Tennessee running back Peyton Lewis (27) celebrates a touchdown with offensive lineman Jackson Lampley, and wide receiver Bru McCoy (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against UTEP, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (Wade Payne | AP)

UTEP's best hope at Tennessee was that the Volunteers would be so hungover from last week's loss to Georgia that they would forget all about the Miners. If that was the plan, it worked perfectly for a first quarter that saw some sensational UTEP defense and an all-around inspired effort everywhere except for typically dismal special teams.

Tennessee leads UTEP after the first half concludes and the teams enter the locker room. The Tennessee Volunteers and UTEP Miners are through a full half of their contest with the Vols ahead 28-0. Tennessee would start slow in the first quarter as they would be forced to punt multiple times.