By Jay King
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After a strong performance versus Syracuse last week in Atlanta, Tennessee came back to Neyland Stadium and put on a show offensively. They scored 72 points, a new school record.
The game was all Vols from start to finish, as they scored nine touchdowns, headlined by Star Thomas’ hat trick, all in the first half, and Chris Brazzell’s two touchdowns.
Under center for the Vols was new transfer quarterback, Joey Aguilar, for his second game on Rocky Top. Aguilar had another convincing game, as he threw for 288 yards, two touchdowns, had no interceptions, and didn’t take a sack – all in the first half.
Aguilar looked confident, too, similar to his first outing, especially when he threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to Mike Matthews.
“I knew he was trusting us to go get the ball, so I just did what we always do,” Aguilar said.
That didn’t tell the whole story of Aguilar, though.
What stood out was the fact that this was his first time playing at home in Neyland Stadium, with all of Vol Nation there to see. This included his family.
“I had, about… 13 family members from California come out, eight family members, from out this way that came out, so [I] had a deep, deep little section in the stands,” said Aguilar.
One of the family members who made rounds online was his grandmother, who was emotional after his performance.
“It’s awesome to have [my family] be able to come out here, especially my grandma, you know, travel, especially from California, it’s hard for her,” said Aguilar. “She’s just a bundle of joy… I’m super grateful to have her as my supporter, and super glad she was out here to experience it in person.”
These positive vibes within the team, and especially the offense, will be needed a week from now, as the Vols play their biggest game of the season against the No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium.