By Riley Haltom
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Volunteers took down the Kentucky Wildcats in Neyland Stadium, 28-18, on Saturday night. Decked out in the “Dark Mode” uniforms, a packed-out Neyland Stadium dressed in orange and black helped to lift the Vols past the Wildcats and keep the Vols in playoff contention. Here are my takeaways from the win:
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee Program Record Holder
Dylan Sampson had himself a night against the Kentucky defensive front. Sampson rushed 27 times for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns, even after being pulled for a chunk of the game following another redzone fumble in the first half. Sampson’s pair of scores tonight tied and then set a new single-season rushing touchdown record, passing Gene McEver’s 18 rushing scores all the way back in 1929. Sampson has etched his name into the history books and is now up to 979 rushing yards on the season with 19 scores. He faces a pair of easy matchups against Mississippi State and UTEP, and a pair of tough matchups at Georgia and Vanderbilt to close the season. Sampson is thankful for the chance to break the record.
“I think it hit me on the touchdown when it happened. It’s a blessing to break that record. Gene and his family, shoutout to them too. Now, it’s how far I can push the needle the rest of the season.”
Will Brooks Does It Again
Walk-on defensive back Will Brooks continues to have a magical season for Tennessee. Following his 85-yard pick-six against North Carolina State, and his game-sealing pick off Jalen Milroe against Alabama, Brooks once again found himself with an interception, this time against Kentucky backup QB Gavin Wimsatt. Brooks nearly housed the interception but fell just short, instead recording a 67-yard return down to the 10. The walk-on continues to have a major impact on the Vols secondary. James Pearce Jr. and Joshua Josephs also deserve shoutouts defensively for a big-time sack and a forced fumble, respectively. Josephs isn’t satisfied yet with the defensive performance so far this year.
“We take a lot of pride in it. We feel like we gave up too many yards, too many points, too many big plays. It sucks that we gave up the amount we did, but we just have to learn from it in the film room.”
Great Game for Nico Iamaleava, Bad Game for the Receivers
Nico Iamaleava had himself a night, and that night could have been much better with a little more help from his pass catchers. Iamaleava went 28/38 with 292 yards and a touchdown pass, as well as 7 carries for 22 yards. However, Iamaleava had three passes dropped, two in the endzone and one that had nothing but grass between the receiver and the checkerboards. If those connect, and maybe if the Vols avoid the first-half fumble, this game looks to be in the 50s for the Tennessee offense. Head coach Josh Heupel agreed that there is room for improvement.
“Awesome environment tonight. Excited about the win, don’t take any of those for granted. Still a lot left out there for us.”
Miles Kitselman’s Big Night
Tight end Miles Kitselman was Tennessee’s leading receiver against the Wildcats, catching 6 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. Kitselman also nearly caught another touchdown but was hit as he caught it, breaking it up. The Alabama transfer showcased his ability to make plays after the catch with a big-time catch-and-run for 31 yards that set up a field goal attempt. Kitselman’s touchdown did not play out how it was drawn up.
“It was a slip made for man coverage. We had never really repped in practice versus zone. Turning around, me and Nico locking eyes, made a play. Shows what type of quarterback he is, just calm and collected.”
Rough Performance for Max Gilbert
Field goal kicker Max Gilbert had a rough performance against Kentucky. Gilbert kicked three field goals, one in each of the first three quarters, from 43, 40, and 34 yards, respectively. He made none of them. This follows a 1/3 performance against Alabama two weeks ago, meaning Gilbert is now 1/6 in his last two games. Gilbert is still perfect on extra points, however, and Heupel expressed confidence in his kicker.
What’s Next?
The Tennessee Volunteers host the Mississippi State Bulldogs next week in Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm Eastern on ESPN. The Bulldogs are 2-7 and 0-5 in conference play, coming off a win against non-conference opponent Massachusetts, 45-20. The Vols have a 94.7% chance of winning according to ESPN’s FPI index.