40 years ago: Tennessee vs Alabama 1983

[Pride85]

Did ya'll catch the orange mascot for TN at the very end of that video (in the back of the end zone)? I guess it was an orange Smokey? Never seen that before.

Here is what I found on the TN Sports site:
Smokey Costume


Although the first Smokey costume that resembled the bluetick coonhound himself debuted at halftime of the September 4, 1982, Vols football game against Duke University, Tennessee lost by one point, 25-24. In the 1960s and 1970s, a homemade orange-and-white Smokey costume with a UT on its belly was used.

They had that version of smokey my entire time in the band in the 80's. Very goofy looking as the only redeeming quality was the color.

 

[WillisWG]

Recall Lindsay Nelson's CBS call on a Johnny Jones touchdown run against the commode-doors: "Johnny Jones, Johnny Jones...JOHNNY JONES!" It was indeed glorious.

It's on YouTube but disabled

 

[onevol74]

He's still one of my all time favorites

Mine too!

 

[volfeeva]

The losses to Tenn was helpful in driving Bryant into retirement. Maybe we could do the same thing to Saten

 

[orangefloyd]

TENNESSEE, TRAILING BY 27-17, UPSETS ALABAMA, 41-34 (Published 1983)

It wasn’t an upset.

 

[peaygolf]

He's still one of my all time favorites

Almost quit two weeks before the '83 Bama game..........dad talked him out of it.

 

[peaygolf]

It wasn’t an upset.

Bama was ranked #11. UT wasn't ranked

 

[dphil5163]

That was the last game that I saw in person in Neyland Stadium.

That was my very first at Neyland. And Bear’s last.

 

[Tin Man]

It wasn’t an upset.

It was the New York Times reporting on the Tennessee Volunteers defeating Alabama. Yes, even the NYT considered it newsworthy.

 

[vegasvolfan]

Tennessee had defeated Alabama for the first time in over a decade at home the year before and torn down the goal posts in an act of jubilation. They would go into the game vs Alabama as an underdog, but proceed to run and throw the football all over Alabama’s defense for a decisive Volunteer victory, 41-34. Hmmm…

And this is on its way: University of Tennessee announces plans for Neyland Entertainment District

 

[StarRaider]

He's still one of my all time favorites

I remember that old blue Ford truck that he drove around campus

 

[StarRaider]

These go to eleven.

Pay these prices..... and pay...... NO MORE

 

[Savannahbayvol]

Johnny Jones dynamic touchdown run!

One of the great play calls in UT history. Cockrell caught the Turd in a blitz to the wrong side and all JJ needed was a block from Lenny Taylor on the CB. The rest is history.

 

[NeverWe'llSever]

It was the New York Times reporting on the Tennessee Volunteers defeating Alabama. Yes, even the NYT considered it newsworthy.

I might be in the minority, but I would really like to see us wear the orange pants against Bama. The more orange vs them, the better!

 

[BigOrangePhoenix]

TENNESSEE, TRAILING BY 27-17, UPSETS ALABAMA, 41-34 (Published 1983)

Terribly worded article. That is high school level.

 

[Tin Man]

Terribly worded article. That is high school level.

Yes, and the NYT.

 

[WillisWG]

Almost quit two weeks before the '83 Bama game..........dad talked him out of it.

Hadn't heard that, darn glad he didn't

 

[JohnWardForever]

Terribly worded article. That is high school level.

I clicked and they wanted me to agree to new terms, so I passed. But back in 1983 one would think the writing would be stellar. (NYT sucks anyhow) Bet the KNS was an excellent read!

 

[72 KPT VOL]

My wife and I were at all four of the four straight wins over Bama from 1982 thru 1985. 82 was huge in Neyland as it ended a 11 year bad streak. Was Bear’s last year coaching. He died in less than two months after retiring. 83 was big win over Bama as we came from behind in 2nd half to win in Birmingham. At that time Vols played Auburn and Bama each year…one in Neyland and the other in Birmingham. 83 team was first Vol team to get 9 wins and end up ranked in some polls Under Majors. Was Reggie White’s senior beast year. Had a great time at all three wins at Bama…in Birmingham in 83 and 85 and at Tuscaloosa in 99.

 

[Boca Vol]

View attachment 564999

Checkout those ticket prices.

That, right there, is VolNation Hall of Fame material! I was in section W Row 41 for that game. Don't have the stubs, though. Well done!

 

[WillisWG]

That, right there, is VolNation Hall of Fame material! I was in section W Row 41 for that game. Don't have the stubs, though. Well done!

Great memories. 6 of us that day, one of our group escorted 1 of the uprights to the LongBranch...it was a very long night of partying