Cornerback Bryce Thompson's three interceptions led to 13 first-half points for the Tennessee Volunteers in Saturday night's 30-7 homecoming victory over the mistake-prone UAB Blazers in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The sophomore's three picks were part of four early turnovers by the Blazers, and Tennessee (4-5) parlayed the mistakes into 20 points while building a 23-0 halftime advantage.

It was the first time in 22 years that a Tennessee defender recorded three interceptions in a game.

Jarrett Guarantano completed 13 of 21 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown, and Ty Chandler rushed 16 times for a game-high 85 yards and a score. Brent Cimaglia nailed three field goals, including a career-best 53-yarder that was the longest by a Tennessee kicker since 1995.

The Vols improved to 5-0 all-time against UAB.

The Blazers (6-2) struggled behind quarterback Tyler Johnston III, who was 11 of 22 for 136 yards but tossed three interceptions and lost a fumble. He was injured and removed from the game in the fourth quarter.

Much improved after a dismal 1-4 start, Tennessee forced an interception on the game's first play from scrimmage to bring the Neyland Stadium crowd alive.

Thompson's pick and 23-yard return put the ball at the UAB 19, and Cimaglia drilled a 36-yard field goal four plays later for a 3-0 lead.

Guarantano, who had surgery on his non-throwing hand last Sunday, replaced starter J.T. Shrout after one passing attempt and led the Vols 56 yards into scoring range. Cimaglia then launched his second field goal from 48 yards to make it 6-0 with 4:44 left in the opening quarter.

After Thompson's second interception of Johnston, Cimaglia boomed another home from 53 yards at 13:38 of the second for a 9-0 lead.

Tennessee produced its third turnover -- a recovery of Johnston's fumble by defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon -- and first touchdown on Chandler's 11-yard run.

Thompson snared his third pick of Johnston two UAB series later, and wide receiver Jauan Jennings rushed in from 2 yards for a 23-0 edge.

Running back Eric Gray scored his first career TD in the third quarter on a 13-yard reception to cap an 11-play, 74-yard drive.

With just over two minutes to play, backup quarterback Dylan Hopkins flipped a swing pass to Lucious Stanley, who rumbled 15 yards as the Blazers avoided the shutout.

--Field Level Media