The Tennessee Vols were surprisingly without starting center Sam Pendleton in Week 1 against Furman.

Sophomore Nic Moore started in Pendleton’s place.

After the game, Vols head coach Josh Heupel seemed to suggest that Pendleton was dealing with an injury.

“He just went through warm-ups and ultimately made a decision (to not play him),” said Heupel. “Expect him to be ready to go next week.”

It turns out that Pendleton’s absence was because he was suspended for the opener.

The Knoxville News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks reported on Tuesday that Pendleton was charged with driving under the influence in May. He has a court date in November.

“Tennessee football center Sam Pendleton was arrested in May on charges of driving under the influence, according to a Knoxville police report obtained by Knox News, resulting in his suspension for the Vols’ season-opening game against Furman,” wrote Sparks. “Police said Pendleton, 21, lost control of his SUV on Interstate 40 and ended up off the highway. He appeared unsteady on his feet, failed a field sobriety test and smelled of alcohol, the police report said.”

Tennessee confirmed to Sparks that Pendleton was suspended for the Furman game.

The expectation is that Pendleton will be back in the starting lineup on Saturday night against Georgia Tech.