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Watch: Joey Aguilar 73 Yard Strike To Braylon Staley In The First Half Against Syracuse

Joey Aguilar finds Braylon Staley for the play of the half vs Syracuse
Najeh Wilkins|
Aug 30, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Tennessee Volunteers

The Tennessee offense has been clicking on all cylinders against Syracuse in the first half, putting up 31 points. They even got a defensive touchdown on a fumble returned for a touchdown by Colton Hood. Nonetheless, the Tennessee offense has been dynamite, garnering 336 yards of total offense in a half. An early telling stat is that the Volunteers are averaging 8.8 yards per play, which is incredible to see. That means Tennessee is nearly getting close to a first down on every play and continuing to carve the Syracuse defense.

Here is a look at the elite throw from Joey Aguilar to Braylon Staley

Aguilar has thrown for 179 yards and a touchdown so far in the game. He’s been impressive with his effort on the ground as well, especially his 25-yard scamper earlier in the game for the Vols, showcasing that he is more than just a pocket passer. Aguilar is getting more and more comfortable in the offense and has done a good job of protecting the football besides the lost fumble from earlier. If you take away some of the drops, he has an even better stat line and a better completion percentage.

On the touchdown catch, Staley showed just how much improved he is as a route runner. He faked like he was going outside for a potential corner route, but instead he went inside for a deep post and completely left his defender behind and torched him in 1 on 1 coverage. Staley has slept on speed and will be a big playmaker for the Vols this season. In the first half, he has two catches for 87 yards, including the 73-yard touchdown.  

Make sure to watch the rest of the game on ESPN as Tennessee looks to move to 1-0 on the season.

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Najeh Wilkins
NAJEH WILKINS

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