0-1 SEC). Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason had an impressive night as he went 29-of-55 for 308 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Nick Chubb had another subpar night as he only rushed for 63 yards. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock threw for 376 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Eason sealed the game by throwing a 20-yard touchdown to Isaiah McKenzie on fourth down with 1:31 left in the game. The Vols will play the Bulldogs on October 1st and the Tigers on November 19th.
Texas A&M downs Auburn
Trevor Knight led the #17 Texas A&M Aggies (3-0, 1-0 SEC) to a 29-16 victory over the Auburn Tigers (1-2, 0-1 SEC). Knight went 20-of-40 for 276 yards and a touchdown. Aggie running back Trey Williams also had a solid day as he rushed for 127 yards and a score on only 8 carries. Daniel LaCamera came in clutch with five made field goals for the Aggies. The loss has already begun talks about Gus Malzahn’s future at Auburn as the Tigers have now lost nine of their last 11 conference games since 2014. The Vols will travel to College Station to play the Aggies on October 8th.
Alabama rallies against Ole Miss
In an early battle for the SEC West, the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0 SEC) rallied from a 24-3 deficit to defeat the #19 Ole Miss Rebels (1-2, 0-1 SEC) 48-43. Alabama scored two defensive touchdowns and another on a punt return to help overcome the deficit. Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly slashed Alabama’s secondary by throwing for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns, but it just wasn’t enough. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts answered back as he threw for 158 yards and rushed for 146. The Crimson Tide will visit Knoxville on October 15th.
South Carolina edges ECU
The South Carolina Gamecocks (2-1, 1-0 SEC) edged out a 20-15 win against the East Carolina Pirates. ECU racked up 519 total yards compared to South Carolina’s 312 yards, but couldn’t hold on. South Carolina freshman quarterback Brandon McIllwain started his first game and went 16-of-28 for 195 yards. The Vols will travel to Columbia on October 29th.
Tennessee Tech falls to Mercer
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (1-2) fell to the Mercer Bears 27-34. Tennessee Tech started out fast with an opening kickoff return by Dontez Byrd, but Mercer staged a fourth quarter comeback to give them their first win of the season. The Vols will host the Golden Eagles on November 5th for Homecoming.
Kentucky defeats New Mexico State
Despite losing their starting quarterback, the Kentucky Wildcats (1-2, 1-1 SEC) pulled out a 62-42 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies. Grambling State quarterback transfer Stephen Johnson helped the Wildcat offense by throwing for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Kentucky also had a field day with the running backs as Stanley “Boom” Williams ran for 181 yards and a score, while freshman Benjamin Snell Jr. ran for 136 yards and four scores. The Wildcats will travel to Knoxville on November 12th.
Georgia Tech wrecks Vanderbilt
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets grabbed a 38-7 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores (1-2, 0-1 SEC). Vanderbilt’s Kyle Shurmur threw an early touchdown strike in the first quarter, but Georgia Tech’s defense kept the Commodores from scoring for the remainder of the game. The Commodores found no success on the ground either as Ralph Webb only rushed for 69 yards. The Vols will host the Commodores on November 26th.
