Tennessee Vols escape with 28-19 victory over Bobcats

It was closer than expected, but the Tennessee Volunteers eventually topped the Ohio Bobcats, 28-19, at Neyland Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Vols entered the contest searching for a faster start after falling behind 13-3 to Appalachian State and 14-0 to Virginia Tech in the first two games of the season. After a solid opening kickoff return by Cam Sutton, running back Alvin Kamara gained 35 yards on Tennessee’s first play. Two plays later, quarterback Joshua Dobbs connected with Josh Malone on a 20-yard touchdown. It’s the third game in a row Dobbs has found Malone for a score.

But the Vol offense was inconsistent going forward, scoring only one touchdown for the remainder of the half. Meanwhile, the Bobcats failed to find the end zone in the first half, but kept the game in reach with four field goals. Despite being four-touchdown favorites, Tennessee only mustered a 14-12 halftime advantage.

In the second half, the Vols scored on back-to-back possessions, establishing more control over the game. The first score came on a 12-yard touchdown run by Dobbs, who plowed his way over defenders into the end zone. Following an Ohio touchdown, Dobbs again connected with Malone on a 20-yard score.

The senior quarterback had his most complete game of the season passing and running the ball, completing 19-of-27 passes for 203 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed the ball 14 times for 59 yards and a score. As a team, Tennessee rushed for 201 yards on 4.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, the defense limited Ohio to 88 yards rushing on 2.9 YPC.

A number of Vols missed Saturday’s game, most notably Cam Sutton, who suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin was also lost due to an undisclosed injury in the second quarter.

Tennessee (3-0) plays Florida at Neyland Stadium next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Edited by Dalton King

Featured image by Hayley Pennesi, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics