Tennessee Turns Five Western Kentucky Turnovers Into 31 Points

Sep 7, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Justin Coleman (27) intercepts a pass by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Brandon Doughty (12) (not pictured) to score a touch down during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes a team’s best offense is its defense, to which the Tennessee Volunteers can attest through a quarter-and-change against Western Kentucky.

Despite gaining just 68 total yards of offense and completing two passes through the first quarter and into the opening moments of the second, the Vols built a 31-3 lead against Bobby Petrino’s WKU Hilltoppers on the strength of five turnovers.

The 31 points erased an initial 3-0 deficit, built 14-play, 55-yard WKU drive that spanned over seven minutes.

Justin Coleman and Cameron Sutton returned interceptions of Hilltopper quarterback Brandon Doughty into touchdowns for the Vols’ first two scores. Three subsequent turnovers deep in WKU territory were converted into a Michael Palardy field goal, and rushing touchdowns from Raijon Neal and Marlin Lane.

Tennessee’s ball-hawking is in stark contrast from last season, when the Vols forced just 17 takeaways the entire season.