The matchup between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium was a one-sided affair, with Tennessee showcasing their dominance. Akron got off to a rocky start, with their return being stopped at their own 13-yard line. Tennessee’s offense initially struggled, losing yards on a run play, but quickly found their rhythm with a big pass play to a wide receiver.
Despite Tennessee’s early versatility on offense, they failed to convert on a fourth down, giving Akron an opportunity. However, Akron’s offense couldn’t capitalize and faced heavy pressure from Tennessee’s defense. Tennessee returned to the field and their quarterback delivered a strong throw, setting up a first-and-goal. However, Akron intercepted the ball, shifting momentum temporarily in their favor, only to stall again on third down.
Tennessee’s offense soon found its groove, scoring their first touchdown after a well-executed drive. By mid-second quarter, they extended their lead to 14-0, displaying solid execution on both offense and defense. Another methodical drive led to another score, and Tennessee’s quarterback threw a deep pass for a touchdown, pushing the lead even further.
Akron's offense struggled mightily throughout the first half, facing relentless pressure and being unable to make any meaningful gains. Tennessee’s defense dominated, stopping Akron’s running back and effectively shutting down their quarterback. Tennessee added another touchdown before halftime, making it clear they were in full control.
In the second half, Akron’s offense continued to falter, with their quarterback taking sacks and their drives stalling. Tennessee remained effective, though a failed fake field goal attempt led to a rare missed opportunity. Akron’s troubles were further compounded by a fumble, giving Tennessee prime field position, but the Volunteers couldn’t convert this chance either.
Akron came into Knoxville hoping to pull off the kind of upset that would have Lee Corso waving a Zips mascot head on College GameDay. Instead, they inspired the hashtag #Akroning, which took over X (formerly Twitter), as furious Zips fans posted hate videos of themselves burning Akron memorabilia. After the disaster they just witnessed, we can’t blame them—unless you're an Akron merchandise seller or a fire marshal.
When you look at Akron’s offensive numbers, it’s nothing short of miraculous—miraculously bad, that is. The Zips staggered out of Neyland Stadium with a mind-blowing 29 total offensive yards. That is not a type. In fact, this is a crime scene. Junior QB Ben Finley threw for 39 yards on 6-of-12 passing, with two interceptions that made his stat line look more like a typo. Head Coach Joe Moorhead must have thought he was being punked, so he subbed in backup QB Tahj Bullock, who valiantly managed to complete 2-of-5 passes... for one yard and another interception. Just imagine having to watch that.
If Akron fans thought the passing game was a nightmare, their rushing game was pure horror. The Zips ran for a combined -11 yards. Yes, that’s negative. Somehow, Akron’s running backs and offensive line invented a new form of football where the goal is to go backward. If they’d gone any farther in reverse, they might have ended up back in Akron.
On the other side, Tennessee was having a casual Saturday stroll, racking up 410 total offensive yards. Freshman QB Nico Iamaleava led the air assault, throwing for 335 yards as he diced up Akron’s secondary like he was making a salad. The Vols barely needed to run the ball, and frankly, they didn’t have to—Akron’s offense was doing all the running for them... in the wrong direction. Tennessee looks to take this dominant performance into next week’s clash against Oklahoma.
If you know an Akron fan, please, check in on them. They’ve been through enough. Maybe send them a highlight reel of the one yard they gained with Bullock. Every little bit helps.
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