University of Tennessee
2-0 , 0-0
NC State
1-1 , 0-0
Sampson, #14/12 Vols Run Wild in Duke’s Mayo Classic
September 07, 2024 | Football
Sampson amassed 132 yards on 20 carries, scoring twice on the ground. It marked his second consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards and multiple touchdowns. Additionally, he added three catches for 37 yards, finishing with a game-high 169 all-purpose yards. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native has now rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games, dating to the 2024 Citrus Bowl win against Iowa.
Tennessee (2-0) notched its ninth win over a ranked opponent under head coach Josh Heupel and improved to 4-1 against ACC opponents during his tenure. Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava was impressive, completing 16-of-23 pass attempts for 211 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 65 yards and adding another score on the ground.
Tight end Miles Kitselman pulled down three receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown—his first at the FBS level. Fellow tight end Holden Staes also contributed with his first touchdown reception as a Vol, an 18-yard catch from Iamaleava in the fourth quarter.
The Vols started strong, with Sampson finishing a nine-play, 62-yard drive with a nine-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. NC State briefly closed the gap with a 24-yard field goal by Kanoah Vinesett, but Tennessee responded with a 32-yard field goal from freshman kicker Max Gilbert, followed by defensive back Will Brooks' 85-yard interception return for a touchdown—the first of his career.
As the first half wound down, Gilbert added a 45-yard field goal to give Tennessee a 20-7 lead at halftime. The second half began with Iamaleava connecting with Kitselman for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Gilbert added another field goal after a Wolfpack fumble, and Iamaleava scored on a 31-yard run to extend the Vols' lead to 37-3.
NC State (1-1) managed a lone touchdown in the third quarter with an 87-yard interception return, but Sampson and Staes added fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal Tennessee's 51-10 victory.
Tennessee's defense was dominant, limiting NC State to just 143 total yards— the fewest allowed under Heupel—and forcing three turnovers. Linebacker Keenan Pili and defensive linemen Bryson Eason and Omari Thomas each recorded four tackles, while the defense accumulated 13 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Team Stats
TEN 7, NCS 0
TEN - Sampson,Dylan 9 yd run (Gilbert,Max kick), 9 plays, 62 yards, TOP 04:10
TEN 7, NCS 3
NCS - Vinesett,Kanoah 24 yd field goal 6 plays, 40 yards, TOP 02:30
TEN 10, NCS 3
TEN - Gilbert,Max 32 yd field goal 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 02:31
TEN 17, NCS 3
TEN - Brooks,Will 85 yd interception (Gilbert,Max kick)
TEN 20, NCS 3
TEN - Gilbert,Max 45 yd field goal 6 plays, 18 yards, TOP 01:44
TEN 27, NCS 3
TEN - Kitselman,Miles 15 yd pass from Iamaleava,Nico (Gilbert,Max kick) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:33
TEN 30, NCS 3
TEN - Gilbert,Max 36 yd field goal 4 plays, 5 yards, TOP 01:40
TEN 37, NCS 3
TEN - Iamaleava,Nico 31 yd run (Gilbert,Max kick), 3 plays, 34 yards, TOP 00:43
TEN 37, NCS 10
NCS - White,Aydan 87 yd interception (Vinesett,Kanoah kick)
TEN 44, NCS 10
TEN - Sampson,Dylan 34 yd run (Gilbert,Max kick), 5 plays, 60 yards, TOP 03:13
TEN 51, NCS 10
TEN - Staes,Holden 18 yd pass from Iamaleava,Nico (Gilbert,Max kick) 5 plays, 34 yards, TOP 02:58
