Mike Matthews Scores Rushing Touchdown for Tennessee
The Volunteers wide receiver scored on a Wildcat formation play to help Tennessee secure a halftime lead against South Carolina.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Football
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews recorded his first rushing touchdown of the 2026 season during a game against South Carolina in Columbia. The play helped the No. 11 ranked Volunteers overcome a deficit to take a 21-17 lead into halftime.
Why it matters
The score proved pivotal as Tennessee rallied from an early 14-0 disadvantage to regain momentum before the break. Matthews performance provided a versatile boost to the offense during a critical SEC matchup.
Matthews logged his first rushing score of the year on a 2nd-and-goal play from the 8-yard line after recording 24 yards on two receptions. The effort helped erase a 17-14 deficit to establish a four-point halftime advantage.
The players
Mike Matthews
He is a wide receiver for the Tennessee football team who is primarily known for his receiving production.
Tennessee Volunteers
They are the college football team currently ranked 11th in the nation.
South Carolina Gamecocks
They are the collegiate football team representing the University of South Carolina in the SEC.
The details
Matthews took the snap out of a Wildcat formation and carried the ball to the right side to reach the end zone. The touchdown marked a departure from his usual receiving role, where he has accumulated three touchdown catches this season.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Tennessee played South Carolina in Columbia.
Season Trajectory
This performance reinforces the offensive flexibility of the No. 11 ranked Volunteers as they navigate a challenging conference schedule. The ability to deploy receivers in rushing situations adds a layer of unpredictability that impacts the team's standing in the playoff hunt.
Matthews' first rushing touchdown of the year signals that Tennessee is expanding his usage beyond traditional receiving routes. Fantasy managers should note this increased red-zone involvement as it potentially impacts his total scoring opportunities moving forward.
The takeaway
Versatile play-calling can often be the difference when a team struggles to overcome an early-game deficit. Coaches frequently utilize non-traditional formations to disrupt defensive rhythm when standard passing schemes are stalled.
Further reading
For more on the team's performance, visit Football.
