It was lights out defense from the #14 Tennessee Volunteers in Charlotte that lead to a dominating 51-10 win over #24 North Carolina State. Josh Heupel’s offense was no joke either racking up a second straight 50+ point game.
Freshman phenom Nico Iamaleava total for 3 touchdowns Saturday night two through the air and one on the ground. Iamaleave threw for 211 yards and ran for 65 yards on 8 attempts. Junior Running back Dylan Sampson also had a major performance for the Vols running for 132 yards for 2 touchdowns. This Sampson’s third straight game, going back to last years bowl game against Iowa, where he rushed for 100 yards in a game. Receiver Holden Staes and Alabama transfer Tight End Miles Kitselman were the two with receiving touchdowns.
The big story of the night was UT’s defense who were lights out. The Vols defense forced 3 turnovers one of which resulted in a Pick-6. They only allowed NC State 143 yards, 104 passing and 39 rushing. NC State was 3/12 on third downs and 0/2 on 4th downs. This is also the third straight game where Tennessee’s defense did not allow a touchdown (NC State’s TD on Saturday was from a Pick-6) going back to last years bowl game against Iowa.
Next week the Vols return to Knoxville for a home game against MAC opponent Kent State. Coverage between #14 Tennessee and Kent State can be heard on 102.5 WOW Country at 6:45 on Saturday, September 14th.