The Tennessee Vols (1-0) started the 2024 season with a dominant (69-3) victory over the Chattanooga Mocs (0-1) on Saturday afternoon. Nico Iamaleava completed his first ten passes, as the Tennessee Vols got off to a quick 24-0 first quarter lead. That lead grew to 45-0 by halftime, in a game that was essentially over at kickoff. Overall, the Vols put up an outlandish 717 yards of total offense in the victory.
Iamaleava finished the first half with an impressive 22-28, 314 yards, and three touchdowns statline. Running back Dylan Sampson also showed out in his first action of the season, running for 124 yards and three touchdowns on 12 first half carries. Additionally, he added three catches for 29 yards.
Vols Showcase Impressive Offense in First Half
Tennessee, led by Nico Iamaleava, started the scoring early and continued throughout the afternoon. Up 45-0 at the half, the Vols showcased how quick and versatile their offense can be. They put up 503 yards of offense in the first half against Chattanooga, and that was with a somewhat stagnant final two possessions.
Dont’e Thornton led the Vols in first half receiving yards with 105 yards and two touchdowns on three catches. Bru McCoy recorded six receptions and 89 yards. Both Thornton and McCoy are coming off ankle injuries that ended their 2023 seasons prematurely. Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II added three catches for 41 yards in the first half offensive explosion.
Tennessee Vols Flex Defensive Muscle in Blowout
The Vols defensive line was highly touted entering the season, and for good reason. As deep as another defensive line in the country, Rodney Garner’s squad didn’t allow Chattanooga any breathing room. Defensive tackle Omari Thomas knocked down multiple pass attempts and edge rusher Tyre West forced a fumble and recorded a massive hit on UTC’s quarterback for a sack. The Vols capped off the scoring with a Jordan Ross blocked punt and recovery for a TD.
This week was a good tune up for next week’s matchup in Charlotte against North Carolina State. The Wolfpack will present a stiffer challenge than the Mocs did, but the Vols showed their defensive chops in a very impressive outing on Saturday afternoon.
Next Up for Tennessee
The Vols will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina next Saturday for a neutral site battle against the North Carolina State Wolfpack (1-0). NC State struggled in their 38-17 opening week victory over Western Carolina and they will look make a big jump in improvement as they head into a top 25 matchup against Tennessee.
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