According to USA TODAY Sports, Tennessee paid Kent State $1.35 million to play at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
The Vols set a program record for most points in a modern game with a fourth-quarter field goal, reaching 71 points. The previous record was 70, set by UT on Sept. 23, 2000, against Louisiana-Monroe.
The Vols jumped out to a 65-0 first half lead and scored nine touchdowns in nine drives against the Golden Eagles, making it the highest-scoring half in Tennessee history.
Running back Dylan Sampson scored four rushing touchdowns. DeSean Bishop added two. Backup quarterback Gaston Moore threw two touchdowns in the second quarter.
Tennessee set the program’s modern-era scoring record when Max Gilbert kicked a 21-yard field goal at 14:05 of the fourth quarter.
Kent State is one of Tennessee’s four non-conference opponents and one of three non-conference opponents from lesser conferences. UT beat Chattanooga 69-3 in its season opener on Aug. 31. The Vols host UTEP on Nov. 23. They defeated NC State 51-10 on Sept. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilsonIf you like Mike’s reporting, consider a digital subscription that gives you access to all content.
