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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Things seemed to go from bad to worse for Utah State in its first trip to Neyland Stadium to face the Tennessee Volunteers.
The Aggies suffered a humbling 38-7 loss in Tennessee, the second in SEC country in three years. There were flashes of good moments, but a lot of work for coaches and players to tinker as the team looks to reset for its home opener against Idaho State on Saturday.
At the start of the game, Volunteers and Aggies alike were just happy to see football on the brand-new SEC Network:
Packed House at @Neyland_Stadium to see @Vol_Football for the start of the 2014-2015 season. #Team118pic.twitter.com/y6Qx5ZIxHw — Vol Photos (@Vol_Photos) September 1, 2014
i mean, i still had a good time #USUvsTENN#AggiePridepic.twitter.com/shjXMCJMP5 — alex (@BiggRiver) September 1, 2014
And the matchup even featured prominently on social media.
Check out all the National Trending Topics: #USUvsTENN Go Big Orange Football Time In Tennessee #GoVolspic.twitter.com/Jb2fuj6snv — Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 31, 2014
Within moments, though, fans took notice of the rough start to the game.
Well #UtahState is shooting themselves in the foot badly. #Tennessee looks great and these freshman can play. #USUvsTENN — Drew Spevak (@DrewSpevak) August 31, 2014
Instead of a 4th down conversion, Aggies get stuffed for a loss #USUvsTENN — Eric Frandsen (@efrandsen) August 31, 2014
The misery wasn't confined to Utah State, either, despite the Aggies trailing 14-0 at halftime. When Tennessee missed its first field goal attempt of the year, even Vols fans chuckled.
The kick almost hit the #NotTop10 sign in the end zone. #USUvsTENN — Darian Daily (@whodeyturf) August 31, 2014
Some could only laugh at their team’s misfortune, or the new-look Tennessee team.
Our Vols are having a better first half than Lane Kiffin did. #USUvsTENN — Josh Thomas (@Joshthomastn) August 31, 2014
> I think I just Hurd the sound of a blowout. [\#USUvsTENN](https://twitter.com/hashtag/USUvsTENN?src=hash) > > — Matt Swaim (@mattswaim) [September 1, 2014](https://twitter.com/mattswaim/statuses/506256129228570625)
But it quickly turned into more bad than good for the Aggies.
Vols speed is making Keeton hurry. O-line ain't helping him either. #USUvsTENN — Bailey McMurdie (@baileymcmurdie) September 1, 2014
By the time Tennessee put up 38 points on the first play of the fourth quarter, the game was no longer in doubt.
Pearson just hit them with the old school Iverson behind the back to split the double team. Vols for six more #USUvsTENN — Kyle Battle (@KayBeeSports) September 1, 2014
> I know they're playing big boys from the SEC, but USU doesn't look very good. At all. [\#USUvsTENN](https://twitter.com/hashtag/USUvsTENN?src=hash) > > — Taylor Acton (@rtayloracton) [September 1, 2014](https://twitter.com/rtayloracton/statuses/506251972593614848)
> It went from bad to ugly to downright embarrassing. [\#USUvsTENN](https://twitter.com/hashtag/USUvsTENN?src=hash) > > — Jeff (@jeffipson) [September 1, 2014](https://twitter.com/jeffipson/statuses/506262114542305280)
