Tennessee football: Photo gallery from Vols' 38-6 victory vs. Bowling Green

It was an exciting night for Tennessee football. Okay, so the game could have been more exciting, but the Vols at least had their most stress-free opener in a 38-6 win over the Bowling Green Falcons since 2015, when they beat that same BGSU program 59-30.

This one was a lot uglier and against a much worse BGSU team, but hey, it was still a way for the Vols to kick off the Josh Heupel era and put all the atrocities of the previous season behind them. That combined with the return to normalcy of the sport a year after COVID was more than enough to generate a sense of joy Thursday night.

On and off the field, Tennessee football had moments fans will want to take to heart. Let’s go ahead and look back at some of those and remember what the sport is all about. Here are pictures from the Vols’ win to open the 2021 season.

Pregame flyover before the 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 linemen warm before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee fans watch from the sidelines as the team warms up before a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive lineman Dominic Bailey (59) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee linebackers Kwauze Garland (15) and Nick Humphrey (31) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

The Tennessee student section cheers from the stands ahead of a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

An usher helps a fan to their seat ahead of a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23) warms up during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Players warm up before a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons head coach Scot Loeffler looks on before a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel reacts before a game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee linebacker Solon Page III (38) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee defensive back Tamarion McDonald (12) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee defensive lineman Da’Jon Terry (95) and offensive lineman Parker Ball (65) warming up tbefore the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Matt McDonald (3) takes the snap against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) waits for the snap against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) drops back to pass the ball against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) throws the ball against Bowling Green Falcons linebacker Darren Anders (23) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) and wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) celebrate after a touchdown by Milton against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Riley Keller (7) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons quarterback Matt McDonald (3) passes the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) runs the ball against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) runs for a touchdown against Bowling Green Falcons linebacker Darren Anders (23) during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel looks on during the first quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright (23), running back Jabari Small (2), and ennessee running back Marcus Pierce Jr. (30) during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) runs in a touchdown while under Bowling Green linebackers Brock Horne (34) and JB Brown (12) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) hands off to running back Jabari Small (2) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee mascot Smokey on the sidelines during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) walks onto the field with running back Jabari Small (2) for Tennessee’s first play in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) is tackled by Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders (23) and safety Sy Dabney (5) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Bowling Green cornerback Diata Burns (28) tries to hold back Tennessee defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Bowling Green cornerback Davon Ferguson (7) is tackled by Tennessee defensive back Christian Charles (14) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel looks on during the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Bowling Green Head Coach Scot Loeffler during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee defensive lineman Da’Jon Terry (95) puts pressure on Bowling Green quarterback Matt McDonald (3) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021. McDonald was called for intentional grounding on the play.Ut Bowling Green /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; SEC football commissioner Greg Sankey watches the second quarter of a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Bowling Green Falcons at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons wide receiver Austin Osborne (18) runs the ball against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Solon Page III (38) during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) tries to run away from Bowling Green defensive lineman Dontrez Brown (60) 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 /

Bowling Green wide receiver Cavon Croom (85) catches a pass 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 quarterback Joe Milton III (7) leads the Tennessee offense 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 /

Bowling Green running back Jamal Johnson (20) reels in a catch 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 /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) runs for a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) celebrates with wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans react during the second half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee defensive lineman Da’Jon Terry (95) celebrates after making a play during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) jumps over Bowling Green cornerback Marcus Sheppard (21) on a run during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) looks to pass the ball as Tennessee tight end Princeton Fant (88) defends during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Fans watch from the upper stands during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel and the team prepare to take the field during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive back De’Shawn Rucker (28) defends during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive back Kenneth George Jr. (5) calls during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive back Christian Charles (14) tackles Bowling Green cornerback Davon Ferguson (7) during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee students cheer during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs the ball during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Army Blackhawk helicopters pass overhead during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee punter/placekicker Paxton Brooks (37) kicks the ball during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) and Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) rest after a play during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) runs the ball as Bowling Green linebacker Demetrius Hardamon (97) tackles him during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel 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) celebrates a touchdown with Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) and Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely (48) holds back Bowling Green linebacker Fortune Woods (52) and Bowling Green tight end Levi Gazarek (10) during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive back Trevon Flowers (1) defends against Bowling Green linebacker JB Brown (12) during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely (48) takes the field during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

A view during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Players take the field during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

New LED lights flash from the press box 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 /

Bowling Green quarterback Matt McDonald (3) looks to pass during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs for a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball against the Bowling Green Falcons during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) waits for the snap during the second half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons linebacker Darren Anders (23) recovers a fumble against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Bowling Green Falcons safety Jordan Anderson (0) trips up Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Fireworks go off at the conclusion of 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 /

Players celebrate their win over Bowling Green with students at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee students celebrate after defeating Bowling Green 38-6 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Players greet loved ones following a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee wide receiver Grant Frerking (0) and Tennessee defensive lineman Amari McNeill (93) greet loved ones following during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Players celebrate after defeating Bowling Green 38-6 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) is tackled by Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders (23) during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee linebacker William Mohan (18) muscles his way through the Bowling Green line during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel calls during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Coaches call during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown attempt 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) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown attempt during a game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Tennessee Bowling Green Football /

A pass intended for Tennessee tight end Princeton Fant (88) is broken up by Bowling Green cornerback Devin Taylor (3) during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee linebacker Solon Page III (38) celebrates after the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel walks off the field after his in win the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) on the kickoff return during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) greets fans in the stands after the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee offensive linemen Cooper Mays (63) and Cade Mays (68) meet with family after the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

A Tennessee fan pops his shirt during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) and defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) celebrate after the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Bowling Green wide receiver Austin Osborne (18) is tackled Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and linebacker Solon Page III (38) during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) hands off to running back Jabari Small (2) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee linebacker Kwauze Garland (15) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) warming up before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee defensive lineman Elijah Simmons (51) disrupts a pass by Bowling Green quarterback Matt McDonald (3) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

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 quarterback Joe Milton III (7) leads the offense 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 /

Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders (23) and Bowling Green linebacker Bryce Brand (6) reach for a ball fumbled 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 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 wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) and Bowling Green cornerback Davon Ferguson (7) exchange words after Tillman’s touchdown reception during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) celebrates after a touchdown by quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee linebacker Tyler Baron (9) and Tennessee defensive lineman Kurott Garland (99) celebrate after a defensive stop during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) is tripped up by Bowling Green safety Jordan Anderson (0) during the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

Obviously, there were plenty of moments to remember in this game, from the players taking the field to the touchdown drives on the Vols’ first two possessions to that deep-ball touchdown pass in the second half from Joe Milton III to Cedric Tillman. Players celebrating their win with fans afterward is another moment. It showed that morale, at least for now, is high on Rocky Top.

Up next for the Vols is a home game against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the Johnny Majors Classic. They will then host the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles before beginning SEC play in the final Saturday of the month against the Florida Gators.

Next. Five takeaways from Vols' 38-6 win vs. Bowling Green. dark

Obviously, Tennessee football won’t get away with some of the things it got away with against BGSU Thursday night, but in reality, the day wasn’t about that. Rust always comes with a season-opener. Playing a season-opener and having it be normal in a new era is what stands out.

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Tennessee football: Photo gallery from 38-6 win vs. Bowling Green

By Caleb Calhoun | Sep 3, 2021