No. 15 Tennessee Rolls Over Chattanooga with 69-3 Blowout Victory

Knoxville, TN — The No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers put on an offensive clinic in their home opener, dismantling Chattanooga 69-3 on Saturday. The Vols showcased their firepower from the opening whistle, leaving no doubt about their dominance against the outmatched Mocs.

Nico Lamaleava Leads the Charge

Freshman quarterback Nico Lamaleava was in complete control of the Tennessee offense, delivering a standout performance. Lamaleava completed 22 of 28 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns, showing off his strong arm and precision passing. The young quarterback spread the ball around effectively, keeping Chattanooga’s defense on its heels throughout the game.

Lamaleava’s first touchdown pass came early in the first quarter, a 45-yard bomb to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Thornton, who had three receptions for 105 yards, added another touchdown in the second quarter on a 35-yard strike, further extending Tennessee’s lead.

Dylan Sampson Dominates on the Ground

Running back Dylan Sampson was unstoppable in the ground game, rushing for 124 yards on 12 carries and finding the end zone three times. Sampson’s combination of speed and vision allowed him to break through Chattanooga’s defense with ease, consistently gaining big chunks of yardage.

Sampson’s first touchdown came on a 20-yard run in the first quarter, setting the tone for the Volunteers’ dominant performance. He added two more scores in the second half, including a 35-yard burst that put the game far out of reach.

Volunteers’ Receiving Corps Shines

Tennessee’s receiving corps was just as impressive, with several players making significant contributions. In addition to Thornton’s big day, Bru McCoy hauled in six receptions for 89 yards, consistently moving the chains and keeping the Tennessee offense in rhythm. Chris Brazzell II added five catches for 59 yards, providing another reliable target for Lamaleava.

Tennessee’s Defense Smothers Chattanooga

While Tennessee’s offense was lighting up the scoreboard, the defense was just as dominant, stifling Chattanooga’s offense and limiting them to only a field goal. The Volunteers’ defense allowed just 185 total yards and forced three turnovers, keeping the Mocs from mounting any serious threat.