KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee Vols are 2-0 after defeating Austin Peay Saturday in their home opener.

The Vols won 30-13.

A slow start saw the Big Orange tied with the Govs, 6-6, with just moments remaining in the first half. With just 15 ticks left in the second quarter, Vols quarterback Joe Milton carried the ball in for a six-yard score.

Tennessee held that 13-6 lead at the break.

In the second half, UT struck quickly, as Milton hit Ramel Keyton on a five-yard pitch-and-catch for a touchdown. A third Charles Campbell field goal of the day extended the lead to 23-6 later in the third quarter.

The visitors got it back to a ten-point game when Mike DiLiello hit Trey Goodman for a 52-yard score in the fourth quarter. However, Tennessee slammed the door shut less than a minute later, as Milton hooked up with McCallan Castles for a 43-yard TD.

A slow start for the starting UT quarterback turned into a 21-for-33 day, as he threw for 228 yards and two scores, while rushing for a touchdown, as well.

Jaylen Wright led the way on the ground, carrying the ball 13 times for 118 yards. Jabari Small also added eleven carries for 86 yards in the win.

On defense, six Tennessee defenders accounted for seven total sacks, including two from Aaron Beasley. Kamal Hadden also stood out in the secondary with three pass breakups and an interception.

The Vols (2-0) dip into SEC play next Saturday, as they travel to Florida to face the Gators at 7 p.m. ET.

The Tennessee Volunteers are hosting the Austin Peay Governors Saturday in Knoxville.

The Vols go into their first home game 1-0 after crushing the Virginia Cavaliers 49-13 last week in Nashville. The Governors have yet to find a victory in 2023; they lost to Southern Illinois in their season opener last week.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Saturday in Neyland Stadium. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+ and SEC Network+.

Saturday marks the home opener for the Vols, but they won’t be in Knoxville for long. On Sept. 16, the Vols head to Florida to play the Gators in their first conference matchup.