NEED TO KNOW
Defensive Domination
Tennessee's defense has not surrendered a touchdown in three straight games dating back to last season's Citrus Bowl victory. That is the longest streak for the Vols since three straight contests in 1985. That year, UT allowed six points to Georgia Tech on Oct. 26 (two field goals), shutout Rutgers on Nov. 2 and held Memphis to seven points on Nov. 9 (blocked punt return for a touchdown). In the FBS this season, the Vols rank fourth in third-down defense (4-26, .154), sixth in total defense (185.0 ypg), 10th in scoring defense (6.5 ppg), 10th in red zone defense (2-4) and 11th in rushing defense (56.5 ypg).
In last week's 51-10 win over No. 24/23 NC State, UT's defense limited the Wolfpack to just 143 yards of total offense (104 passing, 39 rushing) – the fewest yards allowed during the Josh Heupel era. NC State was only able to manage 27 yards of offense in the second half. The Big Orange also racked up 13 tackles for loss on the night – the second most in a game during defensive coordinator Tim Banks' tenure.
Sampson's Super Start
Junior running back Dylan Sampson is off to a stellar start to the 2024 campaign. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native enters week three leading the SEC in total rushing yards (256) and rushing yards per game (128.0) while his five rushing touchdowns are tied for first in the league and third nationally.
Dating back to last season, Sampson has posted three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances and has found pay dirt 13 times in his last 14 games played. During last Saturday's victory over NC State, Sampson posted a career-best 169 all-purpose yards to go along with two touchdowns to lead the Vols to a rout in Charlotte.
Tennessee Tight End Trio Thriving
UT's tight end room is the deepest it's been throughout the Heupel era and has shined early and often through two games this season. All three of the Vols' primary tight ends – Ethan Daivs, Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes – have already reeled in a touchdown catch this year. Both Kitselman and Staes found the end zone in last weekend's win over the Wolfpack.
Tennessee's tight ends have recorded at least one receiving touchdown in four straight games dating back to last season's victory over Vanderbilt. They have combined for six touchdowns during that four-game stretch, including three this season.
The Neyland Effect
Neyland Stadium is once again one of the nation's most electric environments and toughest places to play for visiting teams. Over the past two seasons, the Vols are 14-1 inside of its confines, outscoring opponents 709-280. In the Josh Heupel era (since 2021), UT is 19-4 at home and has outscored its opponents 1,038-458 with 16 of those wins coming by double digits. Tennessee's 14 home wins since the start of the 2022 season are tied for third in the nation and tied for second in the SEC.
Neyland Stadium will be sold out for 15th consecutive game on Saturday. UT has ranked in the top five nationally in attendance in each of the last two seasons, ranking No. 3 in total attendance (713,405) and No. 4 in average attendance (101,915) while leading the SEC in attendance in 2023.
