Rapid Reaction: Vols Explode On Offense In Win Over Kentucky

Want to know how Tennessee’s night went against Kentucky?

The fourth quarter almost exclusively featured backups for the Volunteers (5-5), in route to a 50-16 win over the Wildcats (5-6).

Tennessee looked shaky on Kentucky’s first offensive drive, but after limiting the Wildcats to a field goal, the Vols came to life.

The Vols answered by marching right down the field on a drive that culminated with a 16 yard touchdown toss from Joshua Dobbs to Von Pearson.

Tennessee then ramped it on defense, as Justin Coleman forced an errant throw that resulted in Brian Randolph intercepting the ball and running it back for a touchdown.

It was all Vols from there.

Dobbs finished the day 19-27 for 297 yards and three touchdowns, including a 52-yard touchdown pass to Jason Croom on Tennessee’s first play from scrimmage in the second half. Dobbs also had 48 rushing yards and a rushing score.

Croom led the Volunteers in receiving yards with 87 on three catches. Pig Howard added four receptions for 43 yards, while Von Pearson contributed three catches for for 44 yards and two touchdowns.

True freshman running back Jalen Hurd topped the century mark for the third time this season, rushing for 118 yards and a touchdown (where he was first ruled down, but the call was overturned as Hurd got a piece of the pylon before he was down).

Derek Barnett had another sensational night, finishing with seven total tackles (four TFL) and a two sacks. The true freshman now has nine sacks on the season.

Curt Maggitt also contributed two sacks, while AJ Johnson and Chris Weatherd each had a half sack.

Notes & Thoughts: 

• Mack Crowder appeared to suffer a left knee(?) injury. He had to leave the game and was replaced by sophomore Dylan Wiesman at center.
• Brian Randolph was ejected from the game in the second half and will miss the first half of next week’s game against Missouri.
• Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley became the ninth true freshman to start for the Vols this season.
• Jason Croom’s 87 receiving yards were a career high.
• Linebacker AJ Johnson went over 100 tackles for the third straight season.
• Curt Maggitt now has eight sacks on the season.
• Marquez North played, but his snaps were limited due to a shoulder injury.
• Josh Dobbs once again looked very comfortable under center for the Vols. He was still off on some throws (a little high), but he’s definitely becoming a more consistent quarterback.
• Dobbs didn’t have to rely on his legs as much against Kentucky, but the threat was still there.