The Tennessee Volunteers are rolling on all cylinders against the Chattanooga Mocs, holding a 24-3 lead at halftime. The Vols looked to find an offensive groove after struggling in Week 6 against Florida and have been successful thus far.
Tennessee had 216 total yards at the half, including 174 passing yards. Justin Worley threw two touchdowns on 17-of-22 passing. The senior also found the end zone on an 8-yard quarterback keeper in the second quarter.
The Vols running game has been less effective otherwise with 42 yards on 19 carries. Worley’s 12 yards on seven attempts leads all rushers. Tailback Jalen Hurd has seven yards on just two carries, seeing limited action after “dinging” his shoulder last week.
However, Tennessee’s offensive line continues to allow pressure to quarterback Justin Worley. Worley has been hit several times and may have been banged up during a late second quarter possession.
Prior to halftime, backup quarterback Nathan Peterman was seen warming up on the sidelines. With Tennessee ahead early, the redshirt sophomore could see some playing time in the second half. Peterman has 65 passing yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions on 15-of-33 passing in six career appearances.
Tennessee should hold on to its lead facing an FCS opponent and the switch could help Peterman from a psychological standpoint.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
