After a dominant 69-3 win over Chattanooga in week one, The Tennessee Vols (2-0) continued their hopeful push towards a College Football Playoff berth on Saturday evening. The Vols defeated North Carolina State (1-1) by a comfortable 51-10 in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. The Vols got out to a 20-3 halftime lead, highlighted by Will Brooks 85 yard pick six late in the second quarter. After halftime, Tennessee immediately scored to start the second half to increase their lead to 27-3.
Their run/pass balance was on full display, as Dylan Sampson and Nico Iamaleava combined for 34 yards on the first possession of the half. Iamaleava also threw for 41 yards on the drive, finishing it with a 15 yard touchdown completion to Alabama transfer tight end Miles Kitselman. Tennessee never really seemed to be pushed by NC State after the first quarter.
Vols Manhandled the Wolfpack
Tennessee manhandled North Carolina State in the trenches. On offense, the Vols line pushed the Wolfpack around, leading to 249 yards on the ground. Running back Dylan Sampson led the way with 132 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Iamaleava added 65 yards and a touchdown, while Desean Bishop also had 42 yards on 10 carries. Iamaleava also had 211 yards passing and two more touchdowns through the air.
Tim Banks’ defense didn’t allow North Carolina State any running room either. The Vols had 12 tackles for loss on the night. The Wolfpack only managed 39 rushing yards on the night and 143 yards overall. Starting running back Jordan Waters finished the night with -4 yards on seven carries and Hollywood Smothers led the team with 26 yards. The lone bright spot for the NC State offense was star receiver Kevin Concepcion. He finished with five catches for 53 yards.
Tennessee Vols Flex Defensive Muscle in Blowout
The pick six was the big play in the first half, but the entire defensive effort was suffocating for the NC State offense. Grayson McCall didn’t have much time to look down field, as he was under constant duress from the Tennessee defensive line. Defensive tackles Omari Thomas and Omarr Norman-Lott knocked down multiple pass attempts and edge rusher Dominic Bailey forced a fumble with a strip recovery.
McCall never looked comfortable, as he turned the ball over three times (one interception and two fumbles). North Carolina’s only touchdown came on an interception return after Iamaleava floated a ball when he was hit.
Next Up for Tennessee
The Vols will play host to Kent State next Saturday at 7:45 pm EST inside Neyland Stadium. Kent State (0-2) lost to FCS program St. Francis PA 23-17 on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Flashes have lost 11 consecutive games dating back to the 2023 season.
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