Tennessee football delivered a memorable weekend across the state, highlighted by the Volunteers’ victory over Alabama, Tennessee Tech’s commanding win over Eastern Kentucky, and the Tennessee Titans earning their first victory of the NFL season. Middle Tennessee opened the week’s action with a Tuesday-night win over Delaware, while UT Martin, Carson-Newman and several other programs continued their conference schedules. The weekend featured both breakthrough performances and hard-fought conference matchups.
FBS
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders — W 33–30 vs. Delaware — October 13
Middle Tennessee opened the football weekend early with a Tuesday-night Conference USA victory. The Blue Raiders generated 396 yards of offense and held off Delaware in a three-point contest, improving to 3–3 on the season. Recap: GoBlueRaiders.com
Tennessee Volunteers — W 26–10 vs. No. 6/7 Alabama
No. 14 Tennessee earned a statement victory at Neyland Stadium, defeating Alabama 26–10 in one of the biggest SEC matchups of the weekend. The victory extended Tennessee’s home winning streak in the series and provided another major conference win for the Volunteers. Recap: UTSports.com
Vanderbilt Commodores — L 21–31 vs. Arkansas
Vanderbilt suffered its fourth consecutive loss as Arkansas came away with a 10-point SEC victory in Nashville. The Commodores fell to 3–4 overall and remained winless in conference play. VUCommodores.com
Memphis Tigers — L 17–31 at Tulane — October 16
Memphis suffered its second loss of the season in a Friday-night American Conference matchup in New Orleans. Despite gaining 488 yards of total offense, the Tigers committed six turnovers, including three interceptions and three lost fumbles. Quarterback Marcus Stokes threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, but the mistakes proved costly as Memphis fell to 5–2. Recap: GoTigersGo.com
FCS
Tennessee State Tigers — W 25–16 vs. Morgan State
Tennessee State celebrated Homecoming with a victory at Nissan Stadium, holding Morgan State scoreless in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Daylin Lee threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns, and the Tigers’ defense preserved the lead with two late stops. The victory was the 100th regular-season head coaching win of Reggie Barlow’s career across college and professional football. Recap: TSUTigers.com
No. 11 Austin Peay Governors — W 24–10 at West Georgia
Austin Peay overcame an early 10–0 deficit by scoring 24 unanswered points in Carrollton, Georgia. The Governors’ defense held West Georgia to just eight rushing yards and recorded six sacks, helping Austin Peay improve to 6–2 overall. Recap: LetsGoPeay.com
UT Martin Skyhawks — W 17–6 vs. Gardner-Webb
UT Martin returned home for the first time in 42 days and secured a defense-driven Ohio Valley Conference victory. The Skyhawks intercepted three passes and held Gardner-Webb to six points. Freshman running back Jaydon Peete rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown as UT Martin improved to 3–4 overall and 2–0 in the OVC. Recap: UTMSports.com
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles — W 49–20 vs. Eastern Kentucky
Tennessee Tech continued its strong season with a 29-point home victory over Eastern Kentucky in Cookeville. The Golden Eagles followed their narrow win against Furman with a considerably more comfortable performance, improving to 6–1 overall. Recap: TTUSports.com
Division II / NAIA
No. 20 Carson-Newman Eagles — W 31–10 vs. Emory & Henry
Carson-Newman continued its strong South Atlantic Conference campaign with a 21-point home victory over Emory & Henry. The Eagles followed their win against Anderson with another convincing result. Recap: CNEagles.com
No. 25 Cumberland Phoenix — L 14–31 at No. 13 Campbellsville
Cumberland erased a seven-point halftime deficit to tie the game at 14 in the third quarter, but Campbellsville responded with 17 unanswered points. The Phoenix gained 392 yards of offense, led by Jarrius Rogers’ nine receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. Four turnovers proved costly as Cumberland fell to 4–3. Official Cumberland Recap
NFL
Tennessee Titans — W 26–20 at Indianapolis Colts — October 18
The Titans earned their first victory of the season in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 13–0 halftime deficit in Indianapolis. Tennessee’s defense forced three turnovers and recorded six sacks, while Joey Slye kicked four field goals. A blocked punt returned 14 yards for a touchdown by Oluwafemi Oladejo helped spark the comeback. Slye’s 49-yard field goal with 2:03 remaining gave Tennessee the lead for good, securing head coach Robert Saleh’s first victory with the Titans and the franchise’s 500th win. Recap: TennesseeTitans.com
