No. 15 Volunteers Cruise Past Chattanooga With Ease

© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK

The No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) began their 2024 season against the Chattanooga Mocs (0-1), with the Vols reigning victorious by a score of 69-3 on Aug. 31 in Knoxville, Tenn. The Vols controlled the game flow from start to finish, taking care of business against an FCS competition.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava gave fans plenty to be excited about, living up to the hype in his first start as the main guy for the Vols. The defense was stout, shutting down Chattanooga and giving the Vol's offense plenty of time to shine. The college football world got to see just how fast Tennessee could play, especially with the new helmet communication being implemented.

Game Summary

On the first drive, the Vols got the ball rolling quickly. Wide receiver Bru McCoy and running back Dylan Sampson easily got the Vols to the red zone. Faced with a fourth-and-1, Sampson got a 6-yard rush to pick up a first. On the next play, Sampson got the ball again, punching in the touchdown. The Vols' defense wasted no time getting the ball back as defensive lineman Tyre West forced a fumble, recovered by Joshua Josephs. Iamaleava marched the Vols downfield, ending the quick drive with a dart to tight end Ethan Davis for another score.

The Mocs continued to struggle on offense, and the Vols continued to put up points in rapid fashion. Lamaleava spread the ball out in the first half, throwing 2 touchdowns to Dont'e Thornton Jr. Sampson added two more rushing touchdowns, pushing his total to three. Iamaleava ended the first half with 3 touchdowns and 314 yards. The Vols' offense only punted once, and the defense stopped the Mocs in every aspect of the game. Tennessee led the Mocs 45-0 at the half.

The Mocs were able to get points on the board to start the second half, as Jude Kelley knocked in a field goal. Iamaleava's day was done, and the Vols put in the veteran QB Gaston Moore. Gilbert responded to Kelley's field goal with one of his own. Moore was able to keep the Vols' offense running, leading a drive that ended in a touchdown from RB DeSean Bishop. However, on Moore's next opportunity, he threw an interception to Kobe Joseph, giving the Mocs a favorable field position. When given the chance to score, Kelley missed the field goal.

The Vols decided to make another QB change after the interception, with true freshman Jake Merklinger coming into the game. Merklinger began his day with an impressive drive, marching the Vols down to the red zone. The drive ended with the Vols tacking on more points as RB Khalifa Keith scored on the 1-yard rush. With just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, when it looked like nothing else could go wrong for the Mocs, Heath Jehu's punt was blocked by Jordan Ross and returned for another Vols touchdown.

As far as offensive production for the Mocs, it was hard to find bright spots with the Vols playing great defense. QB Chase Artopoeus ended the game with 141 yards. RB Reggie White got 20 carries and ended with 51 yards. Artopoeus's most productive pass catcher was Sam Phillips with 54 yards.

The Turning Point

The moment that changed the game for the Vols was when Iamaleava threw his first touchdown to Davis. From that point on, the Vols' offense didn't look back. Iamaleava looked comfortable and got whatever he wanted against the Mocs' defense. The buzz around Iamaleava looked more than earned, and the Vols have something special in the young QB. With all the attention and fans looking his way, this game was huge for his confidence and growth.

What It Means

The Volunteers start their season off like they were supposed to, with a win. Tennessee wants to be one of the best in the Southeastern Conference, making every win—no matter the opponent—crucial. Looking on to Week 2, the Vols have an early challenge in the No. 24 North Carolina State Wolfpack. A win against the Wolfpack would be major for the Volunteers.

For the Mocs, the loss doesn't mean much. Ranked No. 9 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, the Mocs have plenty to look forward to. The Mocs were not supposed to win this game, and can still go on to be one of the best teams in the FCS. In Week 2, the Mocs will take on the Georgia State Panthers, getting two tough opponents in two weeks.