Rocky Stopped: Panthers Power Past Volunteers 38-30

Rocky Stopped: Panther Power Past Volunteers 38-30

A program defining win indeed! The Panthers went into Knoxville and showed that they could put 2018 behind them in a big way. Tra Barnett and Dan Ellington ran all over the Volunteers. Barnett had 95 yards as well as picking up a rushing touchdown, while Ellington rushed for 61 yards and had a score of his own. Seth Paige added 40 rushing yards and scored the first of three Panther rushing touchdowns. The team ran for over 200 yards, and largely rushed the ball at will against the Volunteers. Not the most efficient performance by Ellington through the air, he completed 11 of his 24 passing attempts for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Cornelius McCoy appeared to be Ellington’s preferred target, securing three catches for 43 yards and finding the end zone on a beautiful 17-yard strike from Ellington. 

The defense picked up three turnovers by forcing two fumbles and picking off a Jarrett Guarantano pass. The final scoreboard will show the Panthers gave up 30 points, seven of which were scored by the Volunteers when the game was out of reach. Victor Heyward, Evan Jones, Hardrick Willis and Ed Curney all picked up sacks, with Curney leading the Panther defense with eight tackles. The front seven made Guarantano uncomfortable, and consistently brought pressure throughout the second half. The defense held the Vols to under 93 rushing yards, and Guarantano never looked quite comfortable, despite throwing for over 300 yards.

The Panthers host Furman next week at home on Saturday, September 7 at 7pm.

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