Tennessee football: Five takeaways from 56-0 win vs. Tennessee Tech

3. Defense finally made big plays.

Heading into the game, Tennessee football couldn’t buy a turnover. However, the Vols finally came through in this game, taking advantage of Tennessee Tech’s proneness to throwing interceptions and coming down with four of them. Even better, they were able to score touchdowns off all those turnovers as well.

Jaylen McCollough got it started off in the first quarter, as Willie Miller threw an errant pass while under pressure. That led to a 37-yard touchdown drive by the offense to put the Vols up 14-0. The second half, though, saw seniors make great plays in feel-good moments.

Alontae Taylor had an interception on a mere out-route and seemingly ran it back for a touchdown, but he stepped out of bounds near midfield. Still, he got the pick, and the Vols were able to cap it off with a 49-yard touchdown drive.

On the next possession, Solon Page III, a redshirt senior who waited patiently for his chance to play and finally earned a starting job last week, came down with as pick-six. It was the feel-good story of feel-good stories. Tamarion McDonald came down with the final one in the fourth quarter, and UT went 52 yards for a score. Six different players in on four sacks added to the fireworks.