KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Joey Aguilar threw three touchdown passes and Tennessee raced to a 21–0 first-quarter lead on the way to a 56–24 win over UAB on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

Aguilar connected with Chris Brazzell II (19 yards) and Mike Matthews (39) less than two minutes apart to open the scoring, then hit Star Thomas on a 17-yard strike in the third. The Volunteers also pounded away on the ground behind DeSean Bishop (TD runs of 3 and 2 yards), Peyton Lewis (32-yard TD) and Thomas (1-yard TD). Cornerback Kaleb Beasley added a 23-yard fumble return late in the third to make it 56–10.

Tennessee finished with 235 rushing yards and 275 passing yards (510 total) and 28 first downs, converting 7 of 13 third downs. Aguilar went 15 of 22 for 218 yards with three scores; Lewis led the Vols with 81 rushing yards, while Bishop added 59.

UAB’s Jalen Kitna threw for 364 yards and two touchdowns, finding Brandon Hawkins Jr. from 30 yards in the second quarter and Kaleb Brown on a 61-yard strike late in the third. Jonah Delange hit a 45-yard field goal, and Isaiah Jacobsadded a 1-yard TD run with 48 seconds left. The Blazers were limited to 23 net rushing yards on 19 attempts and were sacked three times.

Attendance was 101,915. Tennessee led 42–7 at halftime and 56–17 after three.