Tennessee football scheduled a game against Alabama-Birmingham. It turned out to be a glorified scrimmage.
The Vols blasted UAB 56-24 on Saturday in a contest not as close as the final score. Now at 3-1, UT led 42-7 at halftime. Then the Blazers tacked on two second-half scores against UT reserves to make the outcome appear more respectable.
Here are five observations from the game.
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Vols’ offense keeps starting fast
The Vols continue to flourish in the first quarter, thanks largely to quarterback Joey Aguilar.
Tennessee is averaging a nation’s best 21 points in the first period after leading the nation in that category in 2022 at 14 points. The first quarter numbers fell off in 2023 (8.5) and 2024 (7.8) in part due to quarterback inefficiency.
But Aguilar has been red hot to start each game, except for a brief stretch against Syracuse. Tennessee football put up 17 in the first quarter against Syracuse, 24 against ETSU, 21 against Georgia and 21 against UAB.
After starting the Georgia game 14 for 14 for 214 yards in the first quarter, Aguilar got out of the blocks 7 for 7 for 114 yards against UAB. He has been poised, accurate and excellent at running the tempo offense. The scripted plays have worked well. And UT’s receivers have been productive.
Aguilar, who has passed for over 10,000 career yards counting junior college, leads the nation among active FBS players in total yards per game (288.0 or 8,085 total) and pass yards per game (272). He also has the longest active FBS streak with 28 consecutive games with at least 200 passing yards – which represents each of his college starts.
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Tennessee’s pass defense is still suspect
UAB completed 39 of 52 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns. Granted over 100 yards were accumulated in the fourth quarter, but the Vols defensive backs left several receivers open, played soft coverage, didn’t tackle well and had just two pass breakups up – compared to 10 against Syracuse.
The total yards allowed and number of completions is a bit misleading, but there were holes in the secondary that Mississippi State – this Saturday’s opponent – could exploit. No doubt, injuries to starters Germod McCoy and Ricky Gibson have hurt. It’s unknown when they’ll return although it’s like McCoy will be back before Gibson.
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Run defense did its job
While the UT pass defense struggled, the Vols’ run defense was stout. UAB averaged 1.2 yards on 19 runs. Blazer running backs had 15 carries for 41 yards.
Yes, UAB almost abandoned the run when Tennessee took a huge lead, but the run defense did its job despite missing two starting tackles: Jaxson Moi and Daevin Hobbs. Moi and Hobbs also have been missed in terms of generating an inside pass rush.
Injuries have contributed to UT’s defensive woes, but giving up 27.8 points, 279 passing yards and 372 total yards per game won’t cut it if you want to be a College Football Playoff team.
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Thomas needs more action
Running back Star Thomas needs more touches and more series. Thomas played just two series against UAB – the fifth series and the first series to start the second half. He scored a touchdown on both, including a weaving 17-yarder with a screen pass.
He has the beset hands among the running backs. He’s the hardest to tackle in space. And he has a nose for the end zone, as verified by his six touchdowns.
DeSean Biship and Peyton Lewis are quality backs who deserve playing time. But Thomas has the best chance to produce splash plays – whether by running or receiving. And he should enter a game before the fifth series.
Each offensive unit has exceeded expectations
Each offensive unit has played better than expected.
Aguilar has been one of the huge surprises, not just at Tennessee, but in the nation. Who’d have thought he’d be mentioned in the Heisman Trophy conversation?
Josh Heupel said before the season that Aguilar was accurate with the deep ball and passes over the middle. He was right.
The running backs are better than anticipated. It was going to be tough to replace record-breaking Dylan Sampson, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.
But the trio of backs by committee has allowed UT to average an impressive 216.3 rush yards per game.
The make-shift offensive line has done well, considering presumed right tackle starter David Sanders (shoulder) hasn’t played yet due to injury.
Two first-year transfers – Sam Pendleton of Notre Dame and Wendell Moe of Arizona – have performed well. Jesse Perry has filled the gap at right tackle.
And left tackle Lance Heard, who played through injury last year, has been solid.
