Although the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers fell to the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs in a heartbreaking 44-41 defeat, there are still positives to take away from the first three games of the season.
For one, the Vols finally managed to keep up with Georgia after years of underperforming. Heading into the game, Tennessee was 0-4 against the Bulldogs under head coach Josh Heupel. In addition, 17 points was the most Tennessee had scored against Georgia since Heupel’s arrival in 2021.
Saturday’s game was the closest the Vols have come to defeating Georgia since the 2016 matchup, when the Volunteers won 34-31 with a last-second touchdown catch from Jauan Jennings.
Even though the Vols didn’t receive the outcome they hoped for against the Bulldogs, there are still some positives to take away from the first three games of the season.
Tennessee Has Found Its WR1
After an outstanding performance against Georgia, Chris Brazzell II appears to be the Vols’ new go-to wide receiver. Against the Bulldogs, Brazzell caught six passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns — arguably the best game by a Tennessee receiver since Jalin Hyatt’s five-touchdown performance against Alabama in 2022.
Since Hyatt’s departure, the Vols have struggled to find a true No. 1 receiver. Hyatt was the last Vol to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards and score at least 10 touchdowns in a season (2022). Since then, no Tennessee receiver has reached seven touchdown catches in a year, and the most receiving yards by a player was 803.
Through three games, Brazzell ranks No. 2 in the nation in receiving yards (364) and is tied for No. 1 in touchdown receptions (5). If he keeps up this pace, he could follow in Hyatt’s footsteps and become the second Biletnikoff Award winner in school history.
Tennessee Has a Dynamic Duo at RB
Before the season, many assumed redshirt sophomore running back DeSean Bishop would be the Volunteers’ starter, and so far that has been true. Bishop has been on the field for the Vols’ first possessions in all three games.
However, Duke transfer running back Star Thomas has been Tennessee’s leading rusher so far. Both backs have similar stats, but Thomas has three more touchdowns than Bishop.
- Star Thomas: 33 carries, 221 Yds, 3 TDs
- 1 Rec, 7 Yds, 1 TD
- DeSean Bishop: 29 carries, 204 Yds, 1 TD
- 2 Rec 44 Yds
What makes this duo special is how they complement one another. Bishop is Tennessee’s power back, who is not afraid to lower his shoulder. Once he sheds a tackle, he becomes a dynamic threat in the open field. He has already recorded two runs of 45 yards or more in only three games.
Thomas, on the other hand, is a prototypical back with excellent vision, who utilizes spin moves to gain additional yardage. He is also an effective pass-catcher, as he showcased in his 7-yard endzone grab against Syracuse.
Tennessee’s Offense Is Dominant
Through three games, Tennessee’s offense ranks No. 6 in total offense, and much of that success is credited to quarterback Joey Aguilar. Although Aguilar threw two interceptions against Georgia, he still completed 66.7% of his passes for 371 yards and five total touchdowns.
Aguilar currently ranks No. 10 in passing yards (906) and is tied for No. 5 in touchdown passes (9). He has helped elevate the Vols’ offense to heights not seen since the Vols finished with the No. 1 offense in the country in 2022.
But Tennessee’s dominant passing attack isn’t the only category the Volunteers are excelling in. The Vols’ offensive line has also been proficient.
Heading into this season, there were several concerns with Tennessee’s offensive line after losing four starters from last season. The only returning starting offensive lineman was Lance Heard, and he missed a few games with injuries throughout the 2024 season.
However, the offensive line has been nearly flawless in 2025. In the previous season, Tennessee allowed 30 sacks; through three games this season, the Vols have surrendered only one — on a botched snap against Georgia. Additionally, the Vols have only given up eight tackles for a loss.
