The anticipation was palpable. Coming off a gut-wrenching overtime loss, the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers were ready to prove a point. Across the field stood the UAB Blazers, a determined program with a reputation for toughness under head coach Trent Dilfer. The stage was set at a sold-out Neyland Stadium for the highly-anticipated UAB vs Tennessee match highlights 2025.
The outcome was a resounding statement from the Vols. In a dominant performance, Tennessee overwhelmed UAB on both sides of the ball, cruising to a 56-24 victory. But this wasn’t just a simple box score win; it was a masterclass in offensive execution and defensive grit that showcased why the Volunteers are a force to be reckoned with this season.
This deep dive into the UAB vs Tennessee match highlights 2025 will break down the key moments, star performances, and what this game means for both teams moving forward.
A First-Quarter Blitz: How Tennessee Set the Tone
From the opening kickoff, Tennessee’s offense looked like a team possessed. Quarterback Joey Aguilar, playing with a newfound confidence, led the charge. The Vols’ up-tempo, no-huddle scheme left the UAB defense scrambling to keep up, resulting in quick, decisive scores that put the game out of reach early.
- Opening Drive Statement: The Vols wasted no time, marching down the field on their first possession. Aguilar capped the drive with a crisp 19-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Chris Brazzell II, immediately igniting the orange-clad crowd.
- Explosive Plays: Just two plays later on their next possession, Aguilar connected with sophomore receiver Mike Matthews for a 39-yard touchdown. The rapid-fire scoring gave Tennessee a 14-0 lead with over 11 minutes still left in the first quarter.
- Defensive Pressure: While the offense was scoring at will, Tennessee’s defense was busy forcing UAB into three-and-outs. This symbiotic relationship between offense and defense ensured the Blazers couldn’t gain any momentum.
By the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard read 21-0, a deficit that proved impossible for UAB to overcome. These UAB vs Tennessee match highlights 2025 were all about Tennessee’s speed and efficiency from the get-go.
The Ground Game Takes Over
While Aguilar’s arm provided the early fireworks, the true foundation of Tennessee’s victory was a punishing and multifaceted running attack. The Vols’ running back committee proved to be an unstoppable force, wearing down the Blazers’ defensive line with a relentless series of powerful runs.
In a stunning display, Tennessee’s running backs accounted for 235 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. According to the official postgame notes from the University of Tennessee Athletics, the team held UAB to just 23 rushing yards for the entire game, a record low allowed under head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks. This statistic alone highlights the incredible disparity in the trenches.
Let’s look at the standout performances:
- DeSean Bishop: The sophomore running back was a human wrecking ball, rushing for 59 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. He showed power and a nose for the end zone.
- Peyton Lewis: Lewis was the big-play threat, breaking free for an 81-yard performance on 11 carries, including a beautiful 32-yard touchdown run.
- Star Thomas: A versatile weapon, Thomas added a rushing touchdown and a key receiving touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat abilities.
This commitment to the run game not only secured the victory but also sent a clear message that the Volunteers’ offense is one of the most balanced and dangerous in college football.
UAB’s Second-Half Resilience
Despite the lopsided score, the UAB Blazers never quit. They showed flashes of offensive brilliance, primarily through the arm of quarterback Jalen Kitna. Kitna, a former SEC signal-caller, found success against a Vols secondary dealing with some injuries, throwing for an impressive 364 yards and two touchdowns.
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As UAB head coach Trent Dilfer put it in his postgame press conference, “They overwhelmed us early and we were just trying to compete the best we could.” While the Blazers were ultimately outmatched, their ability to move the ball in the second half and score 24 points is a testament to their grit and determination. UAB’s performance, particularly their passing game, offers a silver lining that could serve as a valuable building block for their upcoming conference schedule.
Unsung Heroes & Game-Changing Plays
The UAB vs Tennessee match highlights 2025 were filled with more than just offensive fireworks. Several key defensive and special teams plays shifted momentum and sealed the win.
- Defensive Score: Late in the third quarter, sophomore safety Kaleb Beasley scooped up a fumble forced by Boo Carter and returned it 23 yards for a defensive touchdown. This “scoop and score” was Tennessee’s second of the season, a statistic that underlines their newfound opportunistic defense.
- Special Teams Dominance: The Vols consistently won the field position battle, thanks in part to strong punts and effective kick returns.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Tennessee, this victory was a crucial stepping stone. It not only righted the ship after a tough loss but also provided valuable film and experience for their younger players. The offense proved it can dominate, and the defense showed it can be a brick wall against the run. Their momentum will be key as they head into a tough SEC slate.
For UAB, the game was a challenging non-conference test. While a loss is never the desired outcome, the Blazers can take valuable lessons from the experience. The impressive performance by their passing offense against a top-tier opponent is something to build on. They will now focus on their conference games with confidence that they have faced one of the best teams they will see all season.
The UAB vs Tennessee match highlights 2025 were a definitive showcase of Tennessee’s potential this season. The team’s ability to bounce back from a loss with such a dominant performance speaks volumes about their coaching and player leadership.
While UAB fought hard, the Volunteers’ superior talent and execution were simply too much to handle. This game will undoubtedly be remembered as a crucial turning point for Tennessee as they prepare for the meat of their schedule.
