Tennessee coaches seemed perturbed earlier this week that the media didn’t ask enough questions about the challenge of facing Akron.
Now you know why.
The Vols emptied the bench after the first series of the third quarter and “punched” their way to a 63-6 rout of the Zips before a rare sellout for a non-Power Five opponent.
Tennessee scored at least 14 points in every quarter, racked up 676 total yards – fifth most in program history – had four scoring passes of at least 38 yards and didn’t allow a touchdown.
That’s a pretty complete performance, even if the opponent would be an underdog to 22 FCS teams, according to a local bookie.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker continued to put up great numbers: 14-of-18 for 298 yards and two touchdowns.
Backup Joe Milton continued to show dramatic improvement and illustrate why folks raved about him before last season. The Michigan transfer was 4-of-5 for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiver Jalin Hyatt caught five passes for a career-high 166 yards and scored two touchdowns covering 57 and 48 yards.
Hyatt was one of three Vols who scored two touchdowns – joining Jaylen Wright and freshman Dylan Sampson.
And the defense, which ranked among the worst in the nation last year in stopping opponents on third down, held the Zips to 1-of-13 after limiting Pitt to 4-of-18 the week before.
While you might want to dismiss the outcome as a glorified scrimmage, remember, just last week, Appalachian State upset Texas A&M, Marshall beat Notre Dame and Georgia Southern upset Nebraska.
Coach Josh Heupel lauded UT’s offensive efficiency, but he heaped more praise on the Vol Nation.
“Our fan base was absolutely electric,” Heupel said. “That’s the best Vol Walk I’ve ever been a part of. We appreciate what they do. Our fan base is as good as it gets. I’ve never been a part of anything like tonight. It was special, awesome.’’
There were three blemishes on this `awesome’’ night for the Vols.
First, star receiver Cedric Tillman suffered what appeared to be a knee injury in the second quarter when he took a shot from an Akron defensive back on a high throw from Hooker. He caught just two passes for 16 yards. Heupel said he wasn’t sure if Tillman would available for Saturday’s game against Florida.
Secondly, running back Jabari Small, who suffered several injuries a year ago, went down on the second play of the game. He gained about 15 pounds in the offseason to help his durability. He was having a pedestrian season when he was hurt, but his absence would be a huge blow to the Vols.
Thirdly, UT wideout Jimmy Calloway went berserk in the second half, punching an Akron defensive back four times before he was finally separated by teammates. Callaway was rightfully ejected from the game. For the record, he landed more blows with his fists than catches with his hands (two).
Heupel called Calloway’s actions “disappointing’’ and said Calloway was “disappointed, too,’’ and apologized to the team.
“You can’t do anything like that,’’ Heupel said. “It takes away from the game. It takes away from our team. It was a terrible moment.’’
Hyatt went to Calloway after the fisticuffs and told him to keep his head up.
“He’s a great guy,’’ Hyatt said. “What he did doesn’t define him. He’s sorry about it.’’
The Akron annihilation behind them, the Vols now turn their focus to Florida, which has defeated UT 16 of the last 17 encounters. Florida (2-1) squeaked past South Florida, 31-28 on Saturday.
“It’s an opportunity to go 1-0 (next week),’’ Hooker said.
It’s a lot more than that.
A Tennessee win would not only vault the Vols closer to the top 10, it would end a frustrating string of defeats to an East Division rival and stamp the Vols as a challenger for a New Years’ Six Bowl game.
