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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Vols’ first game in Knoxville of the season is a win, with Tennessee beating ETSU 72-17.
In the opening quarter, the Vols secured three touchdowns and a field goal, as the second quarter almost concluded with an ETSU shutout. By halftime, the Vols were leading 48-7, with quarterback Joey Aguilar steering the team.
In the third quarter, the Vols introduced redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Merklinger. Although this quarter seemed to be more of a challenge, the Vols added two additional touchdowns, while the Bucs managed to score a field goal, bringing the total to 62-10.
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Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws a pass over East Tennessee State defensive lineman Brian Alston (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) makes a catch for a touchdown over East Tennessee State defensive backs Jason Duclona (2) and Kensly Johnson (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews (4) makes a touchdown catch in the endzone over ETSU defensive back Jason Duclona during (2) and Tennessee wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. (1) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis) -
Tennessee tight end Jack Van Dorselaer (3) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel looks to throw a pass before an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar looks to throw a pass before an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) warms up before an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) looks to throw a pass before an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) warms up before an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, center, throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) catches a touchdown pass in the end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee wide receiver Braylon Staley (14) tries to get past East Tennessee State defensive back Kensly Johnson (12) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee place-kicker Max Gilbert (90) kicks a field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee punt returner Boo Carter (23) is tackled by East Tennessee State punter Nate Brackett (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel looks onto the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee running back Star Thomas (9) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Tennessee State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee running back Star Thomas, center, is tackled by East Tennessee State defensive back Jimmy Bowdry (5) and defensive back Jason Duclona (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) passes as defensive lineman Ki’Shawn Harvey defends during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) passes against ETSU during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis) -
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) passes as defensive lineman Ki’Shawn Harvey defends during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
As the fourth quarter began with a Tennessee field goal and an ETSU touchdown, freshman George MacIntyre stepped in as quarterback for the Vols. Subsequently, the Vols scored another touchdown, and ETSU obtained another field goal, concluding the game at 72-17.
UP NEXT: The Vols stay in Knoxville next weekend, facing Georgia at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13.
