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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from ugly season-opening win vs. BGSU

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee and Bowling Green players jostle for the Hail Mary pass thrown by Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Bowling Green Falcons held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Ut Football Bowling Green Bp
Tennessee and Bowling Green players jostle for the Hail Mary pass thrown by Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Bowling Green Falcons held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Ut Football Bowling Green Bp /
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Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football
Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

3. Running game was great but could have been better

How can you criticize two 100-yards rushers? Tennessee football had four rushing touchdowns on the night and flat-out dominated the Bowling Green Falcons on the ground. Vol fans can be excited about the future with Jabari Small and Tiyon Evans, and Joe Milton III’s mobility adds another layer to that. All of these guys were elite in this game.

Overall, UT had 66 running plays for 326 yards. Milton had two rushing touchdowns, and Evans and Small each had one. Fans might be ready to jump up and down and say they don’t miss Eric Gray or Ty Chandler at all anymore after this outing.

However, be careful. Bowling Green gave up 310 yards a game last year and had the worst rush defense in FBS play, so the Vols should have dominated. Also, they still had some issues that needed to be corrected as well.

Remember, UT failed to convert a 4th and 2 on the ground in the second half. They also cost themselves a touchdown drive with two holding penalties on Jerome Carvin. Cooper Mays being hurt didn’t help matters, but these type of miscues don’t help. The Vols have to make sure they improve upon these things going forward. Otherwise, it will be a long season.

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