Vols Roll In Opener Against Utah State

What was expected to be a close game between the Vols and Utah State, turned out to be a one-sided affair with Tennessee looking much improved from just a year ago.

Justin Worley threw for  273 yards (second most of his career) and three touchdowns while leading the Vols to a 38-7 victory.

The Vols started the game with a three-and-out, but they quickly got into a rhythm on offense as Pig Howard scored on an eight yard rush on Tennessee’s second offensive series.

AJ Johnson then forced a fumble on the ensuing kick-off, giving the Vols excellent field position. Tennessee wasted no time getting the ball into the end zone, as Worley hit Brendan Downs for a 12 yard touchdown pass.

Newcomers Von Pearson and Jalen Hurd also got in on the scoring action. Pearson scored on a 14 yard reception in the third and Hurd caught a 15 yard pass in the fourth that went for a touchdown.

Hurd finished his debut with 11 carries for 29 yards and two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown. Marlin Lane was the Vols’ leading rusher with 41 yards on 11 carries.

11 different players caught a pass for the Vols on Sunday night. Pig Howard led the team in receptions with six (37 yards), while Josh smith led the Vols in receiving yards with 48 (on three catches). Marquez North added four catches for 38 yards and Josh Malone caught two passes for 26 yards in his first game as a Vol.

As good as Tennessee’s offense was on Sunday night, the defense was the real story of the game.

Chuckie Keeton, a consensus Heisman candidate, was completely shut down by the Vols in the loss. Keeton was 18-35 for 144 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

The Utah State signal caller was constantly under pressure all night. Keeton was only sacked once, but the Vol defenders lived in the backfield.

Tennessee looked young at times on Sunday night, but there is obvious reason for optimism on Rocky Top.

For a team that was expected to barely win against Utah State, they proved they’re a little further along than most of us thought.

Notes and observations

• Tennessee’s defensive line (and defense as a whole) is obviously much improved. The Vols are a lot quicker. Chris Weatherd, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Derek Barnett are a few names that Vol fans should expect to hear a lot this year.
• AJ Johnson intercepted Chuckie Keeton in the fourth quarter for his first career interception. Cam Sutton also had an interception
• Jalen Hurd struggled a bit in pass protection, but he should improve as the season progresses.
• Aaron Medley handled field goal and kick-off duties for the Vols. He missed a 41 yard attempt, but connected on a 36 yarder.
• Left tackle Jacob Gilliam left the game due to injury. He was replaced by redshirt freshman Brett Kendrick instead of JuCo transfer Dontavius Blair.
• Nathan Peterman worked as the garbage time quarterback, apparently cementing his status as the backup to Justin Worley.
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin led the team in tackles with 10. Johnson was second with nine.
• Curt Maggitt had two tackles (one for a loss) in his first game action since November 10, 2012.
• Vols played 21 true freshmen and 32 newcomers.