The Vols (3-0) surpassed their previous single-quarter scoring standard (35), set in the opening period at home against Arkansas on Nov. 11, 2000. They also posted the best single-half scoring record in modern times (1937 to present): They scored 65 points in the first 30 minutes, surpassing the previous first-half record of 52 points against UT Martin on Oct. 22, 2022. Their final point total was also a modern best, replacing the old mark from a 70-3 win over the University of Louisiana Monroe on Sept. 23, 2000. It is the highest point total the Rocky Top team has posted since 1929.
Additionally, it was the first time since 1913 and only the second time in program history that the Big Orange scored 50 points in each of its first three games after scoring that many on Saturday night against the Golden Flashes (0-3). UT scored 69 and 51 points in its first two games this season against Chattanooga and NC State, respectively, while the 1913 team boasted a 58-0 win over Carson-Newman, a 95-0 win over Athens and a 75-0 win over Maryville.
Sampson rushed for 66 yards and three touchdowns in the first 15 minutes and finished with 101 yards and four touchdowns on 13 attempts. He became the first Vol in modern times with four rushing touchdowns in a half and set the modern school record for a single game with that total. DeSean Bishop Sampson also had a 100-yard day, finishing with a career-best 120 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries for his first 100-yard performance as a Vol.
quarterback Nico Iamaleava completed 10 of 16 passes for 173 yards and a long touchdown pass Chris Brazzell II in the first quarter. The signal-caller helped the Vols gain a 541-23 yard differential in total performance in the first half, including a 21-3 advantage in first downs. Tennessee finished with a 740-112 lead, with the Vols’ offensive performance setting a program record and ranking 10th in SEC history. The 456 rushing yards are the fourth-highest performance in the school record book.
Defensively, Tennessee limited the Golden Flashes to the lowest total distance of the opponent in Josh Heupel era with that 112 mark. The previous low of 143 was reached last Saturday night against NC State. UT also extended its streak of not allowing an offensive touchdown to 16 consecutive quarters.
After forcing Kent State into a three-and-out on the game’s first possession, the Vols needed just seven plays and one minute, 25 seconds to take the lead. Sampson broke away from left tackle and ran into the north end zone from 22 yards out to complete a lightning-quick 73-yard run. Max Gilbert’s PAT gave the Vols a 7-0 lead with 11:33 minutes left in the first half.
On the Golden Flashes’ next drive, a bad snap by center on third-and-10 from the KSU 25 resulted in a safety, making it 9-0 Vols with 10:35 left. UT then accepted the ensuing kick and navigated 48 yards in seven plays, with Sampson diving in from the one. Gilbert’s PAT increased the lead to 16-0 with 8:11 left on the clock in the first frame.
Tennessee struck three more times in the first period: Iamaleava threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Brazzell at 5:56, Bishop ran for a 53-yard touchdown with 3:35 left, and Sampson’s third touchdown of the day, once again from one yard out. Gilbert converted all three touchdowns and sent the Vols into the second period with a stunning 37-0 lead.
Bishop continued the Big Orange’s winning streak in the second quarter, scoring his second 47-yard run with 13:06 remaining, and Sampson scored his fourth 14-yard run with 7:49 remaining. Reserve quarterback Gaston Moore came in as a replacement for Iamaleava and scored his first two touchdowns in his career, hitting tight end Miles Kitselman for a 15-yard pass 3:06 minutes before halftime and an 18-yard arrow to the wide receiver Michael Matthews with 19 seconds left in the game. Gilbert was good on all four PATs and sent UT to the locker room with a 65-0 lead.
With their foot off the gas and all positions filled with substitutes, the Vols only scored two goals in the second half. Max Gilbert kicked 36 and 21 field goals in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, to close out the scoring round.
Next
Tennessee begins Southeastern Conference play next Saturday night when it travels to Norman to face No. 15/13 Oklahoma (3-0) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised by ABC.
