Tennessee Routs UTEP, Playoff Hopes Remain Alive

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The No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers (9-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) did not struggle to defeat the UTEP Miners (2-9), winning 56-0 on Nov. 23 in Knoxville, Tenn. Although the game was scoreless going into the second quarter, the Volunteers' offense exploded, going into the half up 28-0 and never looked back.

Game Summary

Both teams were scoreless after the first quarter, but the Volunteers scored four of their five drives in the second quarter. RB Dylan Sampson, WR Squirrel White, TE Ethan Davis and WR Bru McCoy each scored a touchdown in the second quarter.

QB Nico Iamaleava also had an impressive game, completing 17-of-23 passes for 209 yards and 4 touchdowns. The second half was as dominant as the first, and the Volunteers cruised easily to a 56-0 victory.

Tennessee Hits the Gas

While this game had no turning point, the Volunteers' second touchdown drive set the explosive tone of Tennessee's offense which would continue for the rest of the game. After the Miners fumbled the ball away after the Volunteers' first score, Tennessee ran a quick 4-play drive which resulted in a 9-yard touchdown to White. After that point, Tennessee played at a tempo that let them secure the 8-touchdown victory without much challenge from UTEP.

Looking Ahead

Tennessee had to win this one to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race, and they got it done. Next weekend they will travel and face the Vanderbilt Commodores (6-5, 3-4) on Nov. 30 at 12:00 p.m. EST on ABC.

As for the Miners, they will travel to face the New Mexico State Aggies (3-8) on Nov. 30 at 4:00 p.m. EST to end their season.