Tennessee Dominates Kent State in a 71-0 Blowout
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Dylan Sampson rushed for 101 yards and four touchdowns — all in the first half — to lead No. 7 Tennessee to a 71-0 victory over Kent State on Saturday night. It was Sampson's fourth straight game, dating back to last season's Citrus Bowl game, in which he rushed for over 100 yards.
“(Sampson) has great vision and great pace,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. “He presses the line of scrimmage and is elusive in space.”
“You can only control what you've got in the moment,” said Sampson. “That's the way you find out who you are. The (running back) position is all about grit.”
DeSean Bishop added 120 rushing yards and two TDs in the first half for the Volunteers (3-0). They led 65-0 at halftime, the largest point total in one half in school history. The 71 points are the most in modern-era school history.
The Golden Flashes (0-3) generated just 23 total yards in the first half. They were offered to have a running clock in the second half but declined.
“That is not who we are as a team or a culture,” Kent State coach Kenni Burns said of the clock adjustment. “I talked to the captains about it and they said absolutely not.”
Heupel refused to comment about the decision.
Tennessee rolled up 37 points in the first quarter, the most in one quarter in school history. In those first 15 minutes, there was a safety, two snaps over the Kent State quarterback's head and an onside kick that the Vols recovered.
“We have a really young football team,” said Burns. “There was an obvious mismatch in personnel. We did not knock the ball down when we had the chance to.”
“We still have a lot more to improve on,” Iamaleava said. “Every day we want to be 1% better.”
The Tennessee defense has gone 16 quarters — dating back to the bowl game — without giving up a touchdown.
Key Takeaways
Kent State
Coach Kenni Burns’ primary task this week with his team will be to keep the game with Tennessee and the upcoming matchup with Penn State in perspective. The Golden Flashes are young. Being overmatched by a Top 10 team can be used as a growth opportunity, rather than something that will impede progress or cause frustration.
Tennessee
Last week’s lopsided win over North Carolina State came with its share of mistakes. The Vols used the game with Kent State to clean up those concerns before they are tested in their first true road game against No. 15 Oklahoma. Iamaleava threw the first two interceptions of his career last week. He was able to make better decisions against Kent State.
Looking Ahead
Kent State
The Golden Flashes have one of the toughest two-week stretches in the nation. After enduring a very loud and intimidating crowd at Tennessee, they will be in another hostile environment next Saturday at No. 8 Penn State.
Tennessee
After getting through their three tune-ups with flying colors, the Vols will visit coach Josh Heupel’s alma mater No. 15 Oklahoma in the Sooners’ first-ever Southeastern Conference game.
A Dominant Display of Offense
Tennessee's offensive explosion against Kent State showcased a potent combination of explosive plays, efficient execution, and relentless determination. Dylan Sampson's historic performance set the tone for the game, establishing an early dominance that continued throughout the contest. The Volunteers' offensive line provided exceptional protection for Nico Iamaleava, allowing him to find his receivers with accuracy and make smart decisions. The team's ability to create big plays and capitalize on scoring opportunities demonstrates their offensive potential going forward.
A Defensive Wall of Steel
The Volunteers' defense displayed an impressive level of strength, shutting down Kent State's offense and preventing any points. The unit's ability to create turnovers and limit Kent State's offensive production underscores their defensive prowess. The fact that they have now gone 16 quarters without allowing a touchdown is a testament to their consistency and dominance.
A Look Ahead to Oklahoma
The victory over Kent State serves as a valuable preparation for Tennessee's upcoming SEC opener against Oklahoma. The Vols showcased their offensive firepower and defensive dominance, gaining valuable experience and momentum heading into a crucial matchup against a formidable opponent. The team's confidence and resilience gained from this dominant performance will undoubtedly be a crucial asset as they prepare for a challenging test against the Sooners.
A Night to Remember
Tennessee's 71-0 victory over Kent State will be remembered as a night of dominance and offensive brilliance. Dylan Sampson's performance will be etched in the annals of Tennessee football history, and the team's overall performance provides a strong foundation for their aspirations in the upcoming weeks.
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts on Tennessee's impressive victory and their upcoming matchup against Oklahoma in the comments below! Let's discuss the Volunteers' chances for a successful season in the SEC.
