Cole Cubelic’s Sunday-night breakdowns have become must-see material for SEC fans, and Tennessee’s latest one came after a 45-24 win over Georgia Tech that moved the Volunteers to 2-0.
The SEC Network sideline reporter and former Auburn lineman went facet by facet through the Vols’ performance from Atlanta, where Tennessee led 24-10 at halftime and then pulled away with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. His biggest takeaway was the same one that showed up on the field: Tennessee kept leaning on the run no matter what Georgia Tech threw at it.
“Main thing that stuck out was commitment to the run. There were TFLs, missed blocks, etc.
They did not waiver. Great job by TEs splitting, inserting & helping the run go.
18 (DeSean Bishop) was dynamic. Presses blocks so well.
Great patience. 17 (Daune Morris) had some nice runs.
Saw new gap scheme stuff. Nice use of formations.”
Quarterback Faizon Brandon also earned praise from Cubelic after making his second collegiate start and first road start. Brandon finished 10-of-21 for 148 yards and two touchdowns, while adding five carries for 22 yards.
“QB (Faizon Brandon) stayed composed. Nice touch on a few shorter passes.
Legs helped at times. Had some drops that need to be cleaned up.”
Josh Heupel had a similar read after the game.
“The stat sheet is not going to be elite,” Josh Heupel said after the game. “I actually really like the way he played the game.
I thought he was composed, he handled himself in situational football pretty well. First game on the road, 18 years old, handled himself well, took care of (the ball).
Scrambled, made some plays. There’s a couple things that he’s going to learn from and get better from, but all in all, really good.
He had a great look, demeanor. He’s been consistent in that way.”
Up front, Cubelic pointed to the work of 70 David Sanders and 75 Wendell Moe.
“70 (David Sanders) & 75 (Wendell Moe) gave good effort up front on the OL.”
The run game did most of the heavy lifting. DeSean Bishop rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns, Daune Morris added 98 yards and a score, and Javin Gordon chipped in 32 yards. Cubelic highlighted Bishop’s burst and patience, while also noting Morris’ effectiveness.
Tennessee did not get much production from Mike Matthews or Braylon Staley, who combined for just three receptions. Staley’s one catch went for a 20-yard touchdown, though. Radarious Jackson led the receivers with 64 yards on three catches.
On defense, Cubelic liked Tennessee’s edge pressure and the way the Vols kept forcing Georgia Tech into tough reads.
“Liked how they continued to attack the edges on def. Did it in different ways.
Forced decisions with read plays & play action. 33 (Jordan Norman) was active out there.
Great pursuit. Able to make up for over running a few things.
Did a nice job removing passing lanes. LBs were active.
2 (Xavier Gilliam) did good things inside, used hands well, explosive. Took the ball away & scored.”
Arion Carter and Amare Campbell tied for the team lead with eight tackles. Mariyon Dye had two sacks, while Jordan Norman and Jeremiah Telander each added one. Telander and Dejuan Lane both came away with interceptions, and Lane returned his for a touchdown.
No. 15 Tennessee returns home next, hosting Kennesaw State on Saturday night in Neyland Stadium.
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Jeremiah Telander Said What Tennessee Fans Wanted To Hear After That Win
After Tennessees 45-24 road win over Georgia Tech, Jeremiah Telander had every reason to feel good about the start of the season, and he sounded like a player who knew exactly what the performance meant. The linebacker turned in a productive afternoon with three tackles, a sack and an interception, then used his time with the media to point to the way the Volunteers handled the game and the impact of the freshman quarterback in his first big outing.
Telander also touched on the shift in his own defensive role, which has been part of the early-season adjustment for Tennessees defense. Even with the convincing victory in hand, he kept the focus on progress and the details the Vols still need to clean up, a familiar message but one that carries more weight when it comes after a road win against a Power Four opponent. [Read more 🡒]
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Freshman defensive tackle JJ Finch, who missed the previous game because of injury, is expected to be ready to play. Senior Daevin Hobbs and sophomores Isaiah Campbell and Ethan Utley have also worked back after dealing with their own setbacks, giving the Vols a chance to restore some depth and stability up front as the schedule continues to move forward. [Read more 🡒]