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Tennessee defeats Syracuse to open 2025 football season
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- Tennessee defeats Syracuse to open 2025 football season
No. 18 Tennessee (1-0 ) defeated Syracuse (0-1), 45-26, Saturday in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Vols led, 31-14, at halftime after scoring the first 17 points in the contest.
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Tennessee scored on its first possession and led, 3-0, after kicker Max Gilbert converted a 34-yard field goal with 12 minutes, 46 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The Vols extend their advantage to, 10-0, after Peyton Lewis scored on a three-yard run.
Tennessee scored a defensive touchdown after Colton Hood recovered a fumble and returned it 22 yards with 56 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
After the Orange scored, Tennessee responded when Joey Aguilar , making his debut for the Vols, completed a 73-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Staley with 11:14 remaining in the second quarter. He completed 16-of-28 passing attempts for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while totaling 34 rushing yards on six attempts.
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Star Thomas led Tennessee in rushing with 12 attempts for 92 yards. He also recorded one touchdown reception.
Chris Brazzell II totaled five receptions for 62 yards. Miles Kitselman also scored one touchdown reception.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Vols defeat Syracuse to open 2025 football season
