Tennessee handled Kennesaw State 42-9 on Saturday, but the final score doesn’t tell the entire story of the Vols’ final tuneup before SEC play.
The offense wasn’t always clean. Kennesaw State quarterback Rickie Collins gave Tennessee problems with his mobility, particularly early, and the Vols had some protection and timing issues in the passing game.
But Tennessee pulled away behind an increasingly complete performance from Daune Morris, Faizon Brandon’s ability to create outside structure, and a defense that responded after halftime.
Here are three takeaways from Tennessee’s win.
1. Daune Morris is becoming more than an explosive option
Daune Morris’ 42-yard touchdown was the obvious highlight.
His block later in the third quarter might have said more about where he is headed.
Morris exploded for a 42-yard touchdown on Tennessee’s first offensive snap of the second half, extending the Vols’ lead to 28-3.
It continued the momentum from his breakout performance against Georgia Tech and again showed the burst he can bring to Tennessee’s backfield.
But Morris contributed in several other ways Saturday.
Tennessee used him underneath in the passing game during the first half. He caught a short pass over the middle for 5 yards and added another reception for 4. As a runner, he powered through contact for an 11-yard gain.
Then came the blitz pickup.
With Tennessee near the Kennesaw State goal line in the third quarter, Morris recognized the pressure and delivered a strong block in pass protection. It gave Brandon enough time to escape, work toward the opposite side of the field, and run into the end zone.
That’s the type of play that helps a running back earn trust.
Morris has already shown Tennessee he can create explosive plays. Saturday offered more evidence that his game is expanding beyond them.
With Javin Gordon unavailable after suffering an injury against Georgia Tech, Tennessee needed more from its other backs.
Morris delivered.
2. Faizon Brandon’s legs covered for an uneven day through the air
Tennessee’s first offensive snap looked like the beginning of a big afternoon for Brandon.
The freshman found Braylon Staley for 35 yards and immediately moved the Vols into Kennesaw State territory.
The passing game never consistently that easy again.
However, there were encouraging moments underneath.
Brandon found Daune Morris twice on short throws, hit Matthews for 7 yards, connected with Radarious Jackson on a shallow crossing route for 9, and worked through his progression to find Keys between the hashes in the second half.
Brandon’s legs helped compensate when the passing game wasn’t clicking.
He spun away from a potential sack for a 7-yard gain in the first half and repeatedly created additional yardage when plays broke down.
His best example came near the goal line in the third quarter.
Morris picked up the blitz, Brandon escaped the pocket, found an angle to the opposite side, and ran for the touchdown.
There will be days when Tennessee needs Brandon to create outside structure.
Against Kennesaw State, his athleticism helped Tennessee overcome a passing game that never looked completely in sync.
3. Tennessee adjusted to the challenge Rickie Collins presented
Rickie Collins gave Tennessee a useful test before SEC play.
Kennesaw State’s quarterback repeatedly found ways to extend plays with his legs, particularly during a 13-play, 59-yard drive in the first quarter that consumed 7:36 and ended with a field goal.
When Tennessee rushed three, Collins found open running lanes.
When the Vols brought pressure, he could escape it.
Collins made Arion Carter miss on one scramble and later avoided Xavier Gilliam in the backfield to convert a third down.
Tennessee’s response after halftime was much better.
Carter opened the second half with a tackle for loss. He and Gilliam combined to stop the next play for no gain.
Then Tennessee collapsed the pocket on third down, and Carter finished the possession by sacking Collins.
Three plays. Three wins for the defense.
The Vols continued generating disruption on Kennesaw State’s next possession. Sophomore Ethan Utley beat his blocker and got a hand up to bat down a pass. Next Jeremiah Telander and Jordan Norman combined to drop Collins for a 4-yard loss.
Tennessee didn’t eliminate Collins’ ability to create. It adjusted well enough to keep those plays from becoming touchdowns.
One more thing
Hunter Barnes waited five years for this one.
Barnes entered after DeSean Bishop left the field in the third quarter and immediately took advantage of his opportunity.
He broke a 38-yard run in the fourth quarter before finishing the drive himself with a 3-yard touchdown run.
Then came the best part.
Barnes’ teammates poured onto the field to celebrate with him in the end zone.
On a night when Tennessee was supposed to win comfortably, it was a moment worth remembering.
The Vols did what they needed to do and moved on with a 42-9 win.
