ATLANTA – Behind a career-high rushing performance from senior running back DeSean Bishop and a strong defensive effort, No. 18/18 Tennessee overcame an early deficit to defeat Georgia Tech, 45-24, Saturday night at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The Vols (2-0) reeled off 24 points after Georgia Tech took a 10-7 lead in the first quarter, pulling away for their fifth consecutive 2-0 start under head coach Josh Heupel.
Bishop led the way on the ground, rushing 20 times for a career-high 147 yards and two touchdowns. The senior scored on 17- and 29-yard runs as Tennessee’s rushing attack helped the Vols maintain control throughout the second half. As a team, the Big Orange rushed for 299 yards, marking the 37th time in the Heupel era it has gained 200-plus yards on the ground.
Atlanta native Ethan Davis opened the scoring for the second consecutive game, hauling in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Faizon Brandon on Tennessee’s first offensive possession. The touchdown capped a three-play, 63-yard drive and gave the Vols an early 7-0 advantage.
Georgia Tech answered with a 30-yard field goal from Aidan Birr before Elgin Sessions returned a blocked punt three yards for a touchdown, giving the Yellow Jackets a 10-7 lead late in the opening quarter.
Tennessee answered with a 32-yard field goal from Cooper Ranvier early in the second quarter before junior defensive back Dejuan Lane intercepted a screen pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown, giving Tennessee a 17-10 lead with 11:24 remaining in the first half.
The Vols extended their advantage later in the quarter when Brandon connected with junior wide receiver Braylon Staley for a 20-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. The touchdown was Staley’s first receiving score of the 2026 season and pushed Tennessee’s lead to 24-10.
Tennessee added to its advantage in the third quarter when Bishop capped an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown run, giving the Vols a 31-10 lead.
Georgia Tech answered with a touchdown, but the Vols put the game away in the fourth.
Bishop broke free for a 29-yard touchdown run with 4:25 remaining, extending Tennessee’s lead to 38-17. After Georgia Tech added another touchdown, Daune Morris provided the final blow, racing 47 yards for a touchdown with 1:30 remaining.
Sophomore defensive lineman Mariyon Dye recorded two solo sacks, giving him his first career multi-sack game, while senior linebacker Jeremiah Telander also came up with a key turnover, recording his second career interception with a leaping pick late in the second quarter to thwart a Georgia Tech scoring opportunity. Senior linebackers Amare Campbell and Arion Carter tied for the team lead with eight total tackles.
With the victory, Heupel moved into sixth place on Tennessee’s all-time wins list. His 47th victory as the Vols’ head coach moved him past Doug Dickey, who compiled a 46-15-4 record from 1964-69. Heupel now owns a 47-20 record at Tennessee since taking over the program in 2021.
Up Next
The Vols return to action next week at Neyland Stadium as they welcome Kennesaw State to Rocky Top. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
