Tennessee is 2-0. You can take that to the bank.
Tennessee polished off Georgia Tech, 45-24, Saturday night at sold-out Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. A surprising number of Vol fans were eye-witnesses.
Tennessee did some things very well but it made enough mistakes to lose two games. It gave up a blocked punt for a touchdown. Cornerback Tim Merritt was flagged three times for pass interference on Georgia Tech’s fourth-quarter touchdown drive.
Can you believe 14 penalties for 142 yards? Three for unsportsmanlike conduct – unbelievable.
Defensive back Ty Redmond #4 and linebacker Edwin Spillman #13 wrap up Tech’s QB Alberto Mendoza.
Josh Heupel said he was proud that his team ended up on the correct side of the scoreboard, that it did enough of what it had to do.
“Obviously, there’s a bunch of things to clean up. Special teams early. Offensively, some of the penalties that changed the way the game was played. And then the second half, not up to the standard. Certainly in the fourth quarter, penalties, just not very good.”
The coach seemed particularly bothered by the penalties that reflected a loss of poise.
“Disappointed in that. But I’ve also learned and understand that you better appreciate every win.
Running back Daune Morris #17 gained 98 yards on 10 runs; including a 47-yard TD.
“I said this to the team. There’s so much that we have to learn. If we take ownership of that as a staff and as players, then we have a chance to gain ground and become a better football team.”
The coach said the defense did a lot of really solid things. Dejuan Lane picked off an Alberto Mendoza pass and ran it back 41 yards for a touchdown. Jeremiah Telander had an interception and an aggressive sack.
It was a ragged, rough-and-tumble game with a lot of bumps and bruises but Tennessee was clearly the better team. The Vols ran 45 times and racked up 299 yards and three touchdowns. DeSean Bishop inflicted the most damage on the Yellow Jackets – 20 carries, 147 yards and TD runs of 17 and 29. Daune Morris gained 98 yards on 10 runs. The big one was 47 for a TD.
DeSean Bishop #18 goes in for the score.
Heupel said he was not surprised by anything that Daune did.
“He’s ready to play at a really high level, so I love what we saw from him.”
Faizon Brandon won’t be freshman-of-the-week but he was again the winning quarterback. He completed 10 of 21 for 148. His touchdown throws were to Ethan Davis and Braylon Staley. Faizon ran only five times but one scramble made a difference when the Vols needed to maintain possession.
Heupel was asked for his assessment of Brandon’s first road start.
Faizon Brandon #11 completed 10 passes for 148 yards; had two TD passes; no interceptions and had 22 yards net rushing.
“The stat sheet is not going to be elite. I actually really like the way he played the game. I thought he was composed. He handled situational football pretty well … 18 years old … took care of the ball … scrambled, made some plays.
“He had a great look, demeanor. He’s been consistent in that way.”
Brandon opened the scoring in the early minutes with a 25-yarder to Davis. Georgia Tech responded with a 14-play drive for a field goal. Jackson Ross took two too many steps and the Yellow Jackets blocked his kick and turned it into a touchdown.
Tennessee got even with a 32-yard field goal from Cooper Ranvier. Big play in that possession was a 45-yard pass from Brandon to Radarious Jackson.
Lane’s interception put the Vols on top with 11:24 to go in the second quarter. Brandon’s 20-yard pass to Staley made it 24-10.
Early in the third quarter, the gap went to 31-10 on Bishop’s first TD. Tech responded with a 70-yard drive. Mendoza went six-for-six passing and got six points on a short throw to tough running back Justice Haynes.
There was too much action in the fourth quarter. Bishop and Haynes ran for touchdowns. There was the flurry of penalties. Tech’s onside kick failed. Morris looked very fast on his touchdown run.
Heupel went out of his way to congratulate the offensive line.
“Really good. It’s hard to rush for 300 yards. I was proud of those guys.”
Tennessee’s next assignment is Kennesaw State at Neyland Stadium on Saturday evening.
Marvin West welcomes comments and questions from readers at marvinwest75@gmail.com Read more westwords. Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our free newsletter.
