By Corinne Muth
It took one game for Tennessee to remind everyone what its style is all about.
In a decisive Aflac Kickoff Game versus Syracuse, the Volunteers showed off their hard work from all throughout the offseason.
In his first game as a Volunteer, senior Joey Aguilar showed command of the offense. With quick decision-making, the California native signal caller showed that the Vols offense is in good hands, leading UT to its first win of the season, 45-26.
Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle expressed how hard Aguilar worked throughout the offseason. The hard work studying film, working on tracking receivers, and grasping the Tennessee offense were crucial elements to a solid debut. The stats back it up as well, as Aguilar threw for 247 yards on 16-of-28 passing, with three touchdowns.
Aguilar wasn’t alone in having a solid start to the Volunteers’ season. The Vols’ rushing attack, led by sophomore DeSean Bishop and transfer senior Star Thomas, made sure the running game was represented as well, with 126 and 92 yards, respectively.
“The offense is always growing; it’s our job to put our guys in the best situation possible, whether that’s wide, tight, fast, slow, moving, not moving,” Halzle said. “We’re going to do that and let our guys have the best chance to go play.”
Halzle went on to speak about his “tough, smart, and competitive team,” and he praised how well they played with eight new players in the Tennessee rotation.
There is still room for growth inside the Tennessee offense, and next week presents another opportunity for this unit to mature together.
“You got a team that I’m going to call it young, even though they’re not all young in age, they’re young playing together, Halzle said.
The Vols will need to play together and navigate through major injuries within the defensive unit, following the loss of cornerback Rickey Gibson III and defensive lineman Jaxson Moi.
Tennessee returns home to Neyland Stadium for the first time in Week 2 for a battle against FCS opponent ETSU. Martinez explained that “executing the fundamentals” will be essential in preparation for the Bucs.