October opened with a full slate across Tennessee football, highlighted by Tennessee rebounding from its first loss with an SEC victory over Auburn and Memphis overwhelming Charlotte in its American Conference opener. Austin Peay extended its record home winning streak, while ETSU claimed the Rail Rivalry trophy from Chattanooga. Carson-Newman survived an overtime road thriller, while Tennessee Tech suffered its first loss and Cumberland came within two points of a ranked opponent. In the NFL, the Tennessee Titans rallied in the second half at Baltimore but remained in search of their first victory.
FBS
No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers — W 24–14 vs. Auburn
Tennessee overcame a 7–3 halftime deficit by outscoring Auburn 21–7 after the break. DeSean Bishop delivered a career performance, rushing 34 times for 220 yards and three touchdowns as Tennessee improved to 4–1 overall and 1–1 in the SEC. It was UT’s first home victory over Auburn since 1999.
Recap: UTSports.com
Memphis Tigers — W 59–8 at Charlotte
Memphis opened American Conference play with a dominant road performance, scoring eight touchdowns in a 51-point victory. The Tigers improved to 4–1 overall and 1–0 in conference play.
Recap: GoTigersGo.com
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders — L 0–55 at Kansas
MTSU closed its nonconference schedule with a difficult afternoon in Lawrence. Kansas handed the Blue Raiders their second consecutive loss, dropping Middle Tennessee to 2–3.
Recap: GoBlueRaiders.com
Vanderbilt Commodores — L 14–38 at No. 2 Georgia
Vanderbilt went into halftime down just 21–14 after outgaining Georgia in the opening half. The Bulldogs took control after intermission, however, holding Vandy to 59 second-half yards while scoring the game’s final 17 points. Vanderbilt fell to 3–2 overall and 0–2 in SEC play.
Recap: VUCommodores.com
FCS
Tennessee State Tigers — L 21–28 at Western Illinois
Tennessee State carried a 21–10 advantage into the fourth quarter, but Western Illinois scored 18 unanswered points and produced the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute remaining.
Recap: TSUTigers.com
Austin Peay Governors — W 42–17 vs. New Haven
Austin Peay celebrated its 81st Homecoming with a convincing victory at Fortera Stadium. The win extended the Governors’ program-record home winning streak to 10 games.
Recap: LetsGoPeay.com
ETSU Buccaneers — W 14–3 vs. Chattanooga
ETSU’s defense dominated the annual Rail Rivalry, holding Chattanooga to 183 total yards and keeping the Mocs out of the end zone. The Bucs improved to 4–2 overall and 2–0 in Southern Conference play while snapping Chattanooga’s six-game winning streak in the series. East Tennessee State University
Recap: ETSUBucs.com
Chattanooga Mocs — L 3–14 at ETSU
Chattanooga scored a field goal on its opening possession but was held scoreless for the remainder of the afternoon. The Mocs fell to 3–3 overall and 2–1 in the SoCon.
Recap: GoMocs.com
No. 8/9 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles — L 20–44 at Western Carolina
Tennessee Tech suffered its first loss of the season in Cullowhee. Western Carolina forced five Golden Eagle turnovers and pulled away in the second half after Tech entered the weekend unbeaten.
Recap: TTUSports.com
Division II / NAIA
No. 23 Carson-Newman Eagles — W 20–17 (OT) at Lenoir-Rhyne
Carson-Newman erased a 14–0 halftime deficit, forced overtime and completed the comeback on Joshua Adams’ 2-yard touchdown run. The Eagles rushed for 292 yards and improved to 5–1 overall and 3–1 in South Atlantic Conference play.
Recap: CNEagles.com
Cumberland Phoenix — L 19–21 vs. No. 24 Georgetown (Ky.)
Cumberland came agonizingly close to a ranked Homecoming victory. The Phoenix actually outgained Georgetown 359–167, held the ball for more than 36 minutes and took a 16–14 third-quarter lead. A 41-yard Jack Kantner field goal pulled Cumberland within 21–19 with 6:05 remaining, but the Phoenix couldn’t complete the comeback.
Recap: GoCumberlandAthletics.com
NFL
Tennessee Titans — L 18–24 at Baltimore Ravens
Tennessee fell to 0–4 despite mounting a late rally in Baltimore. Cam Ward completed 20-of-31 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown, while rookie Carnell Tate caught nine passes for 145 yards. Tennessee pulled within six with 1:12 remaining but couldn’t recover the ensuing onside kick.
Recap: TennesseeTitans.com
