Chattanooga Times Free Press

VOLS GAME IN BITS & PIECES

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MONDAY’S STAR

Marquez Callaway had just one catch as a true freshman last season but emerged as a bright spot in Tennessee’s receiver corps Monday. The 6-foot-2, 199-pound sophomore made two second-half touchdown catches to keep the Vols in the game after leading returning receiver Jauan Jennings left the game due to injury in the second quarter.

MONDAY’S STAT

Tennessee’s linebacker trio of Colton Jumper, Daniel Bituli and Cortez McDowell combined for 54 tackles against Tech’s bruising rushing attack. Bituli’s 23 tackles were the most in a game for any Tennessee defender since Keith DeLong had 23 tackles in a 1988 game.

TURNING POINT

With Georgia Tech ready to put the game out of reach, Tennessee defensive back Rashaan Gaulden forced a J.J. Green fumble that Micah Abernathy recovered with 4:50 to go, giving the Volss the ball back while trailing 28-21. Tennessee marched 93 yards to even the score at 28-all, which was the score at the end of regulation.

HIGHLIGHT PLAY

Callaway showed elite athletic ability on both his touchdown grabs, but when elevated over a Georgia Tech defender to make a leaping 10-yard touchdown grab with 42 seconds remaining in the third quarter, it gave the Vols a needed jolt of offensive confidence. It was the sophomore receiver’s first catch of the game, and it brought the Vols within 21-14.

WHAT IT MEANS

Fifth-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones is spared from a week of internet message-board and talkradio furor by escaping with a win that seemed improbable for much of regulation. This nailbiting victory did little to inspire confidence in the Vols’ chances of winning the SEC East, but it keeps them on track to their nine-win totals of the last two seasons.

 ?? David Cobb Tennessee beat writer ??
David Cobb Tennessee beat writer

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