Tennessee (2-0) resumed its 2024 college football season on Saturday with Week 2. The Vols defeated North Carolina State 51-10 in a top 25 US LBM Coaches Poll showdown at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Duke’s Mayo Classic had a total attendance of 72,730.
“Good team win right there,” Tennessee’s fourth-year head coach Josh Heupel stated. “Excited about the way the football team came out and performed.”
Tennessee gained 460 yards against North Carolina State’s 143 in the game. The Wolfpack had three turnovers to Tennessee’s two.
Below are five takeaways from Tennessee’s Week 2 win versus the Wolfpack in Charlotte.
First time starters
Two Vols made their first career starts for Tennessee against the Wolfpack. Joshua Josephs, a junior defensive lineman, started at LEO, while Holden Staes began at tight end.
Jospehs made two tackles and one tackle for loss, while Staes had one reception for 18 yards. He was targeted once.
Rushing offense under Josh Heupel
Tennessee rushed for 249 yards against North Carolina State, marking the 25th time under Heupel that the Vols have rushed for 200 or more yards. Tennessee is 23-2 when rushing for 200 or more yards under Heupel, including a 17-game winning streak.
50-plus points
Tennessee scored 50 points for the 12th time since Heupel became head coach in 2021. The Vols also scored 69 points in Week 1 against Chattanooga.
Tight ends
Under Heupel, Tennessee’s tight ends have scored 24 touchdowns (19 receiving and five rushing). Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes each scored a receiving touchdown against North Carolina State.
Win against a ranked team
Saturday’s victory was Tennessee’s largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent away from home since defeating No. 18 Auburn 42-0 on the road in 1980.