Tennessee Volunteers fans can officially put the Da'Rick Rogers saga behind them. The Volunteers defeated the North Carolina State Wolfpack 35-to-21 in Atlanta on Friday night, in a game where Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson's star was born. Patterson, a JUCO transfer who has assumed Rogers' spot in the Vols starting lineup, scored touchdowns of 41 yards (reception) and 67 yards (rush) in the first half of Friday night's game.
Tennessee Vs. N.C. State Final Score: Volunteers Open Season With 35-21 Victory
On the first of those touchdowns, Patterson burned N.C. State's preseason All-American corner David Amerson. Amerson also got beat on Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray's second touchdown of the night, which went to receiver Zach Rogers. Bray had it easy for most of the night, finishing 27-of-41 for 332 yards to go along with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was helped considerably by a rejuvenated Vols running game, which racked up 194 yards on 37 carries.
Wolfpack quarterback Mike Glennon, a preseason All-ACC pick, did not have as nice a night. Glennon finished 26-of-44 for 284 yards and a touchdown, but was picked off three times. Wolfpack receiver Quintin Payton had the breakout game for N.C. State, going for 129 yards on only four catches.
The Wolfpack will take on the Connecticut Huskies next Saturday, Sept. 8, while the Vols will host the Georgia State Panthers.
For more on Tennessee, check out Rocky Top Talk and for more on N.C. State, head over to Backing the Pack. For more news, notes and analysis from around the country, visit SB Nation’s college football news hub.
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