KNOXVILLE — Tennessee had two first-time starters at guard Saturday afternoon, with Nic Moore replacing Wendell Moi Jr. on the left side, and with West Virginia transfer Donovan Haslam filling in for Sham Umarov on the right side.
The new-look line, like the rest of the offense for the Volunteers, overcame a shaky start to produce way more good than bad in a 24-14 downing of Auburn. Tennessee’s linemen paved the way for DeSean Bishop to rush 34 times for 220 yards and three touchdowns, and the Vols only had 5 lost yards in sacks after having 73 in last weekend’s 20-17 loss to Texas.
“I thought they played hard, and I thought they played well,” coach Josh Heupel said after Tennessee improved to 4-1 overall and to 1-1 in Southeastern Conference play. “They weren’t perfect, but it never is up front. I thought they protected really pretty well throughout the course of the game. With a couple of the early ones, the quarterback was quick out of the pocket.
“They enjoyed having the game put in their hands on the offensive side of the ball in the second half, too.”
Tennessee’s linemen had to adjust to a new quarterback Saturday, with George MacIntyre replacing Faizon Brandon at the 3:42 mark of the second quarter.
Moi was lost for the season with a lower-body injury, while Umarov had an undisclosed injury and could be back when the Vols travel to Arkansas next weekend. Moore started the opening victory over Furman at center, when Sam Pendleton was serving a single-game suspension.
“Nic bumped out, and he had repped a little bit in training camp at that position,” Heupel said. “He played extremely well throughout the course of the game and had a huge smile at the end of it. I’m proud of him for the effort and the strain to get ready to go play and play hard the way that he did.”
Tennessee finished with 323 total yards, which was well below normal, but the Vols had 198 of their total in the third and fourth quarters.
“I think we stepped up to the challenge,” right tackle Jesse Perry said. “We challenged ourselves this week to play to the standard that we know we can play at, and I think we took that to heart to really push ourselves.”
Secondary siblings
TJ Metcalf starting in Tennessee’s secondary is nothing new this season, but Saturday marked the first collegiate start for his younger brother Tevis, who filled in for an injured Qua Moss.
“It got real personal for me just seeing my brother go out there and make plays like that,” TJ said. “We’ve been doing this our whole lives, and just seeing him stay prepared — I’m super proud of him.”
Said Tevin: “I was just happy to have my first career start with my brother. He’s got my back, and I’ve got his.”
The two brothers admitted they got along most of the time growing up but that they had their share of battles as well. When asked what brought out the competition most between the two, they both replied, “Everything.”
TJ had seven tackles against the Tigers, while Tevin added four. Tevin also collected his first career interception with 57 seconds remaining to halt any hopes of an Auburn miracle.
“It was just great to see a young guy step up to the challenge and not miss a beat to make a big play to end the game,” linebacker Arion Carter said. “It’s even crazier seeing him and his brother out there together. I know that’s a special moment between those two.”
Odds and ends
Saturday marked Tennessee’s 31st consecutive sellout at Neyland Stadium. … The Vols still trail the series against Auburn 29-23-3, but they hold a 15-10-2 advantage in Neyland. … Vols safety Dejuan Lane on the fourth-and-1 stop in the fourth quarter: “We have a saying with Coach (Jim) Knowles: “Give us an inch, and we’ll defend it.” … Tennessee allowed just 25 yards in the first quarter.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com.