It was all smiles for the Tennessee Vols in their first road game of the season. That’s the case when you go on the road and come away with a 45-24 win where you led the majority of the game by double digits.

Well, mostly smiles. There were plenty of moments where Tennessee kept themselves from completely overwhelming the Yellow Jackets. Jackson Ross taking too long on a punt that was blocked for a touchdown was a glaring one.

But Tennessee’s 14 penalties for 142 yards was another major one. Although the Vols overcame those penalties to win going away, it’s something that will kill them in a close game against a better opponent at some point this season. That’s a staggering amount of self-inflicted wounds.

Tennessee committed 14 penalties for 142 yards in 45-24 win over Georgia Tech.

There were plenty of culprits and moments to go around. Tennessee committed two false starts in the second quarter on their 14-play field goal drive to tie the game at 10. The second backed third-and-8 to third-and-13. The Vols didn’t convert and had to settle for a field goal.

Tennessee also had six penalties in the fourth quarter, and five of them were of the fifteen-yard variety. Defensive back Tim Merritt drew three flags on Georgia Tech’s final scoring drive, all for pass interference, so that’s certainly a rough stretch.

Heupel mentioned the issues with penalties and excution during his opening statement in his postgame press conference.

“Obviously, there’s a bunch of things to clean up. Special teams early. Offensively, some of the penalties that changed the way the game was played. Defensively, a lot of really solid things. And then second half, not up to the standard. Certainly in the fourth quarter, penalties, just not very good. And that’s multiple phases of the game. So, disappointed in that, but I’ve also learned and understand that you better appreciate every win too.”

Tennessee certainly outclassed Georgia Tech, and they were able to overcome those errors in that situation. But the Vols have one non-conference game left — against Kennesaw State next Saturday — before SEC play gets underway against the likely new No. 1 team in the nation in Texas on Sept. 26, who defeated Ohio State 24-23 in comeback fashion on Saturday night. 14 penalties for 142 yards almost certainly will get Tennessee beat in that game and many others this year.

It’s always nice to win, but if Tennessee repeats that sloppy formula during SEC play, the result certainly won’t be as happy of one for Vol fans.