18th-ranked Tennessee faces first road test of season at Georgia Tech
By: John Dunn
Founder/Managing Editor/Host
The All Vol Call in Show
20260910
The eighteenth ranked Tennessee Volunteers are hitting the road to travel to Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 12 at 7 PM to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an exciting primetime early season, non-conference matchup.
Fans can catch all the live television action nationally on ESPN. Radio coverage will be provided by the Vol Network featuring Mike Keith, Jayson Swain, and Brent Hubbs, alongside satellite radio options on SiriusXM channels 177 or 230.
The visiting Volunteers enter this contest with a 1-0 record following a dominant 56-9 victory over inferior Football Championship Subdivision opponent Furman. Tennessee heads into this contest looking to showcase their high-powered offense and stout defense. Quarterback Faizon Brandon anchors the passing attack having completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, while backup quarterbacks George MacIntyre and Ryan Staub have also seen efficient action to help compile a team total of 309 passing yards.
On the ground, running back DeSean Bishop paces the rushing game with 14 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown, complemented by explosive contributions from Justin Baker who rushed for 89 yards and a score on three attempts, as well as two rushing touchdowns from Brandon, pushing the team total to 329 rushing yards. Through the air, wide receiver Mike Matthews leads the receiving corps with 4 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns, supported by targets like Radarious Jackson and TK Keys as part of a collective effort totaling 309 receiving yards and four scores. Cooper Ranvier and Josh Turbyville have locked down kicking duties by converting all extra point attempts. Defensively, Amare Campbell leads the Volunteers with 6 total tackles, Xavier Gilliam has wreaked havoc in the backfield with 3 sacks, and the unit overall has combined for 36 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 68 total tackles, and 7 sacks to stifle opposing offenses.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are preparing to defend their home turf with an 0-1 record, seeking to bounce back from a tight 14-13 loss to Colorado. Behind key performers eager to make a statement, quarterback Alberto Mendoza leads the passing game for the Yellow Jackets having completed 17 of 23 passes for 237 yards. In the rushing attack, Justice Haynes carries the load with 19 attempts for 64 yards, joined by Malachi Hosley who added 14 yards on the ground. The receiving game features Jordan Allen hauling in 8 receptions for 113 yards, alongside Dalen Penson who recorded 73 receiving yards on 3 catches, contributing to a team total of 237 receiving yards. Kicker Aidan Birr handles scoring duties with reliable accuracy on extra points and field goals. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Kyle Efford anchors the defense with an impressive 14 total tackles, Taje McCoy adds defensive pressure along the line, and the Yellow Jackets defense has totaled 38 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 47 total tackles, and 2 sacks as they prepare to slow down the visiting Tennessee offense.
This matchup highlights elite leadership on both sidelines, with both coaches being known for distinctive coaching styles and schemes, drawing widespread acclaim from analysts and fans alike. The tactical chess match between the coaching staffs promises to elevate the intensity of Saturday's game.
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