Tech let an early 14-0 lead slip away, as No. 17 Tennessee reeled off 31 unanswered points on its way to a 45-24 win before an announced crowd of 156,990 fans at the track.
Advertisement
Everybody knew Fuente’s offense was fast paced, and when it has been executed well, like in the first quarter, it’s been a thing of beauty.
The Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol is being billed as “College Football’s Biggest Ever” as more than 150,000 fans are expected to be in attendance.
Tennessee trailed 14-0 after the first quarter of play.
Franklin says it doesn’t feel like the day before a game, this is reminiscent of Saturday’s he’d take the field.
Game Preview: All eyes are on Bristol as the speedway plays host to the Virginia Tech and Tennessee college football game.
Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Josh Dobbs (11) during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. At that point, the Hokies was outgaining the Volunteers 193-6. Previously, the largest college football game to date was 2013’s MI vs. Notre Dame matchup, which hosted 115,109 fans. “Their defense changed up their looks, but our defense gave us great field position all night”.
Tech had nine first downs and 204 total yards, compared to Tennessee’s one first down and just 28 total yards, catapulting them to a 14-0 lead after the first 15 minutes.
Slye finally stopped a 31-0 run for Tennessee on a 26-yard field goal with 3:41 left in the third period. Joshua Dobbs ran for 106 yards on the night while Jalen Hurd scrapped up 99 of his own.
The Vols tied the game on a handsome 38-yard connection between QB Joshua Dobbs and WR Josh Malone with 9:42 left in the second quarter.
“The one (snap) that was over the quarterback’s head was pretty bad”, Fuente said. “In the first quarter, there was really no reason to panic”. Tennessee opened as a 10.5-point favorite but the line has been bet up a half-point. UT is 39-16 in neutral site games played in the state of Tennessee.
The much-anticipated Battle at Bristol met all expectations with festivities and atmosphere, but five lost fumbles by Virginia Tech helped the Volunteers roll to a convincing victory over the Hokies. “They played in front of over 250,000 fans in their first two games, and that is something that is very, very special”. “Obviously, we have to do a better job of teaching or emphasizing ball security, because it’s inadequate right now”. The drive ended six seconds later on a five-yard touchdown pass from Dobbs to Jauan Jennings. Dobbs scored two touchdowns on the ground and amassed a YPC of 7.6 (!), showing off a tremendous display of versatility. Evans completed 20 of 28 for 214 yards and a touchdown. The Volunteers have the home field advantage tonight.
Momentum shifted to the Orange and White sideline in the second quarter after the Vols forced a fumble, which was recovered by safety Micah Abernathy at the Hokie five-yard line. I put this all on me.
Advertisement
After coming up short in big early season games in the past, Butch Jones and the Vols answered an early challenge from Virginia Tech with an emphatic victory at Bristol. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. Tennessee will host OH next Saturday beginning at noon.
