Rapid Reaction: Vols Blow Out Chattanooga in Homecoming Game

Oct 11, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Marquez North (8) celebrates scoring touchdown against the Chattanooga Mocs with teammates Tennessee tight end Daniel Helm (80) and Tennessee wide receiver Johnathon Johnson (81)during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, the Vols held their own against FCS opponent Chattanooga Saturday afternoon, handing the Mocs a 45-10 loss in front of 93,000 fans at Neyland Stadium. The win improved the Vols to 3-3 and gave them their first win in nearly a month.

Justin Worley was sacked 5 times but still threw for 199 yards and 3 TD’s, and he added 2 rushing scores as well. giving him 5 total touchdowns for the game.

The Vols’ defense was brutal in this one, and the only touchdown they allowed came when the defense was mostly backups in the 4th quarter.

Many Tennessee players were banged up in this one, but nobody seems to have sustained any serious injuries, which is a must going forward for the Vols.

Notes and Thoughts:

• The Vols offensive line is going to be in big trouble against Ole Miss next weekend. The O-line gave up 5 sacks and multiple other tackles for a loss and QB hits. Easily their worst performance of the season.
• Speaking of bad performances, the rushing attack didn’t look all that good either. Several things contributed to that, however. Jalen Hurd played the opening series and that was it. Marlin Lane never played, which meant the running backs corps for Saturday consisted of Devrin Young, Derrell Scott, and Justus Pickett.
• Derrell Scott definitely has a future with Tennessee. He carried the ball 9 times for 42 yards and looks like a good compliment to Hurd moving forward.
• Tennessee’s defense just keeps getting better and better. They held the Mocs below 100 total yards of offense for most of the game, and they stood tall on 3rd down yet again. They also forced several turnovers, and the offense actually capitalized on those opportunities.
• Derek Barnett might end up being the best defensive lineman the Vols have had in a decade. He’s shown great flashes as a freshman so far.

Final Thought

The Vols took care of business and won big against an out-matched opponent. Up next will be a brutal stretch against Ole Miss, Alabama, and South Carolina. Butch Jones and his staff will have to do something about the offensive line if they want to keep Worley healthy in those games. Especially against Ole Miss.