2015 Tennessee Volunteers football team

2015 Tennessee Volunteers football
Outback Bowl champions
Conference Southeastern Conference
Division Eastern Division
Ranking
Coaches No. 23
AP No. 22
2015 record 9–4 (5–3 SEC)
Head coach Butch Jones (3rd year)
Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord (1st year)
Offensive scheme Multiple
Defensive coordinator John Jancek (3rd year)
Base defense 4–3
Home stadium Neyland Stadium
(Capacity: 102,455)
2015 SEC football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
East Division
#25 Florida x   7 – 1         10 – 4  
#22 Tennessee   5 – 3         9 – 4  
Georgia   5 – 3         10 – 3  
Vanderbilt   2 – 6         4 – 8  
Kentucky   2 – 6         5 – 7  
Missouri   1 – 7         5 – 7  
South Carolina   1 – 7         3 – 9  
West Division
#1 Alabama x$#^   7 – 1         14 – 1  
#10 Ole Miss   6 – 2         10 – 3  
Arkansas   5 – 3         8 – 5  
#16 LSU   5 – 3         9 – 3  
Texas A&M   4 – 4         8 – 5  
Mississippi State   4 – 4         9 – 4  
Auburn   2 – 6         7 – 6  
Championship: Alabama 29, Florida 15
  • # – College Football Playoff champion
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2015 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2015 season. This was the 119th overall season, 82nd as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and its 24th within the SEC Eastern Division. The team was coached by Butch Jones, in his third season with UT, and plays their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. This season was also the debut season of Mike DeBord as UT's offensive coordinator.

The Vols finished the regular season at 8–4, 5–3 in the SEC, making them bowl-eligible for a second consecutive season. On December 6, 2015, it was announced that the Vols would face the Northwestern Wildcats (10–2) in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on January 1, 2016.[1] Tennessee defeated the Wildcats 45–6, finishing the season at 9–4.[2]

Previous season

The 2014 Tennessee Volunteers football team finished the regular season 6–6, with a highlight win against Vanderbilt, which enabled the Vols to become bowl-eligible for the first time since the 2010 season. The Vols were invited to play in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Big Ten Conference. Tennessee defeated the Hawkeyes in Jacksonville, Florida 45–28, finishing their 2014 season at 7–6. It was their first winning season since 2009, and the first bowl win since 2007.[3]

Offseason

Spring practice

The Tennessee Volunteers opened up Spring Practice on March 21.[4] Much like in 2014, Joshua Dobbs entered spring practice having finished the season as the starting quarterback due to injuries to Justin Worley. With Worley having graduated, however, Dobbs is now the clear frontrunner for the starting quarterback role.[4] The coaches noted that he was being more consistent and efficient with signal calling and ball throwing. "The thing I liked about Josh today is that I thought he made the routine plays", Butch Jones told the VolQuest.com crew after UT's first day in pads Saturday. "He made the routine throws."[4] Coleman Thomas, who was a starting offensive tackle, was suspended from the team activities in the wake of legal issues.[4] Starting cornerback Emmanuel Moseley missed part of spring practice after contracting mono.[4] Numerous players, including Derek Barnett, Marcus Jackson, Danny O'Brien, Jason Croom, Curt Maggitt, Jakob Johnson, Alex Ellis and early enrollees Kyle Phillips and Darrin Kirkland, missed the entire spring due to injuries. Others, including Jalen Hurd, Marquez North and Dillon Bates, were limited by injuries.[5]

Post-spring practice

On May 21, 2015, following UT's Big Orange Caravan stop at Nissan Stadium, Coach Jones stated "We just can't be a year older. We have to be a year better, and that's part of that growth and that development." He added, "We'll still be exceptionally young in the defensive front. We're going to rely on two true freshman defensive tackles (Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle) to really play a big part in this year's outcome of many games, so we have to get them ready to go. But our older players have done a great job of mentoring the young players coming in. On the offensive front, we had some individuals who gained some valuable experience. You could see that kind of manifesting itself throughout the course of spring. You could see that confidence. You could see a change in strength levels. You could see a change in maturity, and also just in football knowledge."[6]

Fall practice

The Vols began fall practice on August 4, 2015. Primary concerns involved the return of numerous players from injury, the improvement of the offensive line, finding starters at middle linebacker (to replace A.J. Johnson), left tackle (to replace Jacob Gilliam), and punter (to replace Matt Darr), and determining a backup quarterback.[7][8] Prior to the beginning of fall practice, freshman quarterback Jauan Jennings announced he was switching to wide receiver, leaving freshman early enrollee Quinten Dormady and summer enrollee Sheriron Jones to compete for the backup quarterback slot. In mid-August, Butch Jones designated Dormady as the backup.[9] Six players competed for the starting slot at middle linebacker: junior Kenny Bynum, sophomore Jakob Johnson, sophomore Gavin Bryant, sophomore walk-on Colton Jumper, redshirt freshman Dillon Bates, and freshman Darrin Kirkland,[10] though Johnson eventually switched to tight end. In late August, Jones stated the competition was down to Kirkland and Jumper.[11] Nate Renfro (a graduate transfer from Maryland), sophomore walk-on Trevor Daniel, and freshman Tommy Townsend were competing for the starting slot at punter.[12]

Injuries continued to be a factor during fall practice. Senior offensive guard Marcus Jackson (a returning starter), junior offensive guard Austin Sanders, and sophomore defensive back Rashaan Gaulden (the projected starter at nickelback) all suffered season-ending injuries.[13] Junior wide receivers Marquez North and Jason Croom, sophomore guard Jashon Robertson, and junior college transfer Justin Martin were among the players who missed portions of fall practice due to injuries.[14]

Alton "Pig" Howard, leading wide-receiver from the 2014 season, was suspended for the first game of the season for unspecified violation of team rules.[15] During his daily media availability on August 27, Coach Jones said that it wasn't "something that just occurred" and that it's "something that dates back many months."[15] "To Alton's credit, I like the way he's approached training camp", he added. "He's had the best training camp that he's had since we've been here. I'm appreciative of his efforts, but he will miss the Bowling Green game."[15] Coach Jones also announced that strong safety LaDarrell McNeil would miss extended time due to a neck injury.[16] After his media session, Coach Jones took to Twitter to "officially" welcome Preston Williams – who was flagged by the NCAA Clearinghouse to retake the ACT Test – to the team.[17][18]

Personnel

Roster & staff

2015 Tennessee Volunteers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 1 Hurd, JalenJalen Hurd So
WR 3 Malone, JoshJosh Malone So
RB 4 Kelly, JohnJohn Kelly Fr
RB 5 Abernathy IV, Ralph DavidRalph David Abernathy IV  Sr
RB 6 Kamara, AlvinAlvin Kamara  So
WR 7 Williams, PrestonPreston Williams Fr
WR 8 North, MarquezMarquez North  Jr
WR 9 Pearson, VonVon Pearson Sr
WR 10 Perry, VincentVincent Perry  Fr
QB 11 Dobbs, JoshuaJoshua Dobbs Jr
QB 12 Dormady, QuintenQuinten Dormady Fr
QB 13 Jones, SherironSheriron Jones Fr
QB 14 Jancek, ZacZac Jancek Fr
WR 15 Jennings, JauanJauan Jennings Fr
WR 18 Croom, JasonJason Croom   Jr
RB 21 Young, JoeJoe Young Fr
WR 24 Lacey, MichaelMichael Lacey Fr
WR 25 Smith, JoshJosh Smith  So
WR 28 Martinez, WillWill Martinez So
RB 37 Sparks, JaysonJayson Sparks  So
WR 38 Rochell, JayeJaye Rochell  Jr
TE 44 Johnson, JakobJakob Johnson So
TE 47 Stocstill, JoeJoe Stocstill  Jr
TE 48 Ellis, AlexAlex Ellis  Sr
OL 50 Boulware, VenzellVenzell Boulware Fr
OL 51 Richmond, DrewDrew Richmond Fr
OL 55 Thomas, ColemanColeman Thomas So
OL 57 Crowder, MackMack Crowder  Sr
OL 58 Adams, AaronAaron Adams  So
OL 60 Sanders, AustinAustin Sanders   So
OL 63 Kendrick, BrettBrett Kendrick  So
OL 64 Raulerson, RayRay Raulerson  Fr
OL 65 Keaton, ClayClay Keaton Fr
OL 66 Jones, JackJack Jones Fr
OL 67 Keeler, JoeJoe Keeler Fr
OL 69 Reynolds, JonathanJonathan Reynolds  So
OL 71 Wiesman, DylanDylan Wiesman Jr
OL 74 Blair, DontaviusDontavius Blair  Jr
OL 75 Robertson, JashonJashon Robertson  So
OL 75 Jackson, MarcusMarcus Jackson   Sr
OL 76 Hall, ChanceChance Hall Fr
OL 77 Kerbyson, KylerKyler Kerbyson  Sr
OL 78 Mosley, CharlesCharles Mosley  Fr
OL 79 Edwards, ThomasThomas Edwards  So
TE 80 Wolf, EliEli Wolf Fr
WR 81 Johnson, JohnathonJohnathon Johnson Sr
TE 82 Wolf, EthanEthan Wolf So
WR 83 Blanc, CodyCody Blanc  Jr
WR 84 Gamble, AdrianAdrian Gamble  Jr
WR 87 Fetzner, LoganLogan Fetzner  So
TE 88 Creamer, NeikoNeiko Creamer  Fr
TE 89 Jumper, WillWill Jumper Fr
 Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DL 1 Mckenzie, KahlilKahlil Mckenzie Fr
DL 2 Tuttle, ShyShy Tuttle  Fr
DB 3 Abernathy, MicahMicah Abernathy Fr
DL 4 Lewis, LaTroyLaTroy Lewis  Jr
DL 5 Phillips, KyleKyle Phillips  Fr
DB 6 Kelly Jr., ToddTodd Kelly Jr. So
DB 7 Sutton, CameronCameron Sutton Jr
DB 7 Gaulden, RaShaanRaShaan Gaulden  So
DB 8 Martin, JustinJustin Martin So
DE 9 Barnett, DerekDerek Barnett So
LB 11 Smith, AustinAustin Smith Fr
DB 12 Moseley, EmmanuelEmmanuel Moseley So
DB 13 Foreman, MalikMalik Foreman Jr
LB 14 Sapp, Quart'eQuart'e Sapp Fr
LB 17 Bates, DillonDillon Bates  Fr
DL 19 Taylor, DarrellDarrell Taylor Fr
LB 20 McDowell, CortezCortez McDowell So
LB 21 Reeves-Maybin, JalenJalen Reeves-Maybin Jr
DB 24 Miller, DarrellDarrell Miller Fr
DB 26 Griffin, StephenStephen Griffin Fr
DB 28 Priddy, DavidDavid Priddy  Jr
DB 29 Berry, EvanEvan Berry So
DB 30 Williams, DevinDevin Williams  Jr
DB 33 McNeil, LaDarrellLaDarrell McNeil Sr
LB 34 Kirkland Jr, DarrinDarrin Kirkland Jr Fr
DB 35 Gatewood, MaLeikMaLeik Gatewood Fr
LB 36 Bryant, GavinGavin Bryant  Fr
DB 37 Randolph, BrianBrian Randolph  Sr
DL 39 Vickers, KendalKendal Vickers  So
DL 40 Mixon, DimaryaDimarya Mixon So
LB 41 Berry, ElliottElliott Berry So
LB 42 Weatherd, ChrisChris Weatherd Sr
DB 46 Arnold, MaxMax Arnold  Sr
LB 47 Knoll, LandonLandon Knoll Fr
LB 48 Maddox, DaJourDaJour Maddox Fr
DE 50 Vereen, CoreyCorey Vereen Jr
LB 51 Bynum, KennyKenny Bynum  Jr
DL 52 Butcher, AndrewAndrew Butcher  Fr
LB 53 Jumper, ColtonColton Jumper So
DL 55 Picou, QuayQuay Picou Fr
LB/DL 56 Maggitt, CurtCurt Maggitt   Sr
DL 58 Williams, OwenOwen Williams  Sr
DL 90 Folger, CharlesCharles Folger  Jr
DL 94 Stokes, TylerTyler Stokes  Fr
DL 95 O'Brien, DannyDanny O'Brien  Jr
DL 96 Saulsberry, TrevarrisTrevarris Saulsberry  Sr
DL 97 Bain, PaulPaul Bain  Fr
 Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
H 10 Ashford, PatrickPatrick Ashford  Sr
PK 25 Medley, AaronAaron Medley So
P 27 Townsend, TommyTommy Townsend Fr
PK 30 Foster, HoldenHolden Foster Jr
P 31 Renfroe, NateNate Renfroe  Sr
PK 39 Jones, AlexAlex Jones Fr
PK 43 Toser, LaszloLaszlo Toser Fr
LS 46 Lovingood, RileyRiley Lovingood Fr
LS 52 Medford, ElijahElijah Medford  Fr
LS 53 Bradshaw, WillWill Bradshaw  So
LS 59 Giampapa, MattMatt Giampapa  Sr
P 93 Daniel, TrevorTrevor Daniel  So
PK 97 Bullock, GeorgeGeorge Bullock  Jr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Mike DeBord (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach) – 1st year
  • John Jancek (defensive coordinator) – 3rd year
  • Willie Martinez (assistant head coach/defensive backs coach) – 3rd year
  • Steve Stripling (associate head coach/defensive line coach) – 3rd year
  • Zach Azzanni (wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator) – 3rd year
  • Mark Elder (tight ends coach/special teams coordinator) – 3rd year
  • Robert Gillespie (running backs coach) – 3rd year
  • Tommy Thigpen (linebackers coach) – 3rd year
  • Dave Lawson (director of strength and conditioning) – 3rd year
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: November 4, 2015

2015 recruiting class

Tennessee's 2015 recruiting class is ranked the third-best overall 2015 class by 247Sports.com,[19] fourth-best by Rivals.com,[20] and fifth-best by Scout.com.[21]

Depth chart

Defense
[22][23]
FS
Brian Randolph
Evan Berry
⋅
WLB MLB SLB
Jaylen-Reeves Maybin Darrin Kirkland Jr. Kenny Bynum
Cortez McDowell Colton Jumper Austin Smith
⋅ Kenny Bynum ⋅
SS
LaDarrell McNeil
Todd Kelly Jr.
Max Arnold
CB
Cam Sutton
Darrell Miller
Justin Martin
DE DT DT DE
Corey Vereen Kendal Vickers Owen Williams Derek Barnett
LaTroy Lewis Danny O'Brien Kahlil McKenzie Dimarya Mixon
Kyle Phillips ⋅ Quay Picou ⋅
CB
Justin Martin
Emmanuel Moseley
Malik Foreman
Offense
[22][23]
WR
Josh Smith
Marquez North
⋅
WR
Josh Malone
Johnathon Johnson
Preston Williams
LT LG C RG RT
Kyler Kerbyson Jashon Robertson Coleman Thomas Dylan Weisman Chance Hall
Chance Hall Dylan Weisman Mack Crowder Jack Jones Brett Kendrick
⋅ Charles Moseley Ray Raulerson Venzell Boulware Drew Richmond
TE
Ethan Wolf
Alex Ellis
⋅
WR
Von Pearson
Jauan Jennings
⋅
QB
Joshua Dobbs
Quinten Dormady
Sheriron Jones
RB
Jalen Hurd
Alvin Kamara
John Kelly
Special Teams
PK Aaron Medley
PK George Bullock
P Trevor Daniel
P Nate Renfro
KR Evan Berry
PR Cam Sutton
LS Matt Giampapa
H Patrick Ashford

Schedule

Tennessee announced their 2015 football schedule on October 14, 2014. The 2015 schedule consists of seven home games, four away games, and one neutral site game in the regular season. The Vols will host SEC foes Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt, and will travel to Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, and Missouri.[24]

Tennessee opened the season at a neutral site for the first time since 2012 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, against Bowling Green. The Vols then hosted Oklahoma for the second game of the home series. Western Carolina then traveled to Neyland Stadium for the first meeting between the two schools. To end the non–conference match ups, North Texas will make a trip to Knoxville for the second meeting of the two schools. North Texas defeated the Vols in their first meeting in 1975, 21–14. The Arkansas–Tennessee match up will be the first time since they play against each other since 2011. The Kentucky–Tennessee match up will be played in October (on Halloween) for the first time since 1909.

Tennessee had originally scheduled UAB as its 2015 season opener. On December 2, 2014, however, UAB announced they were shutting down their football program at the end of the 2014–15 academic year.[25] (UAB announced in June 2015 that it would be bringing back the program for a 2017 debut.)[26] The shutdown led Tennessee to find a new team to open against at Nissan Stadium. A week later the Vols announced that Bowling Green will replace UAB in the opener of the 2015 season, for the first meeting between the two schools.[27]

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 5 4:00 p.m. vs. Bowling Green* No. 25 Nissan Stadium • Nashville, TN SECN W 59–30   61,323
September 12 6:00 p.m. No. 19 Oklahoma* No. 23 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN ESPN L 24–31 2OT  102,455
September 19 7:00 p.m. Western Carolina* Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN ESPNU W 55–10   102,136
September 26 3:30 p.m. at Florida Ben Hill Griffin Stadium • Gainesville, FL (Rivalry) CBS L 27–28   90,527
October 3 7:00 p.m. Arkansas Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN ESPN2 L 20–24   101,265
October 10 3:30 p.m No. 19 Georgia Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN (Rivalry) CBS W 38–31   102,455
October 24 3:30 p.m at No. 8 Alabama Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, AL (Third Saturday in October) CBS L 14–19   101,821
October 31 7:30 p.m. at Kentucky Commonwealth Stadium • Lexington, KY (Rivalry) SECN W 52–21   60,886
November 7 4:00 p.m. South Carolina Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN SECN W 27–24   101,253
November 14 Noon North Texas*dagger Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN SECN W 24–0   96,197
November 21 7:15 p.m. at Missouri Faurot Field • Columbia, MO ESPN2 W 19–8   59,575
November 28 4:00 p.m. Vanderbilt Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, TN (Rivalry) SECN W 53–28   98,327
January 1 12:00 p.m. vs. No. 12 Northwestern* Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, FL (Outback Bowl) ESPN2 W 45–6   53,202
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time.
Schedule Source:[28]

Game notes

Bowling Green

Overall record Last meeting Result
First Meeting
Bowling Green Falcons vs #25 Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bowling Green 10 10 10030
#25 Tennessee 21 14 141059

at Nissan Stadium • Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: September 5, 2015
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 89 °F (32 °C) • Wind: 9 mph (14 km/h) • Weather: partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 61,323
  • Referee: Ken Williamson • Umpire: Wally Hough • Linesman: Lane Thomas • Line judge: Mickey Bryson • Back judge: Grantis Bell • Field judge: Jamie Grant • Side judge: Rob Skelton • Center judge: Martin Hankins
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play–by–play), Andre Ware (color), Laura Rutledge (sideline)
  • [29]
Game information

First quarter
  • BGSU  Tyler Tate, 40-yd FG, 12:43. BG 3–0. 7 plays, 53 yards. 2:17.
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 8-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 10:35. TENN 7–3. 10 plays, 75 yards. 3:44.
  • TENN  Alvin Kamara 10-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 7:18. TENN 14–3. 2 plays, 30 yards, 0:22.
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 1-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 5:07. TENN 21–3. 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:13.
  • BGSU  Matt Johnson 11-yd pass to Hunter Folkertsma (Tyler Tate kick), 2:47. TENN 21–10. 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:20.
Second quarter
  • BGSU  Matt Johnson 31-yd pass to Gehrig Dieter (Tyler Tate kick), 11:00. TENN 21–17. 6 plays, 94 yards, 2:13.
  • BGSU  Tyler Tate 37-yd FG, 5:31. TENN 21–20. 13 plays, 55 yards, 3:59.
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 13-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 1:52. TENN 28–20. 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:39.
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 11-yd pass to Ethan Wolf (Aaron Medley kick), 0:32. TENN 35–20. 5 plays, 29 yards, 0:40.
Third quarter
  • BGSU  Ryan Burbrink 7-yd run (Tyler Tate kick), 11:33. TENN 35–27. 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:14.
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 18-yd pass to Ethan Wolf (Aaron Medley kick), 11:17. 42–27. 1 play, 18 yards, 0:16.
  • BGSU  Tyler Tate 25-yd FG, 4:26. TENN 42–30. 13 plays, 62 yards, 4:04.
  • TENN  Alvin Kamara 56-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 0:03. TENN 49–30. 1 play, 56 yards, 0:11.
Fourth quarter
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 18-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 10:02. TENN 56–30. 9 plays, 94 yards, 3:12.
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 26-yd FG, 3:08. TENN 59–30. 11 plays, 45 yards, 5:37.
Top passers
  • BGSU – Matt Johnson – 27/48, 424 yards, 2 TD
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 15/22, 250 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • BGSU – Fred Coppet – 12 rushes, 63 yards
  • TENN – Alvin Kamara – 15 rushes, 144 yards, 2 TD; Jalen Hurd, 23 rushes, 123 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
  • BGSU – Gehrig Dieter – 7 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
  • TENN – Jauan Jennings – 3 receptions, 56 yards

The 2015 Tennessee Volunteers, ranked 25th in the nation, kicked off its first game of the season against the Bowling Green Falcons at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Jalen Hurd had three first-half touchdown runs, Alvin Kamara ran for two more scores, and Tennessee went on to win 59–30 in a game delayed 80 minutes in the second half by lightning.[30]

#19 Oklahoma

Overall record Last meeting Result
1–2 2014 Oklahoma, 34–10
#19 Oklahoma Sooners vs #23 Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34OT2OTTotal
#19 Oklahoma 0 3 0147731
#23 Tennessee 10 7 007024

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: September 12, 2015
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: 8 mph (13 km/h) • Weather: partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 102,455
  • Referee: Mike Defee • Umpire: Robert Richeson • Linesman: Al Green • Line judge: Quentin Givens • Back judge: Terry Jones • Field judge: Joe Blubaugh • Side judge: Lo van Pham • Center judge: Mike Cuttone
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler (play–by–play), Todd Blackledge (color), Holly Rowe (sideline)
  • [31]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 19-yd FG, 9:51. TENN 3–0. 11 plays, 50 yards, 3:10.
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 9-yd pass to Josh Malone (Aaron Medley kick), 1:56. TENN 10–0. 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:01.
Second quarter
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 4-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 12:14. TENN 17–0. 4 plays, 55 yards, 1:18.
  • OU  Austin Seibert 35-yd FG, 4:56. TENN 17–3. 9 plays, 56 yards, 2:47.
Third quarter
  • No scores.
Fourth quarter
  • OU  Baker Mayfield 2-yd pass to Samaje Perine (Austin Seibert kick), 8:20. TENN 17–10. 14 plays, 80 yards, 5:53.
  • OU  Baker Mayfield 5-yd pass to Sterling Shepard (Austin Seibert kick), 0:40. TIE 17–17. 13 plays, 60 yards, 5:26.
First overtime
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 8-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 0:00. TENN 24–17. 5 plays, 25 yards, 0:00.
  • OU  Baker Mayfield 1-yd run (Austin Seibert kick). TIE 24–24. 5 plays, 25 yards, 0:00.
Second overtime
  • OU  Baker Mayfield 18-yd pass to Sterling Shepard (Austin Seibert kick) OU 31–24. 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:00.
Top passers
  • OU – Baker Mayfield: 19–39, 187 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 13–31, 125 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • OU – Samaje Perine – 23 rushes, 78 yards
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 24 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • OU – Sterling Shepard – 7 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TD
  • TENN – Josh Smith – 4 receptions, 56 yards

The 19th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners played the 23rd-ranked Volunteers for the fourth time in history, the first in Knoxville. The Volunteers led 17–3 into the fourth quarter, but the Sooners came back to force the game into two overtime periods and win 31–24.[32] The game's live broadcast on ESPN was watched by 4.12 million viewers, making it the most-watched cable program of the day.[33]

Western Carolina

Overall record Last meeting Result
First Meeting
Western Carolina Catamounts vs Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Western Carolina 0 3 0710
Tennessee 10 31 14055

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: September 19, 2015
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 81 °F (27 °C) • Wind: 3 mph (4.8 km/h) • Weather: partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 102,136
  • Referee: Hubert Owens • Umpire: Russ Pulley • Linesman: Chad Green • Line judge: Chuck Rice • Back judge: Michael Watson • Field judge: Greg Thomas • Side judge: Chad Hill • Center judge: Walt Hill
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Allen Bestwick (play-by-play), Dan Hawkins (color)
  • [34]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 25-yd pass to Preston Williams (Aaron Medley kick), 11:53. TENN 7–0. 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:24.
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 20-yd FG, 6:23. TENN 10–0. 12 plays, 84 yards, 3:43.
Second quarter
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 5-yd pass to Jalen Hurd (Aaron Medley kick), 13:06. TENN 17–0. 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:30.
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 31-yd FG, 5:12. TENN 20–0. 11 plays, 54 yards, 3:33.
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 8-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 4:20. TENN 27–0. 1 play, 8 yards, 0:08.
  • TENN  Alvin Kamara 2-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 2:53. TENN 34–0. 3 plays, 21 yards. 0:37.
  • WCU  Logan Howard 32-yd FG, 1:00. TENN 34–3. 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:53.
  • TENN  Evan Berry 88-yd kickoff return (Aaron Medley kick), 0:45. TENN 41–3, 0:15.
Third quarter
  • TENN  Alvin Kamara 50-yd punt return (Aaron Medley kick), 11:53. TENN 48–3.
  • TENN  Quinten Dormady 24-yd pass to Preston Williams (Aaron Medley kick), 7:45. TENN 55–3. 6 plays, 90 yards, 2:05.
Fourth quarter
  • WCU  Detrez Newsome 64-yd run (Logan Howard kick), 10:59. TENN 55–10. 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:40.
Top passers
  • WCU – Troy Mitchell – 6-14, 47 yards, 1 INT; Wes Holcombe – 5–8, 43 yards
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 15-21, 144 yards, 2 TD; Quinten Dormady – 6–8, 93 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
  • WCU – Detrez Newsome – 10 rushes, 128 yards, 1 TD
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 11 rushes, 68 yards, 1 TD; John Kelly – 13 rushes, 59 yards; Alvin Kamara – 7 rushes, 47 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • WCU – Karnorris Benson – 3 receptions, 38 yards; Spearman Robinson – 3 receptions, 30 yards
  • TENN – Preston Williams – 3 receptions, 98 yards, 2 TD

In Knoxville, the Volunteers faced the Western Carolina Catamounts for the first time ever and won 55–10. Alvin Kamara became the first Tennessee player in 40 years to score on a punt return (50 yards) and a run from scrimmage in the same game. Coupling Kamara's return with Evan Berry's 88-yard kickoff return, prior to the end of the first half, also marked a first for special teams scoring since a 1950 victory over Washington and Lee.[35]

Regarding heading into the game following the loss to Oklahoma, Coach Butch Jones commented "It was a big game for us to see how we would respond." He added "I thought our competitive character was challenged a little bit in how we prepared this week and how we'd come out in our approach to this game."[35]

Florida

Overall record Last meeting Result
19–25 2014 Florida, 10–9
Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Tennessee 7 10 3727
Florida 7 0 71428

at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium • Gainesville, Florida

  • Date: September 26, 2015
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 87 °F (31 °C) • Wind: 5 mph (8.0 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 90,527
  • Referee: David Smith • Umpire: Jeff Roberson • Linesman: G A Gus Morris • Line judge: Paul Petrisko • Back judge: Roy A Potts • Field judge: Andy Britton • Side judge: Michael William • Center judge: Chad Lorance
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color) and Allie LaForce (sideline)
  • [36]
Game information

First quarter
  • UF  Kelvin Taylor 5-yard run (Jorge Powell kick), 10:23.
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 58-yard pass from Jauan Jennings (Aaron Medley kick), 5:07
Second quarter
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 1-yard run (Aaron Medley kick), 8:18
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 34-yard field goal, 3:13
Third quarter
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 37-yard field goal, 11:07
  • UF  Kelvin Taylor 4-yard run (Jorge Powell kick), 5:42
Fourth quarter
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 10-yard run (Aaron Medley kick), 10:19
  • UF  Brandon Powell 5-yard pass from Will Grier (Jorge Powell kick), 4:09
  • UF  Antonio Calloway 63-yard pass from Will Grier (Jorge Powell kick), 1:26
Top passers
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 10–17, 83 yards; Jajuan Jennings – 1–1, 58 yards, 1 TD
  • FLA – Will Grier – 23–42, 283 yards, 1 INT, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 28 rushes, 113 yards, 2 TD; Joshua Dobbs – 18 rushes, 165 yards
  • FLA – Kelvin Taylor – 19 rushes, 102 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • TENN – Ethan Wolf – 3 receptions, 45 yards; Alvin Kamara – 3 receptions, 33 yards; Joshua Dobbs – 1 reception, 58 yards, 1 TD
  • FLA – Antonio Callaway, 5 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD; Powell, 5 receptions, 64 yards, 1 TD

The Volunteers went to "The Swamp" to play one of their rivalries, the Florida Gators. Florida won the game, 28–27, extending its win streak over Tennessee to 11 games. Volunteers kicker Aaron Medley had a chance to win the game with a 55-yard field goal, but his attempt missed by a foot to the right.[37]

Arkansas

Overall record Last meeting Result
13–4 2011 Arkansas, 49–7
Arkansas Razorbacks at Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Arkansas 7 10 7024
Tennessee 14 3 3020

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: October 3, 2015
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 62 °F (17 °C) • Wind: 7 mph (11 km/h) • Weather: showers
  • Game attendance: 101,265
  • Referee: Marc Curles • Umpire: Tom Quick • Linesman: John Langlois • Line judge: Kirk Lewis • Back judge: Scott Vaughan • Field judge: Wes Booker • Side judge: Richard Booker • Center judge: Wayne Winkler
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (color) and Quint Kessenich (sideline)
  • [38]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN  Evan Berry 96-yard kickoff return (Aaron Medley kick), 14:48.
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 7-yard run (Aaron Medley kick), 8:06.
  • ARK  Alex Collins 4-yard run (Cole Hedlund kick), 5:57.
Second quarter
  • ARK  Dominique Reed 33-yard pass from Brandon Allen (Cole Hedlund kick), 14:03.
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 35-yard FG, 9:54.
  • ARK  Cole Hedlund 26-yard FG, 0:00.
Third quarter
  • ARK  Alex Collins 1-yard run (Cole Hedlund kick), 9:12.
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 45-yard FG, 6:41.
Fourth quarter
  • No scores.
Top passers
Top rushers
  • ARK – Alex Collins – 27 rushes, 164 yards, 2 TD; Rawleigh Williams III – 14 rushes, 100 yards
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 19 rushes, 101 yards; Joshua Dobbs – 7 rushes, 16 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • ARK – Drew Morgan – 5 receptions, 110 yards; Hunter Henry – 3 receptions, 62 yards; Dominique Reed – 1 reception, 33 yards, 1 TD
  • TENN – Alvin Kamara – 4 receptions, 40 yards; Jalen Hurd – 3 receptions, 51 yards

The Volunteers hosted the Arkansas Razorbacks and hoped to extend their home record to 7–1 against the "Hogs". Tennessee began with an early lead with Evan Berry's 96-yard opening kickoff return and Joshua Dobbs's 7-yard run on the following drive. However, Arkansas tied the game at 17 before halftime and would score the game's only remaining touchdown in the third quarter to go on to win 24–20.[39]

Following the Volunteers' third loss in four games, and blowing a two-touchdown lead in each of those defeats, Coach Butch Jones stated "Our competitive character is being tested. Our fortitude is being tested. All you can do is keep working – and work your way through it."[39]

#19 Georgia

Overall record Last meeting Result
21–21–2 2014 Georgia, 35–32
#19 Georgia Bulldogs at Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
#19 Georgia 7 17 0731
Tennessee 3 14 14738

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: October 10, 2015
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m
  • Game weather: Temperature: 64 °F (18 °C) • Wind: 7 mph (11 km/h) • Weather: cloudy
  • Game attendance: 102,455
  • Referee: Tom Ritter • Umpire: Stan Weihe • Linesman: Johnny Crawford • Line judge: Tim Beard • Back judge: Dax Hill • Field judge: J. Taylor • Side judge: Anthony Jeffrie • Center judge: James Carter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color) and Allie LaForce (sideline)
  • [40]
Game information

First quarter
  • UGA  Leonard Floyd 96-yard fumble recovery, (Marshall Morgan kick), 6:14.
  • TENN  Aaron Medley 22-yard field goal, 1:39.
Second quarter
  • UGA  Malcolm Mitchell 28-yard pass from Greyson Lambert (Marshall Morgan kick), 14:53.
  • UGA  Marshall Morgan 37 yd field goal, 4:47.
  • UGA – Reggie Davis 70 yd punt return (Marshall Morgan kick), 3:27.
  • TENN  Josh Smith 39-yard pass from Joshua Dobbs (Aaron Medley kick), 1:04.
  • TENN  Alvin Kamara 2-yard pass from Joshua Dobbs (Aaron Medley kick), 0:27.
Third quarter
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 1-yard run (Aaron Medley kick), 8:31.
  • TENN  Alvin Kamara 2-yard pass from Joshua Dobbs (Aaron Medley kick), 1:26.
Fourth quarter
  • UGA  Reggie Davis 48-yard pass from Greyson Lambert (Marshall Morgan kick), 14:53.
  • TENN  Joshua Dobbs 5-yard run (Aaron Medley kick), 5:48.
Top passers
Top rushers
  • UGA – Sony Michel – 22 rushes, 145 yards
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 18 rushes, 125 yards, 2 TD; Jalen Hurd – 21 rushes, 84 yards
Top receivers
  • UGA – Malcolm Mitchell – 5 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD; Reggie Davis – 3 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD
  • TENN – Josh Malone – 5 receptions, 60 yards; Alvin Kamara – 5 receptions, 31 yards, 2 TD; Josh Smith – 2 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD

The 19th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs came to Knoxville even in their series rivalry with Tennessee. Georgia looked to enter halftime with a 24–3 lead, but the Volunteers scored twice within the last 2:30 of the first half to cut the lead to seven. They scored a further 14 unanswered points in the third quarter. The Bulldogs only managed to score one touchdown in the second half and Tennessee mounted its third biggest comeback in school history to win 38–31, thus ending its five-game losing streak to the Bulldogs.[41]

Tennessee coach Butch Jones stated "[Tennessee] had a different look [...] This football team was not going to be denied. They were going to find a way to win the football game. I'm just happy for them because they deserve to have this feeling."[41]

For his overall performance in the game, quarterback Joshua Dobbs earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. Dobbs' combined passing and rushing for over 400 yards marks the second time in both his career and Tennessee's history.[42]

#8 Alabama

Overall record Last meeting Result
38–51–7 2014 Alabama, 34–20
Tennessee Volunteers at Alabama Crimson Tide – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Tennessee 7 0 0714
#8 Alabama 7 0 3919

at Bryant–Denny Stadium • Tuscaloosa, Alabama

  • Date: October 24, 2015
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 82 °F (28 °C) • Wind: 11 mph (18 km/h) • Weather: Partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 101,821
  • Referee: John McDaid • Umpire: Tom Quick • Linesman: Gary Jayroe • Line judge: David Oliver • Back judge: Tony Josselyn • Field judge: P. Davenport • Side judge: Chris Conley • Center judge: Wayne Winkler
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (color) and Allie LaForce (sideline)
  • [43]
Game information

First quarter
  • BAMA  Derrick Henry 20-yd run (Adam Griffith kick), 7:14.
  • TENN  Josh Smith 11-yard pass from Joshua Dobbs (Aaron Medley kick), 3:00.
Second quarter
  • No scores.
Third quarter
  • BAMA  Adam Griffith 19-yard FG, 9:00.
Fourth quarter
  • BAMA  Adam Griffith 28-yd FG, 7:08.
  • TENN  Jalen Hurd 12-yd run (Aaron Medley kick), 5:49.
  • BAMA  Derrick Henry 14 yd run, 2:24 (Conversion failed).
Top passers
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 13–22, 171 yards, 1 TD
  • BAMA – Jake Coker – 21–27, 247 yards, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 18 rushes, 92 yards, 1 TD
  • BAMA – Derrick Henry – 28 rushes, 143 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • TENN – Alvin Kamara – 4 receptions, 44 yards; Josh Malone – 2 receptions, 43 yards; Josh Smith – 2 receptions, 38 yards
  • BAMA – O. J. Howard – 7 receptions, 55 yards; ArDarius Stewart – 6 receptions, 114 yards; Calvin Ridley – 6 receptions, 62 yards

Tennessee entered Bryant–Denny Stadium to face their rivals, the eighth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The 98th meeting between the teams resulted in Alabama winning 19–14 and extending their nine-game winning streak against the Volunteers. The defensive battle saw only two touchdowns from each team, with Alabama stopping a late rally by Tennessee by forcing a fumble from Joshua Dobbs.[44]

Coach Butch Jones stated "I thought our team showed some grit, some determination and some resiliency on the road against a quality opponent, a top 10 opponent, in a hostile environment to go down and drive the ball and put us in a position to win. At the University of Tennessee, there are no moral victories."[44]

Kentucky

Overall record Last meeting Result
77–24–9 2014 Tennessee, 50–16
Tennessee Volunteers at Kentucky Wildcats – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Tennessee 7 17 28052
Kentucky 7 7 7021

at Commonwealth Stadium • Lexington, Kentucky

  • Date: October 31, 2015
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 59 °F (15 °C) • Wind: 19 mph (31 km/h) • Weather: cloudy
  • Game attendance: 60,886
  • Referee: Brad Rogers • Umpire: Rick Lowe • Linesman: Jay Vines • Line judge: Will McDonald • Back judge: Michael Watson • Field judge: Grant Jackson • Side judge: Chris Jamison • Center judge: Kevin Vicknair
  • TV announcers (SECN): Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (color) and Maria Taylor Hyatt (sidelines)
  • [45]
Game information

First quarter
  • KENT  C. Johnson 77-yd fumble return (A. MacGinnis kick), 8:23.
  • TENN  J. Dobbs 28-yd run (A. Medley kick), 2:45.
Second quarter
  • TENN  A. Medley 44-yd FG, 11:54.
  • KENT  P. Towles 1-yd run (A. MacGinnis kick), 5:39.
  • TENN  J. Dobbs 75-yd pass to J. Malone (A. Medley kick), 5:26.
  • TENN  J. Dobbs 1-yd run (A. Medley kick), 0:40.
Third quarter
  • TENN  J. Dobbs 37-yd pass to J. Hurd (A. Medley kick), 10:56.
  • TENN  J. Hurd 4-yd run (A. Medley kick), 10:14.
  • KENT  P. Towles 39-yd pass to G. Johnson (A. MacGinnis kick), 8:34.
  • TENN  E. Berry 100-yd kickoff return (A. Medley kick), 8:19.
  • TENN  C. Sutton 84-yd punt return, (A. Medley kick), 5:29.
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 16–26, 233 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
  • KENT – Patrick Towles – 16–33, 184 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • TENN – Alvin Kamara – 4 rushes, 70 yards
  • KENT – Mikel Horton – 14 rushes, 109 yards
Top receivers
  • TENN – Josh Malone – 4 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
  • KENT – Garrett Johnson – 2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD

Joshua Dobbs amassed four touchdowns in a 52–21 rout of the Kentucky Wildcats. The Volunteers have won 30 of its last 31 meetings with Kentucky. Evan Berry scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and Cameron Sutton returned an 84-yard punt for a touchdown. Berry's three touchdowns on kickoff returns this season ties Willie Gault's 35-year-old school single-season record.[46] For his performance, Berry was awarded the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.[47]

South Carolina

Overall record Last meeting Result
24–7–2 2014 Tennessee, 45–42 OT
South Carolina Gamecocks at Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
South Carolina 0 3 21024
Tennessee 14 3 7327

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 7, 2015
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C) • Wind: 4 mph (6.4 km/h) • Weather: cloudy
  • Game attendance: 101,253
  • Referee: Matt Austin • Umpire: Rodney Lawary • Linesman: Tim Sistrunk • Line judge: Michael Taylor • Back judge: Roy A. Potts • Field judge: Blake Parks • Side judge: Bobby Moreau • Center judge: Steve Marlowe
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play–by–play), Andre Ware (color), Laura Rutledge (sideline)
  • [48]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN – A. Kamara 4-yd run (A. Medley kick), 11:57.
  • TENN – J. Dobbs 37-yd pass to V. Pearson (A. Medley kick), 7:56.
Second quarter
  • TENN – A. Medley 44-yd FG, 5:00.
  • SCAR – E. Fry 43-yd FG, 1:03.
Third quarter
  • SCAR – P. Orth 10-yd pass to J. Walton (E. Fry kick), 9:10.
  • SCAR – P. Orth 7-yd pass to J. Adams (E. Fry kick), 8:29.
  • TENN – J. Dobbs 11-yd pass to A. Kamara (A. Medley kick), 4:25.
  • SCAR – P. Orth 5-yd pass to P. Cooper (E. Fry kick), 0:48.
Fourth quarter
  • TENN – A. Medley 27-yd FG, 9:14.
Top passers
  • SCAR – Perry Orth – 20–39, 233 yards, 3 TD
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 20–34, 255 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • SCAR – Brandon Wilds – 20 rushes, 79 yards
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 23 rushes, 90 yards
Top receivers
  • SCAR – Pharoh Cooper – 4 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD; Jerell Adams – 2 receptions, 37 yards, 1 TD
  • TENN – Von Pearson – 8 receptions, 121 yards, 1 TD; Josh Smith – 3 receptions, 42 yards; Alvin Kamara – 3 receptions, 27 yards, 1 TD

Tennessee won the 16th of its 18 home meetings against the South Carolina Gamecocks, 27–24. This marks the series' third consecutive game to be decided by a field goal, the third consecutive Tennessee comeback, and the sixth by three or fewer points. Malik Foreman forced a South Carolina fumble on Tennessee's 13-yard line and Jalen Reeves-Maybin recovered it to end the Gamecocks' 67-yard drive in the final minute. Following the game, Tennessee coach Butch Jones stated "I'm never going to apologize for winning. This is a hard-fought game. We're playing a good football team. I give South Carolina all the credit in the world. ... They're going to have success. We're still building. I'm proud of our players. I'm proud of our program. We need to start being positive around here."[49][50]

North Texas

Overall record Last meeting Result
0–1 1975 North Texas, 21–14
North Texas Mean Green at Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
North Texas 0 0 000
Tennessee 7 10 0724

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 14, 2015
  • Game time: Noon
  • Game weather: Temperature: 54 °F (12 °C) • Wind: 5 mph (8.0 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 96,197
  • Referee: Tom Ritter • Umpire: Stan Weihe • Linesman: Johnny Crawford • Line judge: Tim Beard • Back judge: Dax Hill • Field judge: J. Taylor • Side judge: Ant. Jeffries • Center judge: James Carter
  • TV announcers (SECN): Dave Neal (play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (color) and Kayce Smith (sidelines)
  • [51]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN – A. Kamara 27-yard run (A. Medley kick), 13:51.
Second quarter
  • TENN – J. Hurd 1-yard run (A. Medley kick), 14:57.
  • TENN – A. Medley 34-yard FG, 2:41.
Fourth quarter
  • TENN – A. Kamara 15-yard run (A. Medley kick), 13:47.
Top passers
  • UNT – DaMarcus Smith – 12–25, 103 yards
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 15–23, 136 yards, INT
Top rushers
  • UNT – Jeffrey Wilson – 14 rushes, 52 yards
  • TENN – Alvin Kamara – 15 rushes, 127 yards, 2 TD; Jalen Hurd – 15 rushes, 72 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • UNT – Marcus Smith – 5 receptions, 46 yards
  • TENN – Josh Malone – 4 receptions, 38 yards

For this season's homecoming game, the Volunteers' defense allowed just 199 total yards (the fewest in a game since 2010) in a 24–0 victory over North Texas. Tennessee is now bowl eligible and on a three-game winning streak. However, the Volunteers' offense seemed sluggish, and the Mean Green remained competitive. Tennessee coach Butch Jones stated "There isn't a 'U' behind the 'W' that says 'ugly win'. They're all wins. We have to go back and we have to get better. We're going to be challenged the next couple weeks."[52]

Missouri

Overall record Last meeting Result
0–3 2014 Missouri, 29–21
Tennessee Volunteers at Missouri Tigers – game summary
1 2 34Total
Tennessee 6 10 3019
Missouri 0 0 088

at Faurot Field • Columbia, Missouri

  • Date: November 21, 2015
  • Game time: 7:15 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 28 °F (−2 °C) • Wind: variable, 10–18 mph (16–29 km/h) • Weather: clear
  • Game attendance: 59,575
  • Referee: Matt Austin • Umpire: Rodney Lawary • Linesman: Tim Sistrunk • Line judge: Michael Taylor • Back judge: Jimmy Russell • Field judge: Blake Parks • Side judge: Bobby Moreau • Center judge: James Carter
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (color) and Quint Kessenich (sidelines)
  • [53]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN – Aaron Medley 34-yard FG, 8:19.
  • TENN – Aaron Medley 22-yard FG, 1:05.
Second quarter
  • TENN – Aaron Medley 44-yard FG, 12:59.
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs 8-yard (Aaron Medley kick), 0:17.
Third quarter
  • TENN – Aaron Medley 30-yard FG, 5:13.
Fourth quarter
  • MISS – Drew Lock 1-yard run (Drew Lock pass to Jason Reese for two-point conversion), 9:49.
Top passers
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 16/24, 89 yards
  • MISS – Drew Lock – 23/30, 135 yards, INT
Top rushers
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 34 rushes, 151 yards
  • MISS – Russell Hansbrough – 12 rushes, 41 yards
Top receivers
  • TENN – Josh Malone – 2 receptions, 35 yards
  • MISS – Wesley Leftwich – 2 receptions, 41 yards

In the final road game of the regular season, Jalen Hurd ran for a career-high 151 rushing yards and Aaron Medley made four field goals to lead Tennessee to a 19–8 win over Missouri at Faurot Field. Hurd's performance put him over 1,000 yards on the season. This is the Volunteers' first win between the teams since the Tigers joined the SEC in 2012. It was also Tennessee's seventh regular-season win, the first since 2009.[54]

Vanderbilt

Overall record Last meeting Result
74–30–5 2014 Tennessee, 24–17
Vanderbilt Commodores at Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vanderbilt 7 7 01428
Tennessee 17 10 161053

at Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 28, 2015
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 64 °F (18 °C) • Wind: 1 mph (1.6 km/h) • Weather: cloudy
  • Game attendance: 98,327
  • Referee: Matt Loeffler • Umpire: Brent Sowell • Linesman: GA Gus Morris • Line judge: Michael Shirey • Back judge: Roy A. Potts • Field judge: Bobby Ables • Side judge: Jesse Dupuy • Center judge: James Carter
  • TV announcers (SECN): Tom Hart (play-by-play), Andre Ware (color) & Laura Rutledge (sidelines)
  • [55]
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN – J. Dobbs 17-yard pass to V. Pearson (A. Medley kick), 11:32.
  • TENN – A. Medley 26-yard FG, 6:01.
  • VAN – D. Sims 7-yard run (T. Openshaw kick), 4:50.
  • TENN – J. Dobbs 6-yard run (A. Medley kick), 2:01.
Second quarter
  • VAN – K. Shurmur 12-yard pass to T. Sherfield (T. Openshaw kick), 14:50.
  • TENN – A. Medley 47-yard FG, 12:57.
  • TENN – C. Sutton 85-yard punt return (A. Medley kick), 4:36.
Third quarter
  • TENN – D. Barnett safety on K. Shurmur, 9:47.
  • TENN – J. Hurd 14-yard run (A. Medley kick), 7:33.
  • TENN – J. Dobbs 5-yard pass to V. Pearson, (A. Medley kick), 3:41.
Fourth quarter
  • TENN – A. Medley 32-yard FG, 13:17.
  • TENN – J. Young 8-yard run (G. Bullock kick), 8:06.
  • VAN – K. Shurmur 3-yard pass to S. Scheu (T. Openshaw kick), 4:01.
  • VAN – K. Shurmur 8-yard pass to D. Rivers (T. Openshaw kick), 0:22.
Top passers
  • VAN – Kyle Shurmur – 15/34, 209 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 13/21, 140 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • VAN – Ralph Webb – 21 rushes, 149 yards
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 19 rushes, 120 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • VAN – Trent Sherfield – 6 receptions, 85 yards, TD
  • TENN – Von Person – 3 receptions, 40 yards, 2 TD

In the final game of the regular season, Tennessee beat in-state rival Vanderbilt, 53–28. Joshua Dobbs threw two touchdowns and ran for another, Jalen Hurd scored a touchdown in his 109-yard performance, and Cameron Sutton scored on an 85-yard punt return. The win capped Tennessee's first five-game winning streak, and marked the first time winning at least eight games in a season, since 2007. Following the game, Coach Butch Jones called his team "one of the best teams in the country", adding "our players believe that. There's a lot of positive energy surrounding our program."[56]

#13 Northwestern

Overall record Last meeting Result
1–0 1997 Tennessee, 48–28
#13 Northwestern Wildcats at #23 Tennessee Volunteers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
#13 Northwestern 0 6 006
#23 Tennessee 7 10 72145

at Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, Florida

  • Date: January 1, 2016
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 79 °F (26 °C) • Wind: 5 mph (8.0 km/h) • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 53,202
  • Referee: Gary Patterson • Umpire: Terrance Ramsey • Linesman: Mike Kelly • Line judge: Rich Misner • Back judge: Gary Dancewicz • Field judge: Chris Junjulas • Side judge: Tony Tarantini • Center judge: Jim Eckl
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Mark Jones (play-by-play), Rod Gilmore (color), Quint Kessenich (sidelines)
Game information

First quarter
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs 14 Yd Run (Aaron Medley kick), 0:14.
Second quarter
  • TENN – Aaron Medley 35 Yd Field Goal, 10:47.
  • NW – Justin Jackson 5 Yd Run (Jack Mitchell PAT failed), 5:40.
  • TENN – Alvin Kamara 11 Yd Run (Aaron Medley kick), 2:18.
Third quarter
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd 3 Yd Run (Aaron Medley kick), 4:40.
Fourth quarter
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs 18 Yd Run (Aaron Medley kick), 11:42.
  • TENN – John Kelly run for 1 yd for a TD (Aaron Medley kick), 4:24.
  • TENN – Zack Oliver pass intercepted for a TD, Evan Berry return for 99 yds for a TD, 0:08.
Top passers
  • NW – Clayton Thorson – 8/20, 57 yards, 2 INT
  • TENN – Joshua Dobbs – 14/25, 166 yards
Top rushers
  • NW – Justin Jackson – 14 rushes, 74 yards, TD
  • TENN – Jalen Hurd – 24 rushes, 130 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • NW – Pierre Youngblood-Ary – 2 receptions, 33 yards
  • TENN – Alex Ellis – 3 receptions, 74 yards

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final 
AP 25 23 RV RV RV NR NR NR NR RV NR NR RV RV RV 22 
Coaches 25 23 RV RV RV NR RV NR NR NR NR NR NR RV RV 23 
CFP Not released NR NR NR NR 25 23 Not released

References

  1. ↑ Bennett, Brian; Aschoff, Edward (December 6, 2015). "Outback Bowl: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 7, 2015.
  2. ↑ Ostendorf, Greg. "Tennessee starts 2016 right, blows out Northwestern in the Outback Bowl". ESPN. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  3. ↑ "Tennessee overwhelms Iowa to win first bowl since 2008". ESPN, Inc. ESPN Internet Ventures. Associated Press. January 2, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Shepard, Brad (March 30, 2015). "Tennessee Football: Week 1 Spring Practice Stock Report". BleacherReport.com. Bleacher Report, Inc. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  5. ↑ Crawford, Brad (April 2, 2015). "Injuries dampen Vols' spring practice". saturdaydownsouth.com. Saturday Football, Inc. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  6. ↑ Callahan, Ryan (May 20, 2015). "Vols hoping to be 'a year better' on OL, DL". tennessee.247sports.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved May 20, 2015.
  7. ↑ Stultz, Brian (August 4, 2015). "2015 Tennessee Fall Practice: Schedule, 5 Things To Watch". campusinsiders.com. Campus Insiders. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  8. ↑ Hinnen, Jerry (August 21, 2015). "Tennessee loses second offensive lineman to season-ending injury". CBS Sports. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  9. ↑ Lewis, Daniel (August 14, 2015). "Media Day Notes: Dormady Named Backup QB". rockytopinsider.com. Rocky Top Insider. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  10. ↑ Megargee, Steve (August 8, 2015). "Vols seeking middle linebacker to help lead talented defense". AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  11. ↑ Brown, Patrick (August 27, 2015). "Race for Vols' starting MLB job down to Kirkland, Baylor's Jumper". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Chattanooga Publishing Company. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  12. ↑ Moore, Randy (August 18, 2015). "Who'll be Tennessee's punter?". scout.com. Scout.com. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  13. ↑ Brown, Patrick (August 22, 2015). "Tennessee cornerback Rashaan Gaulden out for the season". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Chattanooga Publishing Company. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  14. ↑ Dopirak, Dustin (August 17, 2015). "Absentee list still long at UT football practice". Knoxville News Sentinel. Journal Media Group. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  15. 1 2 3 Williams, Natalie (August 27, 2015). "Tennessee suspends leading WR Pig Howard, adds to growing list of Vols that will miss time". al.com. Alabama Media Group. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  16. ↑ Lewis, Daniel (August 27, 2015). "McNeil Among Injured Vols Confirmed By Jones; Howard Suspended 1 Game". rockytopinsider.com. Rocky Top Insider. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  17. ↑ Dopirak, Dustin (August 27, 2015). "Preston Williams cleared to play for UT". Knoxville News Sentinel. Journal Media Group. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  18. ↑ Butch Jones [UTCoachJones] (August 27, 2015). "I want to OFFICIALLY welcome Preston Williams to #Team119!!! #WRU" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  19. ↑ "2015 Team Ranking". 247sports.com. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
  20. ↑ "2015 Team Rankings". Rivals. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
  21. ↑ "2015 Team Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
  22. 1 2 Cooper, Jon (August 31, 2015). "Tennessee releases Week 1 depth chart". saturdaydownsouth.com. Saturday Football, Inc. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  23. 1 2 Rucker, Wes (August 31, 2015). "Vols release opening-game depth chart". tennessee.247sports.com. 247 Sports. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Vols Release 2015 Football Schedule" (Press release). Tennessee Athletics. October 14, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  25. ↑ "University of Alabama at Birmingham announces results of Athletic Department strategic review". uab.edu. UAB News. December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  26. ↑ Schlabach, Mark (September 25, 2015). "Bill Clark, UAB starting over after program's abrupt revival". ESPN.com. Birmingham, Alabama: ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Vols To Play Bowling Green In 2015 Opener" (Press release). Tennessee Athletics. December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  28. ↑ "2015 Tennessee Volunteers Football Schedule". FB Schedules. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Box score (Bowling Green)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. September 6, 2015. Retrieved September 8, 2015.
  30. ↑ Walker, Teresa (September 8, 2015). "No. 25 Tennessee runs for 6 TDs, beats Bowling Green 59–30". ESPN News Services. Nashville, Tennessee: ESPN Internet Ventures. Associated Press. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Box score (Oklahoma)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. September 12, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  32. ↑ "Sooners surge from 17 points down to edge Tennessee in double overtime". ESPN News Services. Knoxville, Tennessee: ESPN Internet Ventures. Associated Press. September 12, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  33. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (September 15, 2015). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 100 Saturday Cable Originals (& Network Update): 9.12.2015". showbuzzdaily.com. ShowBuzz Daily. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  34. ↑ "Box score (Western Carolina)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. September 19, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
  35. 1 2 Megargee, Steve (September 19, 2015). "Tennessee breezes past overmatched Western Carolina 55-10". Knoxville, Tennessee: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Box score (Florida)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. September 26, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  37. ↑ Long, Mark (September 26, 2015). "Florida rallies, survives for 11th straight win against Vols". Gainesville, Florida: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Box score (Arkansas)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. October 4, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  39. 1 2 Megargee, Steve (October 4, 2015). "Tennessee squanders another lead in 24-20 loss to Arkansas". Knoxville, Tennessee: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Box score (Georgia)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. October 10, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  41. 1 2 Megargee, Steve (October 10, 2015). "Vols rally to 38–31 win over No. 19 Georgia; Chubb injured". Knoxville, Tennessee: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  42. ↑ "Dobbs Named SEC Offensive Player Of Week". utsports.com. October 11, 2015. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  43. ↑ "Box score (Alabama)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. October 24, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  44. 1 2 Zenor, John (October 24, 2015). "No. 8 Alabama survives scare from Tennessee, 19-14". Tuscaloosa, Alabama: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  45. ↑ "Box score (Kentucky)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. October 31, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  46. ↑ Megargee, Steve (October 31, 2015). "Dobbs, big returns help Tennessee trounce Kentucky 52-21". Lexington, Kentucky: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  47. ↑ Michael Wayne Bratton (November 2, 2015). "Evan Berry named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week". Fox Sports. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  48. ↑ "Box score (South Carolina)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. November 7, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  49. ↑ Megargee, Steve (November 7, 2015). "Late fumble preserves Vols' 27-24 win over South Carolina". Knoxville, Tennessee: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  50. ↑ Football Central: Tennessee vs. South Carolina (click on Game Notes for PDF reference)
  51. ↑ "Box score (North Texas)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. November 14, 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  52. ↑ Megargee, Steve (November 14, 2015). "Kamara helps Tennessee blank North Texas 24-0". Knoxville, Tennessee: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Box score (Missouri)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. November 21, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  54. ↑ Fallstrom, R. B. (November 21, 2015). "Tennessee beats Missouri 19–8, spoils Pinkel home finale". Columbia, Missouri: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Box score (Vanderbilt)". utsports.com. CBS Interactive. November 28, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  56. ↑ Megargee, Steve (November 28, 2015). "Dobbs, Hurd help Tennessee trounce Vanderbilt 53-28". Knoxville, Tennessee: AP Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
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