Stephen has covered sports in the tri-state area for the Times Free Press for more than 25 years and was named Sports Editor in February of 2015 after 10 years as assistant sports editor.After an offseason filled with building expectations for both programs, the kickoff of the most highly anticipated football season in recent memory for the University of Tennessee and UT-Chattanooga finally arrived Thursday night.
But while UTC’s Mocs looked every bit as good as advertised, the Vols failed to live up to their preseason hype.
UTC rolled up 59 points in the first three quarters on its way to a record-setting 66-0 win over Shorter at Finley Stadium. It was the most points scored in the Russ Huesman coaching era.
But the Vols struggled mightily against Appalachian State, falling behind by 10 points at the half to a team they were favored to beat by 21. The embarrassing opening performance was met by a chorus of boos on several occasions from fans inside sold-out Neyland Stadium, but in the end Tennessee managed to avoid what would have been a humiliating loss, rallying late for a dramatic 20-13 overtime win over a Moutaineers program that just four years ago was still competing at the FCS level.
And once they were able to exhale a huge sigh of relief, Vols fans were able to sing Rocky Top well into the night after the win.