What Butch Jones had to say following Battle at Bristol win over Virginia Tech
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After making college football history, the much-anticipated Battle at Bristol has come and gone with No. 14 Tennessee recovering from an early deficit to beat Virginia Tech 45-24. The issues that plagued the Vols against Appalachian State, most notably offensive line issues, showed up once again in Bristol, however an opportunistic Tennessee defense and special teams forced five turnovers.
To the victor go the spoils the Vols cashed in on the turnovers to capture the Battle at Bristol trophy after the game. Upon being initially handed the trophy, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones said, “Thank you, God bless and we’re 2-0.”
Butch Jones: We didn't start fast like we wanted to, but I like how he responded.
— Patrick Brown (@pbrown247) September 11, 2016
After struggling up front in the opener against Appalachian State, the Volunteers line looked just as mismatched against Virginia Tech until the Hokies began turning the ball over. According to Jones, the insertion of sophomore offensive lineman Jack Jones helped spark the offensive line toward a better performance.
https://twitter.com/Volquest_Paul/status/774830811833102337
The night wasn’t all positive for Tennessee as middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland and defensive end LaTroy Lewis both left the game after suffering injuries. How soon they could return, most notably for the Florida game Sept. 24, is to be determined according to Jones:
Tennessee coach Butch Jones said injuries to Darrin Kirkland Jr. and LaTroy Lewis are too early to assess. Said they were ankle injuries.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) September 11, 2016
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
