The Tennessee Volunteers couldn't coast their way to an easy blowout against Arkansas State, but they were comfortably ahead for long stretches of their 34-19 win in Knoxville.
Tennessee vs. Arkansas State final score: 3 things we learned from the Vols’ 34-19 win
It wasn’t a cakewalk for the Vols, but they showed some promise in a 34-19 win over Arkansas State.
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
It was sketchy doings early for the Vols, as they fell behind only four minutes into the game on a touchdown run by Fredi Knighten. Knighten was a thorn in Tennessee’s side all day, extending plays with his legs and getting creative. Unfortunately for him, he just didn’t have enough help. The Vols reeled off 17 straight points to take a 17-6 lead in the second quarter, and that was the closest the Red Wolves would get for the rest of the afternoon.
Tennessee is still probably a year away from really clicking, but this was very easily a game the Vols could have let slip away in the past few seasons. Baby steps may not be the most exciting type of progress, but it’s still progress.
Three things we learned
1. You know, Justin Worley isn't half bad. Worley was at the center of everything positive offensively for the Vols on Saturday, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. He wasn't the most efficient though, completing 58% of his passes. He had an up and down season in 2013, completing only 55% of his passes and throwing eight interceptions to only 10 touchdowns in eight games before going down with a hand injury. He looks pretty good so far in 2014, and that is good news for Tennessee.
2. Jalen Hurd should be fine. The former five-star prospect from nearby Hendersonville (Tenn.) led the Vols in rushing yards for the first time in his young career. Sure, it was only 83 yards on 23 carries, but the true freshman ran straight at the ASU defense and handed out some punishment, showing no signs of the shoulder injury that cost him most of his senior high school season.
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3. Miami needs to keep its head on a swivel next week. The Hurricanes host the Red Wolves next week, and if they don’t improve greatly on their performance against Louisville in the opener, Arkansas State is fully capable of coming down there and leaving with a win.
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