Tennessee football programs produced a strong weekend across the state, with wins coming at nearly every level. Tennessee completed a perfect nonconference slate, Vanderbilt stayed unbeaten with a dramatic finish, Memphis and Middle Tennessee picked up home victories, and Tennessee State earned its first win of the season. Austin Peay scored a notable road victory over a nationally ranked opponent, while ETSU, Chattanooga, Carson-Newman and Cumberland also landed in the win column. In the NFL, the Tennessee Titans came within seconds of their first victory before Philadelphia rallied late at Nissan Stadium.
FBS
No. 15/14 Tennessee Volunteers — W 42–9 vs. Kennesaw State
Tennessee improved to 3–0, closing its nonconference schedule with a comfortable victory at Neyland Stadium. Four different Vols scored rushing touchdowns, and Tennessee’s defense kept Kennesaw State out of the end zone until the fourth quarter.
Recap: UTSports.com
Memphis Tigers — W 45–21 vs. UT Martin
Memphis improved to 3–1 in an in-state matchup at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Tigers topped 500 yards of offense for the third consecutive game, with Marcus Stokes throwing for 258 yards and Jordan Thompson rushing for 110.
Recap: GoTigersGo.com
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders — W 27–20 vs. Nevada
MTSU improved to 2–1, holding off Nevada at Floyd Stadium. The Blue Raiders built a 27–13 advantage before Nevada scored late to make it a one-possession game.
Recap: GoBlueRaiders.com
Vanderbilt Commodores — W 35–31 vs. NC State
Vanderbilt remained undefeated at 3–0 in dramatic fashion. With three seconds remaining, Miles Capers forced a turnover to preserve the Commodores’ four-point victory at FirstBank Stadium.
Reap: VUCommodores.com
FCS
Tennessee State Tigers — W 29–26 at Florida A&M
Tennessee State earned its first victory of the season with a late comeback in Tallahassee. Daylin Lee connected with Brenton Paul for a 20-yard touchdown with just 51 seconds remaining, completing a nine-play, 75-yard game-winning drive.
Recap: TSUTigers.com
Austin Peay Governors — W 38–16 at No. 17 West Florida
Austin Peay recorded a significant road victory, handing nationally ranked West Florida a 22-point defeat in Pensacola. The Governors rushed for 235 yards, forced three turnovers and got a 70-yard pick-six from Justin Wimpye. It was the largest margin of victory in a road win over a ranked opponent in program history.
Recap: LetsGoPeay.com
ETSU Buccaneers — W 35–27 vs. West Georgia
ETSU returned to the win column in Johnson City, closing its nonconference schedule with an eight-point victory over West Georgia.
Recap: ETSUBucs.com
Chattanooga Mocs — W 41–7 vs. Wofford
Chattanooga opened Southern Conference play in dominant fashion, rushing for more than 300 yards and scoring 34 unanswered points. The victory moved the Mocs to 2–2 overall and 1–0 in the SoCon.
Recap: GoMocs.com
UT Martin Skyhawks — L 21–45 at Memphis
UT Martin fell to 1–3 in the in-state matchup at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The Skyhawks scored twice in the fourth quarter but could not overcome Memphis’ early advantage.
Recap: UTMSports.com
Division II / NAIA
Carson-Newman Eagles — W 42–7 at UVA Wise
Carson-Newman stayed perfect, improving to 4–0 overall and 2–0 in the South Atlantic Conference. The Eagles scored 35 unanswered points after UVA Wise’s first-quarter touchdown.
Recap: CNEagles.com
Cumberland Phoenix — W 49–21 vs. Pikeville
Cumberland improved to 2–1 behind a dominant rushing attack and a huge defensive performance. The Phoenix rushed for 272 yards and scored three defensive touchdowns, returning two interceptions and a fumble for scores.
Recap: GoCumberlandAthletics.com
NFL
Tennessee Titans — L 20–24 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Tennessee came agonizingly close to its first victory of the season. The Titans took a 20–17 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Jalen Hurts led Philadelphia on a 65-yard drive and found Darius Cooper for the winning three-yard touchdown with nine seconds remaining. Cam Ward completed 13 of 20 passes for 183 yards and ran for two touchdowns as Tennessee fell to 0–2.
Recap: TennesseeTitans.com