VOLS GAME IN BITS & PIECES
SATURDAY’S STAR
Junior workhorse running back John Kelly did not post eyepopping numbers, but he quietly accounted for 140 total yards — 80 rushing and 60 receiving — on 23 total touches. Kelly continued to flash his pass-catching ability out of the backfield, particularly on an 18-yard screen that helped backup quarterback Jarrett Guarantano settle in during the second quarter.
SATURDAY’S STAT
Tennessee athletic department fixture Gus Manning missed his first home opener in 71 years. The 94-year-old still resides in Knoxville but is dealing with health problems. A Manning tribute video played on the Neyland Stadium video board before the game. Manning was hired by legendary coach Gen. Robert Neyland in 1951 and worked in a number of roles for the athletic department.
TURNING POINT
Starting quarterback Quinten Dormady called an audible at the line of scrimmage and found sophomore receiver Brandon Johnson in stride for a 19-yard touchdown that gave the Volunteers a 28-0 lead with 53 seconds left in the first half. The play pushed Tennessee’s lead from comfortable to all but insurmountable and inspired confidence in a young group of receivers.
HIGHLIGHT PLAY
Freshman running back Ty Chandler returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown, showing flashes of the star potential Tennessee’s coaches see in the former Nashville high school standout. Chandler appeared to go untouched on the return. With primary kick returner Evan Berry set to graduate, Chandler showed he could be the Vols’ kick returner of the future.
WHAT IT MEANS
Not a whole lot. The Vols were expected to win, and they took care of business ahead of next week’s showdown at SEC East rival Florida. Several young players got on the field, and the Vols appeared to escape the game without any serious injuries to key players, which should be regarded as a victory for a team that has been plagued by that problem the past two seasons.