It wasn’t pretty, but the Tennessee Volunteers improved to 2-0 on Saturday with a 34-19 win against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Arkansas State jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after quarterback Fredi Knighten ran the ball in from four yards out (Arkansas State missed the extra point).
Tennessee added a field goal after a long drive stalled to get to within three of the Red Wolves. The Vols would take the lead for good near the end of the first quarter on a four-yard Jalen Hurd touchdown run.
Quarterback Justin Worley was again efficient, completing 22 of his 38 pass attempts for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw his first interception of the season.
The Vols run game showed signs of life against Arkansas State. Tennessee averaged 3.7 yards per carry, which was an improvement over the 2.8 yards per carry they averaged against Utah State.
But running room was still hard to find for both Marlin Lane and Jalen Hurd.
Hurd finished with 83 yards on 23 attempts while Lane rushed for 54 yards on 13 attempts.
Marquez North was the star of the day offensively for the Vols. North caught four passes for 68 yards and two strong-handed touchdowns.
Von Pearson added 71 yards on four catches in the first quarter.
Pearson left the game with an apparent left ankle injury. He was unable to return to the game.
Tight end Ethan Wolf, who caught five passes for 20 yards, also left the game due to injury. He appeared to injure his right knee/lower leg. He did not return to the game.
The Vols will travel to Norman, OK next week to take on the Oklahoma Sooners.