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Game Recap
The South Alabama Jaguars typically have all the answers at home, but on Saturday the Tennessee Volunteers proved too difficult a challenge. Tennessee steamrolled past the Jaguars 60-14 at home. The success represented a nice turnaround for Tennessee, who in their last game suffered a tough 41-17 loss.
The Volunteers' offense came in ready to rumble, picking up 35 points in the first half. South Alabama countered with 7 points. Tennessee put the matchup away in the third quarter with 14 points from the offense and zero points allowed from the defense.
QB Hendon Hooker hadn't helped Tennessee's cause all that much against the Georgia Bulldogs last week, but the same can't be said for this game. Tennessee Hooker was slinging it as he passed for two TDs and 301 yards on 23 attempts in addition to punching in one rushing touchdown. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget WR Velus Jones Jr., who went all the way with a kickoff return for touchdown in the second quarter?
The Volunteers' defense was a presence as well, as it got past the Jaguars' offensive line to sack QB Desmond Trotter four times for a total loss of 11 yards. It was a group effort with five guys contributing.
South Alabama's defeat came about despite a quality game from WR Jalen Tolbert, who caught seven passes for one TD and 143 yards. Trotter's 68-yard touchdown toss to Tolbert in the fourth quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the night. The contest pushed South Alabama down to 5-6 and pulled Tennessee up to the reverse at 6-5.
Tennessee will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at 3:45 p.m. ET next Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee will have the chance to boost their scoring average against a Vanderbilt defense that has allowed 35 points per game on average. The Jaguars will be playing at home against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at 3:30 p.m. ET next Friday.
