NASHNILLE — Coach Mike Mularkey does not believe in cushions after seeing too many of them disappear during his NFL career but his Tennessee Titans side built an impressive one in a 36-22 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday.
Tennessee (4-4) scored on its last five possessions of the first half to take a 27-0 lead into the break.
“When we came out at the half, it was the full game plan. Nothing was going to change because I’ve been around long enough to know: Don’t get comfortable,” Mularkey said.
Marcus Mariota, who completed 18 of 22 passes with two touchdowns, looked comfortable, passing for 270 yards, and DeMarco Murray rushed for 123 yards.
“I think today was probably the first time all three phases played a complete game, and you know what, that’s all you can really ask for,” Mariota said.
Tennessee moved a half-game behind the Houston Texans (4-3) in the AFC South.
The loss puts more pressure on Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, who fell to 14-41 in his fourth season. Jacksonville (2-5) began the season with high expectations due to an improved roster.
He downplayed the scrutiny on his job status.
“No, I worry about this team and why did we perform like that in the first half and figuring out, ‘OK, how can we get it right?’“ Bradley said. “There’s always solutions.”
It was a rare home win for Mariota, who improved to 3-8 at Nissan Stadium.
Murray rushed for one touchdown on 21 carries.
Jacksonville’s Blake Bortles completed 33 of 54 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns.
Virginia Tech holds off Pittsburgh
Jerod Evans shook off a right ankle injury to throw for a career-high 406 yards and two touchdowns and lead No. 25 Virginia Tech to a 39-36 victory over Pittsburgh in college football Thursday.
Joey Slye tied a school and Atlantic Coach Conference record by kicking six field goals and Isaiah Ford’s 10 receptions included his school-record 23rd receiving touchdown as the Hokies beat the Panthers on the road for the first time in 17 years.
Evans left briefly in the third quarter after injuring his right leg, but returned to overwhelm one of the nation’s worst pass defenses.
Bucky Hodges caught six passes for 145 yards and a touchdown and Cam Phillips added 109 yards receiving as Virginia Tech all but ended Pitt’s hopes of an ACC Coastal Division title.
James Conner ran for 141 yards and three touchdowns for the Panthers. — Agencies
