KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE -- Tennessee coach Derek Dooley got the intensity he wanted from his defense Saturday early in a 135-play scrimmage but they gave up big plays later.
Linebacker Daryl Vereen had seven tackles and one of six sacks on defense the Volunteers. LaMarcus Thompson had five tackles. Corey Miller had a forced fumble, one tackle-for-loss and a blocked field goal.
The offense was still able to put together an impressive night. Matt Simms was 11-of-22 for 235 yards and three touchdowns, including a 64-yard pass to freshman Justin Hunter. Hunter had five catches for 128 yards to lead all receivers. Tyler Bray was 16-of-28 for 246 yards. Neither quarterback has thrown an interception in the first two scrimmages of the fall.
Running backs Tauren Poole and David Oku were able to keep up their good play. Poole had eight rushes for 44 yards, including a 25-yard run. Oku carried the ball seven times for 65 yards and scored from 34 yards out on a screen. Senior receiver Gerald Jones scored on a 33-yard reverse.
The Vols begin their season in three weeks at home against Tennessee-Martin on Sept. 4.