Tennessee Handles Virginia In Drama-Free Season Opener
There was only one expectation for Tennessee in its season opener. Coming off an 11-win season with a new starting quarterback, week one against Virginia was an opportunity to make a statement. Losing their offensive core to the NFL Draft hurt, but head coach Josh Heupel was determined to reload and repeat the team's 2022 performance. 2022 Tennessee would have blown out this Virginia team, and 2023 Tennessee did.
The headlines start with quarterback Joe Milton III. Everyone has been talking about him this offseason, projecting big things for a guy with four college starts to his name. He responded to that hype on Saturday, accounting for four touchdowns in the win. He didn't throw an interception and has yet to throw one with Heupel as his head coach. There were some errant throws, and to be frank, we didn't learn a ton about what he will be in this offense. That was always a possibility entering play, and our first time really seeing Milton in this offense will be against Florida in week three.
The three-headed monster of Jaylen Wright, Dylan Sampson, and Jabari Small dominated all day. Wright eclipsed 100 rushing yards on the day, Sampson scored four touchdowns, and Small had 80 all-purpose yards. The three combined 264 all-purpose yards, which paced the offense all day. The offensive line paved lanes all afternoon, creating tons of space on the ground for the backs.
While we didn't learn much about what the offense will look like this season, the defense delivered an encouraging performance. They got pressure with four and didn't allow explosive passing plays. No, the Cavaliers didn't have the offensive personnel to match Tennessee's athletes, but it was good to see those bodies flying around in week one. The defensive backs played well all afternoon - I thought there was a noticeable difference in technique from corner Kamal Hadden. He had two nice deflections after getting turned around. Additionally, edge rusher James Peavy Jr. could be a real NFL Draft prospect if he keeps playing the way he did today - he just speed-rushed the Virginia right tackle twice for easy sacks.
Is there a ton to take from today? No. There weren't many dominating performances, and Tennessee didn't dive deep into their playbook. But they went out and did what they were expected to do after not playing live football for nine months - that's a win every day of the week. They have one more game against Austin Peay before getting the first real test of the season in Gainesville, Florida.
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel during the Virginia game on September 2nd, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Caitie Mcmekin of the News Sentinel)
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