The Josh Heupel era and the 2021 season opened on a winning note for Tennessee.
Despite seeing their offense sputter in the second quarter, the Volunteers captured a 38-6 victory over Bowling Green Thursday before a nearly packed Neyland Stadium.
The Vols and Falcons were locked in a close contest at halftime with Tennessee clinging to a 14-6 advantage heading to the locker room after the break.
Tennessee (1-0) scored 24 points over the final 30 minutes.
Tennessee’s defense, which surrendered two field goals to the Falcons on Bowling Green’s final two possessions of the opening half, held the visitors off the scoreboard.
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III, a transfer from Michigan, made his debut for the Vols.
He completed 10 of his first 12 passes against the Falcons, who went 0-5 last season while playing all their games within the Mid-American Conference.
Milton III struggled at times, finishing 11-of-23 for 140 yards and threw a late 40-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman that gave the Vols a 38-6 advantage with 5 minutes, 11 seconds remaining.
Milton III scored a pair of rushing touchdowns, amassing 44 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Running backs Tiyon Evans and Jabari Small each rushed for 116 yards and a score. It was the first time that two Vols had 100 or more rushing yards in a game since Joshua Dobbs and John Kelly accomplished the feat in 2016.
Jalin Hyatt was UT’s leading receiver as he recorded four receptions for 62 yards. Tillman totaled two receptions, including a touchdown, and compiled 48 receiving yards.
Vols’ kicker Chase McGrath, a transfer from USC, made a 43-yard field goal and made four extra points for Tennessee.