The Tennessee Volunteers delivered a nearly flawless performance against the Kent State Golden Flashes, dominating the game with a 71-0 victory at Neyland Stadium. The Vols not only secured the win but also overwhelmed Kent State before halftime, with standout performances from several key players.
Here’s a look at the top performers from Saturday’s commanding win:
Dylan Sampson
Dylan Sampson had a stellar first half, scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 101 yards on just 13 carries. His performance in the opening half was so impactful that he didn’t see any action in the second half. This marks his third consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards.
DeSean Bishop
Backing up Sampson, DeSean Bishop also had a significant impact on the game. With Cameron Seldon sidelined, Bishop stepped up as the No. 2 back, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. His standout play included a 53-yard touchdown run.
Nico Iamaleava
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava made the most of his limited playing time before being pulled in the second quarter. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 173 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown pass to Chris Brazzell, marking their first connection of the season.
Looking ahead, the Vols will face their biggest challenge yet as they head to Norman, Oklahoma, to take on the Sooners. This matchup will be a high-profile contest featured on College GameDay, with Pat McAfee and his crew on-site. It will be the second top-25 game for Tennessee this season, following their 51-10 victory over NC State last week.
