Not many predicted Tennessee would go on the road and win at Auburn, no one predicted the Vols would dominate the Tigers on the Plains. Despite how unlikely that result may have seemed heading into this one, that’s exactly what happened in the second half as Tennessee leaves Auburn with a 30-24 win.
After the game, select Tennessee players met with the media to discuss the program’s first SEC win over a year’s time. Here are the highlights of their comments:
Jarrett Guarantano, QB
On taking advantage of downfield throws:
“I think we are starting to build on that and those type of things. So, I think that today was the first step in the right direction of those down the field passes.”
On finding poise after getting down early:
“We’re used to being down, as you guys know. So we weren’t focused on the scoreboard at all. That’s one of the things that Coach was saying pregame, don’t worry about the scoreboard. Let’s be the most physical team out there and let’s just go play ball.”
Ty Chandler, RB
On how it feels to get a win on the road:
“It feels good. We finally got an SEC win. It feels great. I was so ready to shake it off. I was tired of losing. I’m glad we came here and got this win in a tough environment. It was a great team we played against today, so I’m glad we came in here and got it.”
On the offense’s performance:
“We were able to execute and move the ball down the field. We were able to convert on third down, and that’s all it comes down to is executing and focusing on the little things.”
On Jarrett Guarantano’s performance:
“We knew he was going to come here and do his thing. He’s a great quarterback and a great leader for us, so I knew he was going to do his thing. It was just important that we made sure we protected him.”
Baylen Buchanan, DB
Overall thoughts:
“We definitely knew that they were going to bring tempo to us. I feel like after that first drive, we just got back to the sideline and adjusted. We really just took off after that.”
On what they did in practice to prepare after the loss to Georgia:
“We wanted to improve our tackling. The effort this week was just way different than it usually is. Everybody was excited to get out there and get better. I think that showed on the field today.”
On what this win does to the team’s confidence:
“Our energy is definitely there. Everyone is really excited, so I think this will build confidence. We just have to get on the film and prepare for our next opponent.”
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
