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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 first quarter, the Vols found three touch downs and a field goal, with second quarter nearly ending with an ETSU shut out. By halftime, the Vols led 48-7 with quarterback Joey Aguilar leading the Vols.
In the third, the Vols brought in redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Merklinger. While the quarter appeared to be a bit of a tougher battle, the Vols picked up two more touchdowns, while the Bucs snagged a field goal, bringing the score 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)
After the first play of the fourth getting underway with a Tennessee field foal and ETSU touch down, the Vols had freshman George MacIntyre take over as quarterback. From there, the Vols picked up another touchdown, and ETSU snagged another punt to round out 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.
