Tennessee got the Josh Heupel era off and running with a 38-6 victory over the Bowling Green Falcons on Thursday night at Neyland Stadium.
RB Tiyon Evans: The JUCO product absolutely showed out during his Tennessee debut, averaging north of seven yards per carry as the Volunteers dominated up front.
It could have very easily been a multi-score night for Tillman, who is looking to become the next receiver in line following Jauan Jennings, Marquez Callaway and Josh Palmer.
Tennessee’s STAR defensive back was credited with 11 tackles and three passes defensed — the latter of which is already a career season high.
Defensive Line: It’s really tough to separate what was good against what was simply just a matter of talent discrepancy, but it’s tough not to praise what we saw out of the defensive line.
QB Joe Milton: After a day to marinate and think on it, the feeling remains the same.
Bowling Green started dropping seven, even eight into coverage and Milton seemed to struggle if his first read was covered.
WR Velus Jones Jr.: Probably the most surprising stat of the night — Jones didn’t catch a single pass against Bowling Green.
QB Harrison Bailey: Hendon Hooker entered the game on the final drive, perhaps signaling who had won the backup job.
However, Milton’s arrival threw a curveball at the sophomore, and now he must fight his way back.
WR Jalin Hyatt: I couldn’t put Hyatt in the up or down category, so he lands in the hold category — better days are certainly ahead here.
I think he might be the most talented receiver on the team, but his two drops on Thursday were massive.
Hyatt and Tillman were pretty clearly the top two targets for Milton on Thursday, and Hyatt should eventually pay dividends with his elite downfield speed, paired with Milton’s arm.