Tennessee Rolls Past NC State Behind Sampson, Iamaleava

©Saul Young/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK

The No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) beat the No. 24 NC State Wolfpack (1-1) 51-10 in the Duke's Mayo Classic on Sept. 7. Both teams were ranked in the AP Top 25. They were looking to build on wins from last week. But it was Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers who came out on top in this one. The Volunteers won thanks to stellar performances from quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running back Dylan Sampson.

Game Summary

This game started pretty sloppy for both teams as the first three drives of the game resulted in punts. But the Volunteers' offense then got into a groove.

After the Wolfpack's second punt, on the very next Volunteers' drive, Iamaleava completed 6 of 7 passes and Sampson finished it off with an 8-yard touchdown run. That made it 7-0 Tennessee.

But NC State got on the board with a field goal towards the middle of the second quarter to make it 7-3. Tennessee responded with a field goal of its own to make it 10-3.

On the following drive, five plays later, Wolfpack quarterback Grayson McCall threw a pick to Volunteers defensive back Will Brooks. Brooks turned on the after burners and took the interception 85 yards for a touchdown.

The Volunteers entered halftime 20-3 and never looked back en route to a 51-10 victory.

Turning Point: Tennessee

There were a lot of plays that helped turn this game into the Volunteers' favor, but one stood out specifically. The Wolfpack were already down 30-3 early in the third quarter and decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 on their own 34-yard line. They and got stopped.

Three plays later, the Volunteers were in the end zone again as Iamaleava ran it in from 31 yards out on third-and-7.

As the second half started, the game was a blowout. The Volunteers were just the better team, especially with the better offense. McCall had no answers for the Volunteers' defense, and the Wolfpack defense had zero answers for Iamaleava.

What It Means

When it comes to the Volunteers, it's going to be a special year for them. They have a dynamic offense that features superstars Iamaleava and Sampson. Also, they have playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. In Week 3 on Sept. 14, they will head back home and take on the Kent State Golden Flashes at 7:45 p.m. EST on the SEC Network.

When it comes to head coach Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack, they are left searching for answers. They got next to nothing from their offense and defense. In Week 3 on Sept. 14, they head back home to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Noon EST on the ACC Network.