Big Orange Report September 11, 2025

 

Hammer Time

Tennessee went from O to 120 in the first quarter and never really took the foot off the gas pedal in a smashing victory over East Tennessee State. UT outgained the visitors 205-7 in the first 15 minutes. The Vols' 72 points were the most scored by Tennessee since the AP poll began in 1938. The Big Orange offense finished with 717 total offensive yards.

With his mom and grandmother in the stadium, quarterback Joey Aguilar connected on 23 of 31 throws for 288 yards and two scores before retiring at halftime. Veteran receiver Chris Brazzell grabbed nine passes for 125 yards (32.0 average per catch) and a pair of touchdowns. Mike Matthews showed up big time, pulling down six aerials on six targets for 111 yards that including a 53 yard catch and run for six points.

Early Season Showdown

The Georgia Bulldogs invade Knoxville on Saturday to provide a crucial test for the Volunteers. Tennessee has not had much success against Kirby Smart's powerhouse squads so there is an opportunity for the Vols to erase some past failures against the Bulldogs. After two relatively easy contests, Georgia now takes on UT followed next week by a faceoff with Alabama.

Both teams enter the showdown after two relatively easy warm ups. Make no mistake about it, this battle between old  foes will be the first pop quiz for recognition when it is time for the playoff committee to chose the schools that will land in the brackets.

ESPN's College Game Day crew will be on Rocky Top Saturday morning and the TV broadcast is set for ABC at 2:30 CDT.

Key Matchups

Special Teams and Penalties-- The Georgia kickers and kick return specialists dominated the pre-season All-SEC checklists. Tennessee has a pair of veteran kickers that matchup well against the visitors . The punting and return games could play a crucial role in the outcome of this contest. So to could penalties at inopportune moments that change momentum and swing the mood on the field. The Vols have some electric returners but will the staff elect the be conservative and avoid runbacks on punts and kickoffs? Boo Carter returned four punts for 94 yards in the win over ETSU.

Tim Banks vs. Mike Bobo-- The UT defensive coordinator will try to match wits with Bobo, the Bulldogs' offensive coordinator and play caller. Both these guys have ambitions to become head coaches in the future and the Xs and Os in this game will be interesting to observe. Which one of these coordinators can make the quicker adjustments and react to the schemes of the opponent will be a big factor in the eventual success or failure of their respective units. Can Banks confuse first year starting quarterback Gunner Stockton with Vol secondary disguises and a consistent pass rush while slowing down a very good Georgia ground game? Banks is going to need a marquee performance from his linebackers, Arion Carter, Jeremiah Telander and Edwin Spillman. Bulldog tight end Oscar Delp grabbed two touchdown passes against UT last season.

Tennessee offensive line vs. Georgia front seven on defense-- Obviously Coach Heupel wants to run the ball and control the clock as much as possible in this important contest. Christen Miller, the 'Dogs three technique tackle, is an all-star candidate. He is athletic and quick off the snap. Linebacker C.J. Allen is another dangerous defender who can create havoc for an offense.

Watch for This

The SEC has long been referred to as a line of scrimmage league. Just as the Vol blocking front will have a battle against the Bulldogs front, so too will the UT defensive trench troops have to show up against the Georgia blockers. The Bulldogs had four offensive linemen drafted by NFL teams so just as Tennessee had to replace four starters, so too did UGA. The 'Dogs blockers did not face a stern test in the first two games on the schedule. However, there is also still a question mark concerning the Vols' interior defenders. Watch for defensive push and penetration that could tilt the contest in the favor of Tennessee or Georgia. UT really needs veteran defensive tackle Jaxon Moi to return after leaving with an upper body injury in the win over Syracuse.

Secret Weapon

1. Brazzell and Matthews have the attention of the Georgia defensive staff after their performances vs. ETSU. Consequently, Braylon Staley will probably draw single coverage out of the slot and he might just be the Vol that can burn the Bulldogs deep in this marquee battle on Saturday.

2. Punter Jackson Ross has a strong arm and it has been reported he runs under a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash. Is this the game where Heupel calls for a fake punt and pass or run by Ross?

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