Tennessee jumped up to #11 in the AP and Coaches polls after defeating the #19 Florida Gators 38-28. After week four, the Vols are first in the SEC East and opened as a 4-point favorite against Georgia.
Appalachian State defeats Akron
The Appalachian State Mountaineers (2-2) defeated the Akron Zips 45-38. Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore led the way with 257 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Taylor Lamb also had a solid day as he threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Tennessee defeated Appalachian State 20-13 on September 1st. The Mountaineers will play Georgia State next Saturday.
Virginia Tech blasts ECU
Justin Fuente and the Hokies (3-1) rolled past the ECU Pirates 54-17. Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans had an impressive performance as he went 13-of-20 for 282 yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. All-ACC wideout Isaiah Ford had another big game as he reeled in 117 yards and a score on only four receptions. Tennessee defeated Virginia Tech at the Battle of Bristol 45-24 on September 10th. Virginia Tech will travel to Chapel Hill to face the North Carolina Tar Heels on October 8th.
Ohio downs Gardner-Webb
The Ohio Bobcats (2-2) defeated the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs 37-21. Ohio scored its first 30 points in the first half as quarterback Quinton Maxwell threw two touchdown passes. Greg Windham also added another score for the Bobcats. Tennessee defeated Ohio 28-19 last week. Ohio will play Miami (OH) next Saturday.
Georgia falls to Ole Miss
The #23 Ole Miss Rebels (2-2, 1-1 SEC) rolled the #19 Georgia Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 SEC) for a 45-14 victory in Athens. Georgia could not find an identity on offense, as Jacob Eason threw for 137 yards and an interception. Running back Brian Herrian was the leading rusher for the Bulldogs (78 yards, 2 touchdowns) after Nick Chubb exited the game with a sprained ankle. Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly threw for 282 yards and two scores. The Vols will travel to Athens this week with a chance to take a commanding early-season lead in the East.
Texas A&M gigs Arkansas
The #10 Texas A&M Aggies (4-0, 2-0 SEC) continued their five game win streak over the #17 Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1, 0-1 SEC) with a 45-24 victory. Trevor Knight threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Aggie wideout Josh Reynolds reeled in 141 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions. Texas A&M’s defense played tough late, stopping the Razorbacks three times on the 1-yard line. The Vols will travel to College Station on October 8th.
Alabama blanks Kent State
The #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0 SEC) blanked the Kent State Golden Eagles 48-0. Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 164 yards for a score. He also recorded a rushing touchdown. Alabama’s running backs were hit with the injury bug, but that didn’t stop them as Joshua Jacobs ran for 97 yards and two touchdowns. The Vols will host the Crimson Tide on October 15th.
Kentucky edges South Carolina
The Kentucky Wildcats (2-2, 1-1 SEC) defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-2, 1-2 SEC) for the third straight year with a 17-10 win at home. Kentucky running back Boom Williams rushed for 123 yards and a score on just 15 carries. The Gamecocks couldn’t find much of anything on offense as freshman quarterback Brandon McIlwain only threw for 177 yards. The Vols will travel to Columbia to face the Gamecocks on October 29th. The Wildcats will visit Knoxville on November 12th.
Tennessee Tech falls to UT-Martin
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (1-3) fell to the UT-Martin Skyhawks on the road 44-23. The Eagles grabbed an early 6-0 lead, but couldn’t hold on. The Skyhawks recorded two scores (punt return, interception) in the final minute of the game. The Vols will host Tennessee Tech for Homecoming on November 5th.
Missouri rolls Delaware State
The Missouri Tigers (2-2, 0-1 SEC) blasted the Delaware State Hornets 79-0. Drew Lock threw a school record-tying five touchdown passes (402 yards). Missouri running back Damarea Crockett rushed for 112 yards and two scores on just 12 carries. Missouri set a school scoring record with its 79 points. The Vols will host the Tigers on November 19th.
Vanderbilt escapes Western Kentucky
The Vanderbilt Commodores (2-2, 0-1 SEC) edged out a 31-30 overtime victory against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Ralph Webb led the charge as he rushed for 95 yards and three scores. Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur went 18-of-29 for 279 yards and a touchdown. The Commodore defense stepped up and stopped the game-winning 2-point conversion from the Hilltoppers. The Vols will travel to Nashville on November 26th.
