Tennessee bowl hopes alive with win over Charlotte
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Marquez Callaway returned a punt for a touchdown and Tennessee's defense nearly pitched a shutout as the Vols defeated Charlotte 14-3 in their final nonconference game of the season Saturday.
In the first meeting between the programs, Tennessee (4-5) kept its bowl hopes alive while snapping a two-game losing streak in front of a paltry announced homecoming crowd of 86,753 at Neyland Stadium.
If Tennessee was hoping for a confidence-boosting offensive performance against a non-Power 5 opponent, the Vols didn't find it against Charlotte (4-5).
The Vols were limited to just 192 total yards and held scoreless through the final three quarters in equaling their season-low in points scored.
Charlotte entered the game ranked sixth in the FBS in rushing defense (88.9 yards), and improved its standing. The 49ers held the Vols to only 20 net rushing yards on 26 attempts for a 0.8 average per rush.
The Vols had only 93 yards of total offense in the first half, including 0 rushing yards.
UT used special teams to spark its early scoring.
Callaway returned a punt a career-high 82 yards for a touchdown to give the Vols a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. It was the second career punt return for a touchdown for the junior wide receiver.
UT quarterback Jarrett Guarantano found Josh Palmer for a 16-yard touchdown pass to increase the lead to 14-0. The 14 points were the most UT has scored in the first quarter this season.
But the early production wasn't a sign of things to come as the Vols offense bogged down for the remainder of the game.
UT's defense kept Charlotte from posing a serious threat for a comeback. The Vols recorded three sacks in the second half, and a fourth-down stop late in the fourth quarter secured the victory.
Guarantano completed 16 of 21 passes for 172 yards. Palmer had four catches for 71 yards. UT tight end Dominick Wood Anderson had career highs in catches (3) and yards (53).
Charlotte quarterback Evan Shirreffs completed 13 of 25 passes for 152 yards and threw an interception in the final minute. Charlotte's Benny LeMay rushed 24 times for 81 yards.
THE TAKEAWAY
Tennessee: It wasn't pretty, but the Vols did what was expected by beating their third non-Power 5 opponent this season. UT has won 30 straight against non-Power 5 opponents. But the Vols won't be happy with the lackluster performance on both sides of the ball. They will need to bring more energy as they return to SEC play next weekend for the final three games of the regular season.
Charlotte: The 49ers are still searching for their first win over a Power 5 opponent. Charlotte fell to 0-4 all-time against Power 5 programs, including 0-2 against SEC opponents.