LIVE Updates: No. 15 Tennessee vs Chattanooga

The Tennessee Volunteers are set to kick off their season against Chattanooga in the Volunteers home opener.

Jan 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) and offensive lineman Masai Reddick (68) celebrate a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports / Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers are set to kick off their season against Chattanooga in the Volunteers home opener.

The wait is over, Tennessee football returns to action, kicking off the 2024 season with their home opener against Chattanooga in a sold-out Neyland Stadium.

The excitement surrounding the Vols is palpable as they enter the season with high expectations. Tennessee football heads into Saturday's matchup as the No. 15 team in the nation. The Vols boast five, five-star prospects on their roster this season according to 247 Sports' composite rankings, led by the highly anticipated freshman, Nico Iamaleava, who begins his first season as the starting quarterback for the Vols.

The Vols look to build upon last year's 9-4 record with aspirations of securing a coveted spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Entering the season, the Vols were given a 36.9 percent chance at making the playoffs by ESPN's Football Power Index while being given a 5.5 percent chance at winning the SEC.

LIVE Updates: No.15 Tennessee vs Chattanooga

First Quarter

(7-0), 11:09- Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson punches in a one yard rush for the first touchdown of the game.

(7-0), 9:37- Chattanooga running back Reggie Davis fumbles on the Chattanooga 38 yard line, Tennessee recovers at the Chattanooga 35.

(14-0), 8:34- Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava slings a four yard pass over the middle to wide receiver Ethan Davis for a Volunteer touchdown.

(14-0), 7:44- Chattanooga goes three and out on their second drive and punt away to Tennessee.

(21-0), 7:18- Nico Iamaleava finds Dont'e Thornton Jr. over the middle for the Vols third touchdown of the game .

(21-0), 6:00- Chattanooga goes three and out on their third drive and punt away to Tennessee.

(24-0), 3:32- Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert splits the uprights to put the Volunteers up 24-0.

(24-0), 1:02- Chattanooga goes three and out for the third time in row. The Volunteeer offense will get the ball back on the Tennessee 22.

END OF 1Q: Tennessee, 24-0

Second Quarter:

(31-0), 14:03- Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson punches in a three yard rush for a Volunteer touchdown.

(31-0), 12:09- Chattanooga punts away to Tennessee. The Volunteer offense will get the ball back on the Tennessee 21.

(38-0), 10:14- Nico Iamaleava completes a ten yard pass to Dont'e Thornton Jr. for a touchdown.

(38-0), 6:59- Chattanooga punts away to Tennessee. The Volunteer offense will get the ball back on the Tennessee 39.

(45-0), 6:43- Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson follows up 56 yard rush with a five yard rush for a touchdown.

(45-0), 3:45- Chattanooga punts away to Tennessee. The Volunteer offense will get the ball back on the Tennessee 30.

(45-0), 2:53- Tennessee punts it away for the first time today, Chattanooga will get the ball back at the Chattanooga 43.

(45-0), 1:53- Chattanooga punts away to Tennessee. The Volunteer offense will get the ball back on the Tennessee 17.

END OF 2Q: Tennessee, 45-0

Third Quarter:

(45-3), 10:10- Chattanooga kicker Jude Kelley makes a 43 yard field goal to give UTC their first points of the game.

(45-3), 10:09- Gaston Moore enters the game for quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

(48-3), 7:15- Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert makes a 42 yard field goal.

(48-3), 2:46- Chattanooga kicker Alen Karajic misses a 55 yard field goal, Tennessee will get the ball back on the Tennessee 37.

(55-3), 1:13- Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop breaks away for a 22 yard rushing touchdown.

(55-3), 0:13- Chattanooga punts away to Tennessee. The Volunteer offense will get the ball back on the Tennessee 35.

END OF 3Q: Tennessee, 55-3

Fourth Quarter:

(55-3), 12:11- Gaston Moore's pass intercepted, Chattanooga gets the ball back on the Tennessee 10.

(55-3), 11:11- Jude Kelly misses 25 yard field goal. Tennessee gets the ball back at the Tennessee 20.

(55-3), 11:11- Jake Merklinger enters the game for Gaston Moore.

(62-3), 4:06- Khalifa Keith powers past the goal line for a five yard rushing touchdown.

(69-3), 1:07- Chattanooga's punt is blocked by Tennessee's Heath Jehu, Jordan Ross scopps and scores for a Tennessee touchdown.

FINAL SCORE: Tennessee 69, Chattanooga 3

Other Tennessee News:

• Tony Vitello Turnaround Nothing Short of Brilliant for Tennessee Baseball
• Jaylen Williams Cuts Recruitment to Four Schools
• Tennessee Vols Football Could Make Playoff According to CFB Data Model

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