KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Eric Gray and Ty Chandler combined to rush for 195 yards and scored three touchdowns to lead No. 21 Tennessee to a 35-12 victory over Missouri Saturday.
The Vols (2-0) have won eight in a row, tying them with Notre Dame for the most among Power Five teams.
Connor Bazelak relieved Shawn Robinson at quarterback in the second quarter or Missouri (0-2), but the Tigers could still only muster one touchdown.
Jarrett Guarantano played a mistake-free game for Tennessee, completing 14 of 23 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. He also converted on three fourth-down runs in the first quarter and had two short touchdown runs.
Behind a strong performance by Tennessee’s offensive line, the Vols battered the defense. Gray ran for 105 yards, with a touchdown rushing and receiving. Chandler rolled up 90 yards and a touchdown.
The Tigers couldn’t limit the run, which opened up Tennessee’s passing game for some big plays as the Vols led 21-6 at intermission.
Two fourth-and-1 conversions on the opening drive – both runs by Guarantano – were instrumental in Tennessee’s 7-0 lead. Chandler capped off the 14-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard run. Robinson started the game 1 for 4 for no yards, opening up an opportunity for Bazelak to generate some offense in a relief role. Bazelak completed 5 of 8 passes for 72 yards in the second quarter.
That set up Missouri freshman kicker Harrison Mevis to connect on field goals from 27 and 50 yards.
LONG BOOT
Mevis’ 50-yard field goal in the second quarter was the longest for Missouri since Tucker McCain connected from 57 yards in 2018. It was also the longest field goal for a freshman Tigers kicker since Jeff Jacke in 1988.
CONSISTENTLY EFFECTIVE
Gray’s 20-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter allowed the sophomore to become the first Volunteer to score rushing TDs in four consecutive games since quarterback Josh Dobbs in 2016.
COVID CHANGES
Several Tennessee gameday traditions were changed because of COVID-19 protocols. There was no Vol Walk through campus before the game. The band was planted in the south end zone, with no pregame or halftime on-field opportunities.
Neyland Stadium, which can hold 102,455, was limited to just 21,159 (about 2,000 below what would have been considered a sellout) and distanced throughout.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
The Vols are hoping to crack the Top 20 this week.
UP NEXT
Missouri: Visits LSU on Saturday.
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