Tennessee dominates NC State: 4 things that stood out
The Tennessee Volunteers went into Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night and laid waste to NC State. Tennessee took control of the game after a Huge pick-six by Senior Safety Will Brooks in the 2nd quarter and ended up making this game a laugher ending with a final score of 51-10. The scary thing for Tennesse’s future opponents is that there seems to be room for improvement which is not something a lot of teams can say after beating a top-25 opponent by 41 points. Let’s take a look at 4 things that stood out in this baby-seal clubbing in Charlotte.
The defense was nearly perfect
Tennessee’s defense was outstanding against the Wolfpack allowing only 143 yards. NC State couldn’t get anything going on the ground, and as a result, their play-action heavy passing attack was never able to get in sync. Furthermore, the defense forced 3 turnovers that gave Nico and company short fields in the 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach for good. Grayson Mccall looked like a freshman even though he is a 6th-year Senior, and Kevin Concepcion only caught 5 passes for 53 yards. If the defense can perform like this all year Tennessee is easily playoff-bound.
2. Nico rebounding from interceptions
Nico threw his first 2 interceptions as a Vol tonight but rebounded from both of them like a veteran. The first interception was an errant pass over the middle that led to 3 points for the Wolfpack. Nico responded on Tennesse’s next possession with a long pass to Squirrel for 45 yards that got the Vols in FG range, and Gilbert connected from 32 yards a few plays later. The 2nd interception was a pick-six forced by a Wolfpack defender grabbing Nico’s arm as he released the ball. After that unfortunate play, Nico led the Vols to a TD on their next possession to put the score at 44-10. It’s a great sign when a young signal caller bounces right back after disaster and an even better sign when he does it twice in one game against a decent opponent.
3. Tight End masterclass
Josh Heupel showcased on Saturday night how to use tight ends in a modern offense. Tennesse’s tight ends combined for 6 catches, 71 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The touchdowns were both wide open as Staes and Kitselman ended up strolling in untouched. Even though Ethan Davis didn’t get into the endzone like Staes and Kitselman, he did catch 2 screens for 14 yards with his unique skillset fitting those plays perfectly. Heupel knew NC State and their 3-3-5 defense would limit what the Vols could do over the top so he got the big pass catchers involved for excellent results.
4. Sampson carried the load with Seldon out
One surprise before the game was Cam Seldon being ruled out but Sampson without his main backup showed out for the Vols. Sampson ended the game with 23 touches for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those are excellent numbers for a back who didn’t get as much rest as he was used to throughout the game. If Sampson can be that effective as Nico continues to improve this offense may become impossible to slow down.