KNOXVILLE—With an official attendance of 61,076, the first Orange and White Game of the Butch Jones Era will go down as the second highest attended spring game in school history.  Over 500 former players also attended the game, and Jones called the weekend the best he’s experienced at Tennessee. If you missed it, check out our mobile friendly image gallery from fan day. Here are a few quick notes from today’s game.

*Tennessee’s quarterbacks clearly have a long way to go. The Vols will enter fall camp without a starter in place. Incoming quarterbacks Josh Dobbs, Riley Ferguson, and Charlie High will all get a chance to compete for the starting spot when they step on campus in June.

Sophomore Vol receiver Blanc heads for the endzone.
Photo by Reed Carringer

*Alden Hill showed exactly how much he has improved. In Lane’s absence, he’s stepped up to give a thin running back corps a boost. He’s certainly earned his share of carries this season no matter what happens with Lane. He gives the Vols the physical, downhill runner they’ve been missing for a few years.

*The Vols lost their top four pass catchers from last season and UT’s young receivers certainly have room to improve. Injured receivers Jason Croom, Paul Harris, and Jacob Carter should be healthy when fall camp starts. Incoming freshmen Marquez North and Ryan Jenkins will also add depth and give Tennessee a few more playmakers. Look for both North and Jenkins to make an impact early.

*Tennessee’s defense had far fewer blown assignments and missed tackles than at this point last year. They won’t finish last in the SEC and should be good enough to at least finish in the middle of the pack. Brian Randolph’s return from an ACL injury really helps bolster the secondary.

*The biggest concern for the defense moving forward is the health of LB Curt Maggitt. He tore his ACL late last year and hasn’t participated in contact drills this spring. He’s moving much better than he was earlier this spring, but has a long way to go before he’s ready for contact.

Did the Orange and White Game change your expectations for the team this year? Give us your thoughts below!

STATS:

*The defense won the day by a score of 95-71. Jones used a unique scoring system in the game. The defense was given 6 points for a TD, 6 points for a turnover, 4 points for holding the offense to a 3 & out, 3 points for a 4th down stop, 3 points for a missed field goal, 3 points for a blocked field goal, 2 points for a drive stop, and 1 point for a pass break up, tackle for loss, or sack. The offense was awarded 6 points for a TD, 3 points for a field goal, 2 points for a first down, 2 points for a pass covering at least 20 yards, 2 points for a rush covering at least 15 yards, 2 points for a 4th down conversion, and 1 point for an extra point make.

Worley threw for 1 TD and 1 INT.
Photo by Reed Carringer

*Justin Worley led the first team offense. He finished the day 8-18 for 123 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Nathan Peterman worked with the second team and was 9-23 for 98 yards.

*Alden Hill carried the ball 18 times for 101 yards (5.6 ypc). He led all-rushers. Rajion Neal had 11 carries for 40 yards.

*Cody Blanc caught two passes for 59 yards and 1 TD. Vincent Dallas, UT’s leading returning receiver, finished the day with two catches for 53 yards.

*Michael Palardy was 3-3 with makes from 42, 52, and 36.

*Freshman defensive end Corey Vereen tallied four sacks for a loss of 29 yards and earned our player of the game award.

*Byron Moore and Daniel McCullers led the team in tackles with six. Brian Randolph totaled three tackles and one interception (which he returned 37 yards). Sophomore walk on DB Max Arnold picked off a pass and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown.