KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Joey Aguilar threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns — all in the first half — to lead No. 22 Tennessee to a 72-17 romp over East Tennessee State on Saturday.
The Volunteers (2-0), who tuned up for the Southeastern Conference showdown with No. 4 Georgia next week, got help from Star Thomas with 69 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Tennessee had 427 yards of total offense in the first half and led the overmatched Buccaneers (1-1) 48-7 at the break.
The takeaway
The Vols used the game to clean up the problems that cropped up in last week’s win over Syracuse. … Getting the defense in shape was a priority. … Giving up 274 passing yards against the Orange, and losing CB Rickey Gibson III to an injury for an extended period, gave Tennessee a specific challenge against the over-matched Buccaneers. … Freshman RG David Sanders has now missed Tennessee’s first two games with an injury. He is expected to get his debut against Georgia. …. The victory won’t have much impact on Tennessee’s poll position. Losses in front of the Vols will count more.
Up next
East Tennessee State: At West Georgia next Saturday.
Tennessee: Hosts Georgia next Saturday.
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Al Lesar, The Associated Press
