Tennessee defensive tackle Jaxson Moi suffered an upper body injury just a few plays into the Vols’ season opener against Syracuse Saturday afternoon. Moi did not return in the first half and is out for the rest of the game according to the Vol Network.
Starting cornerback Rickey Gibson also exited with an injury in the first half of the Syracuse game but it’s uncertain whether he will return according to the Vol Network.
Moi is one of Tennessee’s two starting defensive tackles along with Bryson Eason. The Vols’ clear third defensive tackle— Daevin Hobbs— suffered a foot injury in fall practice and will miss the first few games of the season.
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With Moi sidelined, Tennessee first turned to redshirt sophomore Nathan Robinson. Robinson played very well and stripped Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli, leading to a Colton Hood scoop-and-score. However, Robinson was also banged up late in the second quarter. His status is unclear.
Behind Robinson, redshirt junior Jamal Wallace and true freshman Ethan Utley also earned playing time. Strongside defensive end Dominic Bailey also slid to defensive tackle with either Tyre West or Tyree Weathersby playing at defensive end instead.
Tennessee leads 38-14 in the third quarter at the time of publication as the Vols are well on their way to a season opening victory. Stay tuned to RockyTopInsider.com all afternoon and night for complete coverage of the Vols’ season opener.
