The Tennessee Volunteers faced plenty of skepticism from analysts heading into the season. However, all doubts have faded, as the Vols have shown they might be even better than last year. The biggest difference has been at quarterback, where veteran Joey Aguilar has stepped up. Even opposing coaches have taken notice.
“The quarterback is playing, I think, better than the quarterback last year − significantly better,” UAB head coach Trent Dilfer said on Sept. 16. “He makes quicker decisions. Sees the field a lot better. Has played a lot better football. Is tremendously accurate when he’s comfortable.”
This past weekend, Tennessee traveled to Mississippi State, where their defense made a significant impact. The Vols recorded a scoop and score following a sack. Defensive back Joshua Josephs described the moment.
“I saw my brother. I seen Tyre like just back there cuz, one of us was going to get to the quarterback, but I saw him hit the quarterback and I don't, I would say it slowed down, but at the same time, just instincts kicked in. Like naturally, I felt like the ball, I saw the ball like laying there for a while, so I just like, I picked it up and I ran. That's all there is to it," Josephs said.
Despite Tennessee’s win, Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby downplayed the Vols’ victory.
“We gave them 14 points,” said Lebby. “The game is completely different. We’re first-and-10, right at midfield after the fake punt, probably 13 and a half minutes left, something like that. And we have an issue up front — we’re going to be first-and-10 at the plus-38-yard line and we’re up 24-20 and (Lebby snapped his fingers) it’s 27-24. That’s the difference in the ball game.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
While both teams committed multiple turnovers, blaming the loss solely on giving up points isn’t fair. Tennessee capitalized on Mississippi State’s mistakes.
The Vols’ defense showed up when it mattered most, and Aguilar was clutch in key moments. Tennessee secured a hard-fought road win, catching Lebby and the Bulldogs off guard.