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Halftime Quick Take: Justin Worley looks impressive, Pearson injured in solid 1st half
By Jason Hall
Published:
Justin Worley needed to have another big game this weekend. Thus far, he’s done just that.
Worley ended the first half with 206 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-24 passing, helping Tennessee jump out to a 24-12 lead over Arkansas State at halftime. He also found the end zone on a 5-yard quarterback keeper with 1:20 remaining in the 2nd quarter.
Von Pearson led Tennessee’s receivers with 71 yards on four catches, including a 56-yard first down on the Vols’ second drive. However, the JUCO All-American transfer took an awkward fall blocking on a Pig Howard reception in the second and his return is doubtful. Following the injury, Pearson received medical attention on the sidelines and needed crutches to walk back to the locker room.
Marquez North made an early impact as well with 54 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. The human highlight reel provided plenty of exciting catches and will likely see even more targets in Pearson’s absence.
Jalen Hurd recorded his first career rushing touchdown on a 4-yard run in the 1st quarter. Hurd currently has 27 yards on nine carries, while marlin Lane has 28 on five attempts.
For Arkansas State, dual-threat quarterback Fredi Knighten has provided the Tennessee defense with fits. Knighten has 81 yards and a touchdown on 10-of-14 passing, while also recoding 53 yards and a touchdown on eight rushing attempts.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
