Well, that’s more like it. This was the Tennessee that we expected to see against Austin Peay and Florida. The Vols jumped out to a 31-0 lead in the first half and were never seriously challenged, beating UT-San Antonio 45-14.

The Vols scored points a plenty. The Vols took some shots deep and mashed the Roadrunners in the running game. The Vols got to the opposing QB.

This is what good teams are supposed to do against opponents with less talent.

Let’s investigate what the Vols did right, did wrong, and where things stand after Week 4.

Player of the Week: Joe Milton

Tennessee’s QB might have heard the skeptics over the last 7 days, and if he did, Saturday afternoon was a pretty good response.

Milton completed 18 of 31 passes for 209 yards and 2 scores, but his biggest play came on the ground. On the 1st play from scrimmage, Milton fakes a handoff then outran the entire UTSA defense. That 81-yard TD scamper proved that yes, he is more than capable of making plays with his feet.

Four of the Vols 1st 5 possessions resulted in TDs. He was in total control of this offense. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Freshman of the Week: LB Jeremiah Telander

Tennessee is a veteran team. You don’t see a whole lot of freshmen getting serious playing time.

On Saturday the Vols were able to get some of their young guys in the game in the 2nd half. LB Jeremiah Telander had 3 tackles against the Roadrunners. This was only the 2nd time he’s seen the field at UT.

Biggest surprise: Dylan Sampson’s return

Not to harp too much on the Florida game … but man, a lot went wrong that night for Tennessee. For example, how did Dylan Sampson not get one carry against the Gators?

Against UTSA, Sampson was back in a big way, with 11 carries for a career high 139 yards and 2 scores. Now Sampson has 6 TDs on the season. He also had 1 catch for 20 yards.

Game flow certainly affects how coordinators call plays, but Sampson is just too talented to be standing on the sidelines.

Biggest concern: 3rd quarter nap

The Vols went into halftime leading 31-0. The game was theirs, and there was little urgency coming out of the locker room.

And it showed as the Vols’ 1st 2 drives finished with punts and only netted 14 yards on 9 plays. Defensively, Tennessee also struggled, giving up 75-yard and 66-yard TD drives.

Yes, the game wasn’t in doubt, but there are tougher games ahead, games which will require a 60-minute effort.

Developing trend: Defensive pressure

Heading into the UTSA game, the Vols defense was tied for 7th in the nation with 12 sacks. They picked up 4 more against the Roadrunners. They were ranked 2nd in tackles for loss with 32 and had 7 more on Saturday.

This Tennessee defense has its faults, but they continue to create havoc in their opponent’s backfield.

Key stat: 303 rushing yards

Tennessee is at its best when the running game is clicking on all cylinders. Against UTSA, the Vols ran the ball 33 times for 303 yards. Sampson had those 139 rushing yards and Milton had 89. The Vols best 2 RBs, Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright, had 61 and 16 yards respectively.

The Vols averaged over 9 yards per carry. You are going to win a lot of football games with those numbers.

First impression about the South Carolina game

You can make the case that this is the biggest game of the season for the Vols. Win, and you are 4-1 heading into the bye week, feeling good about the future. Lose and you are 3-2 with 2 divisional losses and big hills left to climb.

There’s also the revenge factor. Tennessee’s loss at South Carolina last November ended the Vols’ playoff chances. UT fans now have a growing dislike bordering on hatred of Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer.

This game gets a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Neyland Stadium and I’m getting 2021 Ole Miss flashbacks.

Hide your golf balls … hide your mustard bottles.