There was no post-Georgia game hangover for Tennessee on Saturday.
After dropping an overtime heartbreaker a week ago, the Volunteers jumped out early and rolled to a 56-24 victory over UAB on Saturday inside Neyland Stadium.
“Good win,” Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel said. “I liked a lot of what we did in the first half, some things that we need to clean up on all three phases of the game, from the first half too. Second half started fast and our young guys go in the ball game. Some good, but a lot of things that, you know, game action has proved positive of things they got to clean up too and attention to detail. But, all in all, good win.”
It was Tennessee’s 40th win under Heupel.
“Man, I had no idea,” Heupel said on winning his 40th game at Tennessee. “I absolutely love being here. Where our fans have been a part of helping us climb, what our staff has done, and certainly what our players have done. It’s fun to be here. The best part of my day is when I walk in there with our guys. It’s a place that doesn’t feel like work. It’s a place you love to be and you get a chance to do what you love which is compete. So, there’s been a lot of growth in our program, there’s a lot left, this team is a good football team, but we got to continue to get better and we control where we take it.”
Joey Aguilar had three touchdowns and went 15-of-22 passing for 218 yards, and Chris Brazzel, Mike Matthews and Star Thomas each caught a touchdown pass for Tennessee.
“I think we did alright, there are a lot of mistakes we made, just like on ourselves, but definitely could be way better,” Aguilar said. “A win is a win, and it’s hard to get wins, so we are obviously gonna celebrate it and embrace it, but we could definitely be a lot better than what we were out there for sure.”
Peyton Lewis led the Volunteer rushing attack with 81 yards and a score on 11 carries, while Star DeSean Bishop had two touchdowns and 59 yards on nine carries.
Thomas also added 51 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The Volunteers scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions, and held a 42-7 lead at the half.
