VOLS GAME IN BITS & PIECES

SATURDAY’S STAR

Junior running back John Kelly returned from a one-game suspension to provide most of what little production the banged-up Tennessee offense mustered. His two bruising third-quarter TD runs gave the Vols much-needed cushion.

SATURDAY’S STAT

Southern Mississippi came one penalty short of tying a school record. The Golden Eagles were flagged 14 times for 120 yards. Tennessee was not penalized until the fourth quarter and finished with three penalties for 29 yards.

TURNING POINT

A pair of third-quarter turnovers forced by the Vols’ defense gave the offense excellent position for Kelly’s TDs. Emmanuel Moseley intercepted a Keon Howard pass and defensive end Darrell Taylor forced a Howard fumble that Rashaan Gaulden recovered.

HIGHLIGHT PLAY

Sophomore receiver Marquez Callaway made a leaping 42-yard catch in one-on-one coverage during Tennessee’s second possession while QB Jarrett Guarantano was still in the game. The rare big play was good to see for a struggling offense.

WHAT IT MEANS

A win over an average Conference USA foe won’t save Butch Jones’ job, but it gets the Vols a step closer to qualifying for a fourth consecutive bowl game. They need two wins in their last three games against Missouri, LSU and Vanderbilt.