KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns — all in the first half — in his first regular-season start to lead the 15th-ranked Volunteers to a 69-3 victory over Chattanooga on Saturday.
Dylan Sampson rushed for 124 yards and three scores in the first half as the Volunteers had an easy opener against an in-state FCS foe. Chattanooga, ranked eighth in the FCS preseason poll, didn’t cross into Tennessee territory until its first drive of the second half.
Tennessee dominated both sides of the ball in the first half and built a 45-0 lead. The Vols put up 490 yards of total offense and the Mocs didn’t get past their own 47.
THE TAKEAWAY
Tennessee: Iamaleava backed up his strong showing in last season’s Citrus Bowl with another impressive effort. With him hitting on all cylinders, the Tennessee offense is a weapon. The Vols’ front seven was as good as advertised and could be among the nation’s best.
Chattanooga: The Mocs took home a check for $550,000.
UP NEXT
Chattanooga: The Mocs will be at Georgia State next Saturday, another FBS opponent but Sun Belt instead of Southeastern Conferenve.
Tennessee: The Volunteers will have a neutral site game against No. 24 North Carolina State in Charlotte.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
