Tennessee blanks Tennessee Tech, 55-0

Tennessee got its first win in over a month by shutting out the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, 55-0.

After struggling all season long with slow starts, Tennessee (6-3, 2-3 SEC) scored on its first possession for only the second time this season when Joshua Dobbs connected with Josh Malone on a 30-yard touchdown pass.

Running back John Kelly then broke the game open with a 73-yard touchdown run, the longest run by a Vol ball carrier all season long. Kelly finished the game with 104 rushing yards on only seven carries.

For only the second time this season, backup quarterback Quinten Dormady received game snaps. Dormady was inserted into the game with Tennessee leading 28-0. The sophomore had to follow up Dobbs’ most statistically efficient passing performance of the season, as the senior completed 12-of-13 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Two of his touchdowns went to Josh Malone (5 catches, 112 yards), who now has a team-leading seven receiving touchdowns on the season.

Dormady was also efficient, completing 9-of-13 passes for 109 yards. His only other snaps on the season came against Alabama with the Vols trailing 42-10.

Tennessee’s defense held Tennessee Tech to only 60 yards rushing on 38 carries, while the Golden Eagle passing attack also held in check for the majority of the evening.

Freshman Marquez Callaway put the final nail in the coffin with a punt return touchdown, sending Tennessee to its sixth win of the season, making the orange and white bowl eligible for the third season in a row.

The Vols take on the Kentucky Wildcats next Saturday in Knoxville.

Edited by Nathan Odom

Featured image by Ben Ozburn