The Tennessee Volunteers struck early and often as they cruised to a 41-10 victory over Buffalo on Saturday afternoon inside Neyland Stadium.
"We did what we needed to do,” Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley said. “It was a good win. This team has played every team they've played close, and they didn't today. Now we turn our attention to what lies ahead."
After holding the Buffalo offense to a three and out, the Tennessee offense found the endzone when Rajon Neal scored on a 20-yard run with 11:58 left in the first. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray got his first touchdown of the game when he hit Da’Rick Rogers for a seven yard touchdown.
After Buffalo’s Chazz Anderson escaped for a 68-yard touchdown run, the Bulls picked up a loose ball on the ensuing kickoff. However, the UT defense held strong and the Bulls missed a field goal to come away empty handed.
That took away any momentum that Buffalo had built as UT put up 17 unanswered points to take a 31-7 lead into the locker room at half time as DeAnthony Arnett and Rogers were on the receiving end of Bray touchdown passes and Michael Palardy added a 28-yard field goal.
In the second half, Arnett caught an eight yard touchdown pass and Palardy added another 28-yard field goal.
Bray ended the game 21-30 for 342 yards and four touchdowns, while Rogers caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns to help fill the void left by Justin Hunter’s injury during the Florida game.
In addition to Rogers, the Volunteers got production from a trio of other receivers, including the freshman Arnett.
"He had two touchdowns, but I think he dropped one,” Dooley said. “They couldn't see it on the replay, so I'm going to give him credit for that second one. He's doing okay. He wasn't very active in the slot, but we didn't need him to be. Da'Rick had a big day. If Da'Rick can't catch for 180, somebody is going to have to make up for it. We've got to get these yards, but 342 passing is a big number, and I like their attempts." 
The game against Buffalo was also the debut of Knoxville native Devrin Young in the return game. Young returned the first punt 43 yards and then returned the second half kickoff 34 yards.
"I hope he can continue to do that,” Dooley said. “It was good to get a little energy going in the return game and hopefully that will energize the guys blocking. But, he put the ball on the ground, too. So, y'all know why now I had him carrying the ball all week. Didn't help, but maybe it did. Maybe he would have fumbled five. It was kind of a good `get your feet wet,' and then we'll see how we can progress."
Now, the Vols turn their attention back to SEC action, which resumes on Saturday against Georgia. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Neyland Stadium.
