Tennessee’s kicker was hit with a cheap shot on Saturday.
During the Volunteers’ 56-24 blowout win against Alabama-Birmingham, Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert had his foot stomped on by an opposing player after nailing an extra point late in the first quarter.
While players were jogging off the field after the kick, Blazers safety Sirad Bryant appeared to intentionally stomp on Gilbert’s foot as they walked past each other.
Bryant, a redshirt senior and transfer from Georgia Tech, was then chased down by Gilbert’s teammates, including Tennessee’s placeholder.
The brutal blow was met with numerous penalty flags from officials shortly after, with Bryant assessed a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
It is unclear what Bryant’s motives were behind the stomp, but it might have stemmed from frustration as Gilbert’s extra point gave the Volunteers a 21-point lead.
Additionally, Alabama-Birmingham cornerback Donald Lee was ejected for targeting on the Blazers’ first punt of the game.
“I’ve seen an Instagram video of it, I’m not happy with it,” UAB coach Trent Dilfer told reporters after the game when asked about the Bryant penalty. “I want to get the full video of it, and he will be disciplined because of it.”
Saturday’s game was expectedly lopsided in favor of the No. 15-ranked Volunteers, with quarterback Joey Aguilar throwing for 218 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
“I’m still learning how to play fast,” Aguilar told reporters after the game. “It’s been a big adjustment for me. We’re still growing (as an offense). We can get better.”
Aguilar, 24, has thrown for at least 200 passing yards in all of his 28 career NCAA starts, which is currently the longest active streak in the FBS.
“Joey, what I love about him is that whether it is good play, bad play, good series, bad series, he has the same demeanor coming off the sideline he goes and approaches the next play the same way,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said after Saturday’s game.
“He is aggressive, but playing smart football.”