Tennessee Football Dominates No. 24 NC State in Duke's Mayo Classic

In a stunning display of dominance, the Tennessee football team emerged victorious and undefeated on Saturday, crushing No. 24 NC State with a final score of 51-10 in the highly anticipated Duke's Mayo Classic. The Vols showcased their prowess on both offense and defense, with standout performances from key players throughout the game.

The turning point for the Vols came in the second quarter, when Will Brooks intercepted a pass, igniting a remarkable 30-0 scoring run. This impressive feat propelled Tennessee to secure a commanding lead, leaving NC State struggling to keep up with the pace.

One player who emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Vols was Miles Kitselman. After a lackluster tenure at Alabama, Kitselman stepped up in his second game for Tennessee and earned the best Pro Football Focus grade among all players. His remarkable performance showcased his growth and potential, providing a much-needed boost to the team.

A notable strategy employed by Tennessee was the frequent use of two tight end sets. Throughout the game, the Vols ran a staggering 46% of their plays with two tight ends on the field, highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of this formation. This tactical decision kept NC State's defense on their toes, making it difficult for them to neutralize Tennessee's offensive plays.

The offensive line also deserves recognition, as newcomers Lance Heard and Andrej Karic delivered exceptional performances, earning the two highest Pro Football Focus grades among offensive linemen. Their solid contributions helped establish a strong foundation for the Vols' offense, enabling them to penetrate NC State's defense with ease.

On the defensive front, it came as no surprise that Tennessee's defensive linemen dominated the Pro Football Focus defensive grades. Omari Thomas, Tyre West, and Omarr Norman-Lott stood out, wreaking havoc in NC State's backfield throughout the game. Their relentless pressure and disruptive plays severely impacted the opposing team's offensive game plan.

While the defensive line shone, the secondary also displayed commendable performances. Jermod McCoy garnered an impressive grade, showcasing his skill and prowess in the defensive backfield. However, there were some surprises, as Gibson's grade was not as strong as anticipated. Nonetheless, the overall performance of the secondary was admirable, contributing to the Vols' resounding victory.

In terms of linebacker performance, there were some areas for improvement. Pili showcased strong skills in run defense and tackling, earning noteworthy grades. However, both Pili and Carter struggled in pass rush and pass coverage, highlighting areas that they can work on to further bolster the team's defensive prowess.

With this commanding victory, Tennessee football has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with this season. The team's solid performances across all aspects of the game have set the stage for an exciting and promising journey ahead. As the Vols strive to maintain their unbeaten record, they will undoubtedly continue to fine-tune their skills and carry this momentum forward into future games.