Rocky Topped
The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves Saturday afternoon in front of an announced crowd of just over 99,000 at Neyland Stadium. The Red Wolves hung around in the contest throughout, but in the end it was all Vols, as they won, 34-19.
Head Coach Butch Jones applauded his team efforts specifically on 3rd down saying, “I thought the whole key was 3rd down conversions” he added “We did a good job defensively getting off the field on 3rd down.”
Jones also said he wasn’t surprised, like maybe some of the fan base, that the Red Wolves were able to move the ball, “ Arkansas State is explosive offensively especially with Knighten(QB)” Knighten would finish the game just 21-34 for 166 yards but it was his legs that extended some plays rushing for 81 yards on the afternoon. “Knighten is a great player.”
The Vols had a solid game on offense as well, amassing 415 yards throughout the game. Leading the charge offensively was senior signal caller, Justin Worley. Worley finished the contest 22-38 for 247yards and 2 touchdowns. He did however throw his lone interception on the season as well.
Five star freshman running back, Jalen Hurd, would lead the ground attack for the Vols with 87 yards on 23 carries. Hurd also scored his 2nd career touchdown in the 1st quarter from 4-yards out. Senior, Marlin Lane, finished with 54 yards on 14 carries.
Jones, although not 100% satisfied with his team’s effort, is happy with the ultimate outcome, “A win is a win: it’s a great win against a very quality opponent.” Moving ahead to next week in Norman, Jones still sees a need for a lot of improvement but saw some today, “I felt like our players really grew up some today.”
All-Star linebacker, A.J. Johnson, led the way on the defensive side with 9 tackles. LaDarell McNeil swarmed in for 7 tackles against the Red Wolves. Brain Randolph and Jalen Reeves-Maybin would each finish with 6 tackles on the contest.
Tennessee will travel to a top 5 nationally ranked team for their first road game of the season next Saturday, when the Vols travel to Norman, Oklahoma to face the Sooners.
