Tennessee handled UConn the way it hoped and expected to, beating the Huskies 59-3 in front of a homecoming crowd at Neyland Stadium.

The dominant win was exactly what the Vols needed to start out a tough November slate. Next week, Tennessee will take on a scorching-hot Missouri team before facing the SEC’s best in Georgia at home.

Here are some takeaways from Tennessee’s 7th win of the season.

Welcome to the big-play party

It started on the first drive of the game. Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright exploded for an 82-yard touchdown to give the Vols their first score of the game less than a minute into the contest. The big-play party had begun.

On the next drive, Joe Milton connected with Ramel Keyton downfield. The wide receiver was wide open and recorded a 60-yard touchdown. After a short rushing touchdown from Milton on the next drive, the Vols scored via an 83-yard passing touchdown from Milton to Squirrel White.

The Vols recorded 3 touchdowns from 60+ yards in the first half. Coming into the game, they had just one on the season against UTSA.

The explosive plays were reminiscent of last year’s Tennessee team, and a positive sign that the offense has hit its stride late in the season. The big plays are the kind the Vols will be looking for against Missouri and Georgia in the next 2 games.

Defensive-touchdowns galore

Tennessee’s offense wasn’t the only one putting up big numbers — its defense was also getting into the endzone.

The Vols had a season-high 3 defensive touchdowns on the game. In the second quarter, Tyler Baron took a scoop-and-score into the endzone. The touchdown is the first for the defensive end this season.

The second and third defensive touchdowns came on back-t0-back drives. Jaylen McCollough picked off UConn quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson on the first play of the second half, taking it 34 yards into the end zone. The Huskies made it a little bit further on the next drive, but ultimately gave up another pick-6, this time to Aaron Beasley who took it 39-yards to the house.

Those big defensive plays were what Tennessee has been looking for this season, and if the Vols can make those a consistent theme moving forward they will have success moving forward.

Nico Iamaleava gets reps

Nico Iamaleava has appeared in just 3 games this season has played limited reps in those few appearances. On Saturday, he played 2 full drives for the Vols.

The freshman quarterback and No. 2 overall prospect in the Class of 2023 didn’t disappoint, picking up 86 yards and his first collegiate touchdown on 5-for-9 passing. He also showed off his speed, picking up 25 yards on the ground on his only scramble.

Tennessee will count on Joe Milton for the remainder of the season, but the Vols are in good hands with Iamaleava at the helm next season.