VOLS GAME IN BITS & PIECES
SATURDAY’S STAR
After leading the Vols in tackling last week, Darrin Kirkland Jr. made the second interception of his college career in the first quarter and ran it back for a touchdown. It was his first interception since the 2015 Kentucky game.
SATURDAY’S STAT
A week after West Virginia star quarterback Will Grier torched the Vols for five touchdowns and more than 400 yards through the air, they held ETSU to 69 passing yards. Even with the decreased level of opponent, the performance was a positive sign.
TURNING POINT
Tennessee scored three touchdowns in 106 seconds coming out of a 48-minute weather delay in the second quarter. The offensive line was struggling early, but freshman Jeremy Banks ran well after the delay in a quick scoring drive. Then two interceptions led to a pair of quick Vols scores.
HIGHLIGHT PLAY
Tennessee reserve defensive back Marquill Osborne surged untouched around the left end and blocked Marlon Watson’s punt in the first quarter. Osborne scooped the ball up on the ETSU 8-yard line, stiff-armed Watson and waltzed into the end zone. It was the Vols’ first blocked-punt return for a TD in five years and put them up 10-0.
WHAT IT MEANS
A wide margin of victory allowed Tennessee to use a ton of players in a low-risk situation. That experience is key for a team with several young defenders still learning a new scheme. The Vols host Florida in two weeks after one last dress rehearsal against Texas-El Paso.