Atlanta --Tennessee exploded for 22 points in the opening quarter, the highest scoring first quarter for the Vols since 2000, and then hung on for crucial win to kick off 2012, dispatching NC State 35-21 in the Georgia Dome.

Cordarrelle Patterson was dazzling in his debut, scoring a pair of first quarter touchdowns on huge plays. On the Vols' second drive of the night Patterson blew by NC State All-American corner and hauled in a 41-yard score. Two possessions later Patterson jetted through the NC State defense on a 67-yard run off a reverse.

Patterson finished the night with six catches for 93 yards and one touchdown receiving to go along with 94 yards and a touchdown on two carries. Justin Hunter, in his first game back from injury, finished with nine catches for 73 yards.


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