Countdown to September 2nd vs UVA. (Top 150 Vols wins)

[Rifleman]

Jackie Walker pick 6. PSU had no chance.

 

[Tin Man]

Though I fully appreciate Tennessee’s two victories over Penn State, the Nitany Lions have won three bowl games vs the Vols since.

 

[peaygolf]

The ABC announcers were absolutely apoplectic.

PSU was scheduled for a return visit in mid-September of '72. After this loss, JoePa really didn't want any part of the Vols and started whining about having to play in such hot weather, his players weren't used to it, heat stroke, and so on. He leaned on the PSU Athletic Director who called Bob Woodruff to get out of the contract.

Neyland Stadium at this time did not have lights and so could not host night games.

Woodruff told him no, the game would be played as scheduled. When the other guy continued whining, Woodruff said, "OK, fine, we'll put up lights. Now shut up and play."

UT put up temporary lights and the the Vols dusted that Pussy Cat a** AGAIN.

You’ll see that game soon…..

 

[peaygolf]

57 days….

#57 - 51-33 vs #10 Georgia (2006)

The 4-1 #13 Vols traveled to Athens to face 5-0 Georgia. The Bulldogs had the nations best defense and an explosive offense, but things don’t always turn out they way one thinks.

Things started off terribly for UT, quickly falling behind 24-7, before a touchdown by Arian Foster right before halftime narrowed the margin to ten.

Erik Ainge began UT’s comeback early in the third quarter when he scored on a 1-yard run. By the end of the third quarter, Tennessee had trimmed the Bulldogs’ lead to 27-24 with a 37-yard field goal.

Over the final 15 minutes, Foster had a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, Ainge threw a 15-yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham and Tennessee’s Antonio Warlow returned a blocked punt for a score to complete the comeback win.

The 51 points were the second most ever scored against Georgia at home. The Vols moved up to #7 in the rankings, with a shot at a championship if things fell just right. Things started to derail a few weeks later, but on this particular Saturday in Georgia, everything was just right.

 

[joevol33]

57 days….

#57 - 51-33 vs #10 Georgia (2006)

The 4-1 #13 Vols traveled to Athens to face 5-0 Georgia. The Bulldogs had the nations best defense and an explosive offense, but things don’t always turn out they way one thinks.

Things started off terribly for UT, quickly falling behind 24-7, before a touchdown by Arian Foster right before halftime narrowed the margin to ten.

Erik Ainge began UT’s comeback early in the third quarter when he scored on a 1-yard run. By the end of the third quarter, Tennessee had trimmed the Bulldogs’ lead to 27-24 with a 37-yard field goal.

Over the final 15 minutes, Foster had a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, Ainge threw a 15-yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham and Tennessee’s Antonio Warlow returned a blocked punt for a score to complete the comeback win.

The 51 points were the second most ever scored against Georgia at home. The Vols moved up to #7 in the rankings, with a shot at a championship if things fell just right. Things started to derail a few weeks later, but on this particular Saturday in Georgia, everything was just right.

View attachment 561488

I got locked out of my pastors house during this game after we came back .

 

[Orange.]

You’ll see that game soon…..

Never doubted it.

 

[Orange.]

Though I fully appreciate Tennessee’s two victories over Penn State, the Nitany Lions have won three bowl games vs the Vols since.

You should start your own negative spin thread. This is "Top 150 Vols wins."

 

[Orange.]

57 days….

#57 - 51-33 vs #10 Georgia (2006)

The 4-1 #13 Vols traveled to Athens to face 5-0 Georgia. The Bulldogs had the nations best defense and an explosive offense, but things don’t always turn out they way one thinks.

Things started off terribly for UT, quickly falling behind 24-7, before a touchdown by Arian Foster right before halftime narrowed the margin to ten.

Erik Ainge began UT’s comeback early in the third quarter when he scored on a 1-yard run. By the end of the third quarter, Tennessee had trimmed the Bulldogs’ lead to 27-24 with a 37-yard field goal.

Over the final 15 minutes, Foster had a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, Ainge threw a 15-yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham and Tennessee’s Antonio Warlow returned a blocked punt for a score to complete the comeback win.

The 51 points were the second most ever scored against Georgia at home. The Vols moved up to #7 in the rankings, with a shot at a championship if things fell just right. Things started to derail a few weeks later, but on this particular Saturday in Georgia, everything was just right.

View attachment 561488

 

[NorCalVol67]

I got locked out of my pastors house during this game after we came back .

We? Check the score again. GA lost.

 

[joevol33]

We? Check the score again. GA lost.

 

[HarderKnox59]

58 days…..

#58 - 31-11 vs #5 Penn State (1971)

The Vols were 8-2 and headed to the Liberty Bowl, but still had one game left on the schedule…..undefeated and 5th ranked Penn St.

A national TV audience watched as the “pride of Eastern football” brought their 15 game winning streak to Knoxville. The Majors family was honored before the game, which turned out to be very prophetic. Bobby, the All-American safety returned punts and kickoffs for 195 yards, including a spectacular 44 yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Vols defense was amazing the entire game. Jackie Walker consistently pressured the PSU offense and had a 43 yard interception return for a touchdown and Conrad Graham intercepted a pitch and returned it 76 yards for the first Vols TD.

In the end, UT held the nations best offense to 11 points. The magnitude of dominating a team like the Nittany Lions is what makes this one of the best games in Tennessee history. It was a complete shutdown of the momentum Penn State had built.

Conrad Graham’s “int”
View attachment 561218

I was there, was also there for the fist night game when the Vols played Penn State / Joe pa which was also a win for the Big Orange.

 

[peaygolf]

I was there, was also there for the fist night game when the Vols played Penn State / Joe pa which was also a win for the Big Orange.

a bigger win than 1971......IMO

 

[peaygolf]

BTW......the next 20/25 games were really hard to figure out.

gonna be some that say, "No. That's higher."

 

[Tin Man]

BTW......the next 20/25 games were really hard to figure out.

gonna be some that say, "No. That's higher."

With you all the way, peay.

 

[87&91ALUM]

58 days…..

#58 - 31-11 vs #5 Penn State (1971)

The Vols were 8-2 and headed to the Liberty Bowl, but still had one game left on the schedule…..undefeated and 5th ranked Penn St.

A national TV audience watched as the “pride of Eastern football” brought their 15 game winning streak to Knoxville. The Majors family was honored before the game, which turned out to be very prophetic. Bobby, the All-American safety returned punts and kickoffs for 195 yards, including a spectacular 44 yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Vols defense was amazing the entire game. Jackie Walker consistently pressured the PSU offense and had a 43 yard interception return for a touchdown and Conrad Graham intercepted a pitch and returned it 76 yards for the first Vols TD.

In the end, UT held the nations best offense to 11 points. The magnitude of dominating a team like the Nittany Lions is what makes this one of the best games in Tennessee history. It was a complete shutdown of the momentum Penn State had built.

Conrad Graham’s “int”
View attachment 561218

Watched the game black and white with my dad in Columbus, OH. One of the many games with dad that sealed Tennessee as my ”go to” for college. Ironic dad would build a house next two Larry Majors and around the bend from Phillip Fulmer. The Tennessee interceptions were awesome and we took PsU down a notch. GBO!

 

[peaygolf]

With you all the way, peay.

Scary for you..........

 

[peaygolf]

56 days……

#56 - 45-42 vs #18 Kentucky (2021)

There have been bigger upsets, but this game could be the game that got Tennessee back to an elite program.

“The Volunteers (5-4, 3-3 Southeastern Conference) emerged from a bye to strike quickly in a back-and-forth game between border rivals that totaled 1,073 yards combined. They needed just four plays and 37 seconds to score their first two TDs, drove 35 yards in 16 seconds for a go-ahead field goal before halftime, and used only 37 seconds on the way to another go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.

The Vols were outgained 612-461 and held the ball for just 13:52, but made the most of it before a sellout crowd in hostile territory. Many spectators had barely settled into seats when Hooker tossed his first TD pass to Javonta Payton on the game's first snap.”

“Alontae Taylor came up with Tennessee's biggest defensive play with 6:23 left in the third, reading Levis perfectly to jump a route for a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown that gave the Volunteers their first 10-point lead.”

“Hooker's final TD to Tillman with 11:40 remaining proved to be the biggest as Kentucky (6-3, 4-3) got within a field goal on Will Levis' 24-yard touchdown toss to Izayah Cummings. The Wildcats got one last chance after Chase McGrath's missed field goal but couldn't take advantage, turning the ball over on downs with 29 seconds left.”

It was UTs first win over a ranked team since 2018, and CJHs first big win at Tennessee. Maybe, down the road, we will rank this win even higher…….

 

[Orange.]

....drove 35 yards in 16 seconds for a go-ahead field goal before halftime, ....

This was a huge game -- I agree -- and this moment seconds before half when Heupel was not satisfied to go to the locker room but attacked for another score was the exact moment for me when I said to myself "this is the coach I've always wanted," and I don't think we have ever had a coach in my lifetime that would have done that. We did have to settle for a FG (we clearly aimed at a TD, which is another excellence). But as it turned out that FG accounted for the margin of victory. In a sense, Heupel took the road win at the moment most coaches would have taken a knee.

 

[camp_steveo]

Another Saturday down!

 

[peaygolf]

55 days……

#55 - 51-43 (5OT) vs Alabama (2003)

Bama was terrible. I get it. They were 3-5 and facing a 4-2 Vols team, ranked #22, that had just lost two games in a row. Not the most exciting build up.

Tennessee needed this win. Bama had snapped UTs seven game series winning streak in ‘02 and UT needed to stop the two game slide.

With 25 seconds left in regulation, Casey Clausen hit Troy Fleming (BGA grad) on a 1 yard TD pass to help tie the game at 20 all. Bama missed a 45 yard FG to win.

First overtime, Clausen hit Derrick Tinsley for a 6-yard TD on third down. Facing fourth down, Alabama’s Brodie Croyle countered with a TD pass. 27-27.

Alabama got a touchdown to start the second overtime and that’s where it looked as if it would end. Clausen was sacked on UT’s first snap. From the 34, he missed on two passes, bringing up fourth-and-19. James Banks had been the top target all night, but the Vols survived on a brilliant call. C.J. Fayton lined up left, ran a crossing pattern and Clausen hit him for 29 yards. First down at the 5. Next snap, Clausen dodged the rush and found Banks for the score. 34-34, on to a third overtime.

Clausen-to-Banks, first snap, put UT up 40-34. But the mandatory two-point try failed. Alabama scored, but Jabari Greer intercepted Croyle’s two-point pass. 40-40. Play on.

Fourth overtime. Both teams traded FGs.

Fifth overtime. Corey Larkins entered with fresh legs, and three carries got him to the Alabama 2. Clausen scored on a keeper. Then, calling an audible, he hit Banks on the two-point try. Fourth-and-2 from the 17. Croyle threw to the end zone. Jason Allen, the sophomore cornerback from Muscle Shoals, played it perfectly, batted down the pass.

Finally, a 51-43 victory. Epic is an understatement.

 

[peaygolf]

54 days…..

#54 - 14-7 vs #4 Tulsa (1943 Sugar Bowl)

The #7 Vols were 8-1-1 and faced the 4th ranked Golden Hurricane (10-0) who averaged over 42 points a game. The Vols defense was thought to have their hands full with the pass happy team team from Tulsa.

Glen Dobbs got Tulsa on the board first with a TD pass in the second quarter, but Tennessee answered with Bill Gold scoring from three yards out. UT missed the extra point and trailed 7-6 at halftime.

Late in the 3rd quarter, Denver Crawford blocked a Tulsa punt for a safety, and UT took the lead 8-7.

The Vols defense held and Clyde “Ig” Fuson scored from one yard out to make the final score 14-7.

UT gave up 168 passing yards, but dominated the line of scrimmage, rushing for 208 yards and holding Tulsa to -39 yards rushing.

 

[Rifleman]

55 days……

#55 - 51-43 (5OT) vs Alabama (2003)

Bama was terrible. I get it. They were 3-5 and facing a 4-2 Vols team, ranked #22, that had just lost two games in a row. Not the most exciting build up.

Tennessee needed this win. Bama had snapped UTs seven game series winning streak in ‘02 and UT needed to stop the two game slide.

With 25 seconds left in regulation, Casey Clausen hit Troy Fleming (BGA grad) on a 1 yard TD pass to help tie the game at 20 all. Bama missed a 45 yard FG to win.

First overtime, Clausen hit Derrick Tinsley for a 6-yard TD on third down. Facing fourth down, Alabama’s Brodie Croyle countered with a TD pass. 27-27.

Alabama got a touchdown to start the second overtime and that’s where it looked as if it would end. Clausen was sacked on UT’s first snap. From the 34, he missed on two passes, bringing up fourth-and-19. James Banks had been the top target all night, but the Vols survived on a brilliant call. C.J. Fayton lined up left, ran a crossing pattern and Clausen hit him for 29 yards. First down at the 5. Next snap, Clausen dodged the rush and found Banks for the score. 34-34, on to a third overtime.

Clausen-to-Banks, first snap, put UT up 40-34. But the mandatory two-point try failed. Alabama scored, but Jabari Greer intercepted Croyle’s two-point pass. 40-40. Play on.

Fourth overtime. Both teams traded FGs.

Fifth overtime. Corey Larkins entered with fresh legs, and three carries got him to the Alabama 2. Clausen scored on a keeper. Then, calling an audible, he hit Banks on the two-point try. Fourth-and-2 from the 17. Croyle threw to the end zone. Jason Allen, the sophomore cornerback from Muscle Shoals, played it perfectly, batted down the pass.

Finally, a 51-43 victory. Epic is an understatement.


View attachment 561957

My wife was very pregnant when this game started, so I believe we had to leave sometime during the 5th OT to enroll the kid in preschool.

 

[UTvol1fn]

57 days….

#57 - 51-33 vs #10 Georgia (2006)

The 4-1 #13 Vols traveled to Athens to face 5-0 Georgia. The Bulldogs had the nations best defense and an explosive offense, but things don’t always turn out they way one thinks.

Things started off terribly for UT, quickly falling behind 24-7, before a touchdown by Arian Foster right before halftime narrowed the margin to ten.

Erik Ainge began UT’s comeback early in the third quarter when he scored on a 1-yard run. By the end of the third quarter, Tennessee had trimmed the Bulldogs’ lead to 27-24 with a 37-yard field goal.

Over the final 15 minutes, Foster had a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, Ainge threw a 15-yard scoring strike to Robert Meacham and Tennessee’s Antonio Warlow returned a blocked punt for a score to complete the comeback win.

The 51 points were the second most ever scored against Georgia at home. The Vols moved up to #7 in the rankings, with a shot at a championship if things fell just right. Things started to derail a few weeks later, but on this particular Saturday in Georgia, everything was just right.

View attachment 561488

Was at this game..one hell of a time in Athens that weekend

 

[peaygolf]

53 days…..

#53 - 22-14 vs #6 Georgia Tech (1964)

In Doug Dickey’s first season, UT would finish a disappointing 4-5-1. But some signs of improvement showed when the Vols traveled to Atlanta to face undefeated Tech.

Things started slowly for UT, as Tech held a 7-3 lead at the half, and then returned an interception back 84 yards for a TD to seemingly put the game out of reach.

The Volunteers appeared to be beaten until a substitute quarterback, Dave Leake, took over early in the fourth period. Leake passed for 23 yards to Al Tanara for Tennessee's first touchdown with 13:31 left in the game. Four minutes 23 seconds later, he directed the Volunteers into the end zone again and when Jack Patterson scored on a one‐yard plunge, Tennessee had its first lead of the game, 15—14.

The clinching score was made less than four minutes later when Doug Archibald broke up a Tech drive by intercepting a pass on his own 31‐yard line and then raced 69 yards for the final touchdown of the splurge.

UT scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to stun the 50,000 plus Tech fans. Tennessee was a double digit underdog and held Tech to 132 total yards and had five interceptions in the win.

The Vols offense was moving away from the wing-T and had growing pains, but this victory was a catalyst for the breakout season of 1965.

 

[StarRaider]

54 days…..

#54 - 14-7 vs #4 Tulsa (1943 Sugar Bowl)

The Vols defense held and Clyde “Ig” Fuson scored from one yard out to make the final score 14-7.

IG was KIA during WWII (4 December 1944, in Beeck, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, at the age of 21). Ring of Honor.

Clyde “IG” Fuson from Middlesboro played second to Nowling on the 1942 team that went 9-1-1. He scored the knockout touchdown against Tulsa in the bowl game. He enlisted in the Army as his way of following Neyland. He was eventually assigned to the 84th Infantry.

The division took Geilenkirchen, Germany, on Nov. 19, 1944, and moved on to Beeck and then Lindern. Ig was killed on Dec. 4. He was 21.

84th Division (United States) - Wikipedia




(my apologies in advance to @OneManGang