Tennessee rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to streak past Virginia Tech, 45-24, in the Battle at Bristol, in front of an estimated 150,000 fans at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Volunteers (2-0) looked shellshocked in the first quarter, giving up two Hokies touchdowns before the UT offense could even register a first down.
A fumble on a bad snap deep in Tech territory set up the Vols for Joshua Dobbs-to-Jauan Jennings 5-yard TD pass 17 seconds into the second quarter, and the momentum of the game shifted after that quick sequence.
Tennessee went into halftime up 24-14, and extended the lead to 31-14 midway through the third quarter on a Dobbs-to-Alvin Kamara 23-yard touchdown pass.
The game would not get closer than 14 points thereafter.
Turnovers were the story of the game. Virginia Tech lost five fumbles on the night.
The Hokies (1-1) outgained Tennessee 400-330. Jerrod Evans was 20-for-28 passing for 214 yards and a touchdown, and Travon McMillian ran for 127 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.