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

#551
#551
peaygolf said:
23 days…..

#23- 20-14 vs #4 Ohio State (1996 Citrus Bowl)

A game that ranks in my top 5 games I’ve ever been to……..

After 10-1 regular seasons, disappointed by not winning conference championships, the Vols and Buckeyes faced each other in Orlando. OSU was favored and had the Heisman winner in Eddie George.

It was a rainy day that seemed to favor the Buckeyes ground game. OSU got on the board first with George scoring from two yards out in the first quarter. OSU got into scoring range again in the first and had a fourth and one from the UT 2 yard line. OSU went for it and George was stuffed short.

With 23 seconds left in the half, UT had the ball at their own 31 yard line, and turned what looked to be a run-out-the-clock draw play up the middle into a 69-yard Jay Graham touchdown, tying the game at 7.

The Volunteers took a 14-7 lead when Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent on a 47-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. The Buckeyes tied the game on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Hoying to Rickey Dudley early in the fourth quarter, but the Volunteers answered with a 59-yard drive that resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Jeff Hall.

George fumbled on the ensuing possession. On their next one, the Buckeyes moved from their 20 to a fourth and one at midfield with 5 minutes 12 seconds left. OSU decided to go for it. Hoying ran right and pitched the ball toward George, but the ball bounced off the helmet of fullback Matt Calhoun and ended up in the hands of Tennessee safety Tori Noel.

Hall would kick another FG to put UT ahead 20-14, and the Vols defense finished it off, giving UT an 11-1 record and a #2 national ranking.

Jay Graham ran for 154 yards and was named MVP, while Joey Kent had 109 yards receiving.

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Stuffed! The play will live forever!
 
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#554
#554
peaygolf said:
23 days…..

#23- 20-14 vs #4 Ohio State (1996 Citrus Bowl)

A game that ranks in my top 5 games I’ve ever been to……..

After 10-1 regular seasons, disappointed by not winning conference championships, the Vols and Buckeyes faced each other in Orlando. OSU was favored and had the Heisman winner in Eddie George.

It was a rainy day that seemed to favor the Buckeyes ground game. OSU got on the board first with George scoring from two yards out in the first quarter. OSU got into scoring range again in the first and had a fourth and one from the UT 2 yard line. OSU went for it and George was stuffed short.

With 23 seconds left in the half, UT had the ball at their own 31 yard line, and turned what looked to be a run-out-the-clock draw play up the middle into a 69-yard Jay Graham touchdown, tying the game at 7.

The Volunteers took a 14-7 lead when Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent on a 47-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. The Buckeyes tied the game on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Hoying to Rickey Dudley early in the fourth quarter, but the Volunteers answered with a 59-yard drive that resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Jeff Hall.

George fumbled on the ensuing possession. On their next one, the Buckeyes moved from their 20 to a fourth and one at midfield with 5 minutes 12 seconds left. OSU decided to go for it. Hoying ran right and pitched the ball toward George, but the ball bounced off the helmet of fullback Matt Calhoun and ended up in the hands of Tennessee safety Tori Noel.

Hall would kick another FG to put UT ahead 20-14, and the Vols defense finished it off, giving UT an 11-1 record and a #2 national ranking.

Jay Graham ran for 154 yards and was named MVP, while Joey Kent had 109 yards receiving.

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‘I’ve rewatched this game more than any other football game. It was special.
 
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#556
#556
Returning to work after New Year’s Day 1996, my boss called false starts “Fulmers.” A Georgia grad, he had lost his bowl pick pool, and seemed to think his pivotal bad pick was tOSU. He grumbled, “How could Tennessee beat a stacked Ohio State team?”
 
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#562
#562
22 days……

#22 - 6-0 vs Vanderbilt (1928)

In 1926, Robert Neyland was hired to do one major job……beat Vanderbilt. In 1928, he was 0-1-1 vs Vanderbilt. Coming into the game, UT was 7-0 and Vanderbilt was 6-1 when the Vols traveled to Nashville looking for their first victory in the series since 1916. The slogan “U-Too Vandy” was cheered by more than 7,000 students and fans that made the trip to the game.

Vandy fumbled on their first play, but UT turned the ball over on downs. Both teams played excellent defense and relied on a “field position” game, hoping the opponent would make a mistake.

Late the second quarter, Gene McEver began wearing down the Commodore line and carried the ball to the Vandy six yard line. After three plays, UT faced fourth down. After a timeout Vols tailback Roy Witt took the snap and began “dodging around” looking for an open man. Right before he was hit, Witt saw Paul Hug step out from behind the goal post. The pass was perfect and UT lead 6-0. Some accounts say it was a 15 yard touchdown pass, others say it was 22 yards…..either way, the Vols players and fans were joyous.

Vandy made valiant attempts to score, but players like Alley, Tripp, and Farmer Jordan were sensational. Roy Witt also made two touchdown saving tackles on Vandy’s big end Abernathy. The Vols didn’t appear as nervous as they had in the past vs Vanderbilt, as they looked like they were the favorites instead of underdogs.

The win was Neyland’s first vs the bitter rival Commodores. UT would go on to finish the season 9-0-1.

Many older Vols historians say that 1928 was the “year the Vols arrived,” and the win in Nashville was a huge part of that…….but not the biggest

EB92BB77-1CEB-4531-8BA5-4CF9B7430C1E.png12B42521-BB0F-4B6F-AB88-F0FD887B03D1.png
 
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#563
#563
peaygolf said:
22 days……

#22 - 6-0 vs Vanderbilt (1928)

In 1926, Robert Neyland was hired to do one major job……beat Vanderbilt. In 1928, he was 0-2 vs Vanderbilt. Coming into the game, UT was 7-0 and Vanderbilt was 6-1 when the Vols traveled to Nashville looking for their first victory in the series since 1916. The slogan “U-Too Vandy” was cheered by more than 7,000 students and fans that made the trip to the game.

Vandy fumbled on their first play, but UT turned the ball over on downs. Both teams played excellent defense and relied on a “field position” game, hoping the opponent would make a mistake.

Late the second quarter, Gene McEver began wearing down the Commodore line and carried the ball to the Vandy six yard line. After three plays, UT faced fourth down. After a timeout Vols tailback Roy Witt took the snap and began “dodging around” looking for an open man. Right before he was hit, Witt saw Paul Hug step out from behind the goal post. The pass was perfect and UT lead 6-0. Some accounts say it was a 15 yard touchdown pass, others say it was 22 yards…..either way, the Vols players and fans were joyous.

Vandy made valiant attempts to score, but players like Alley, Tripp, and Farmer Jordan were sensational. Roy Witt also made two touchdown saving tackles on Vandy’s big end Abernathy. The Vols didn’t appear as nervous as they had in the past vs Vanderbilt, as they looked like they were the favorites instead of underdogs.

The win was Neyland’s first vs the bitter rival Commodores. UT would go on to finish the season 9-0-1.

Many older Vols historians say that 1928 was the “year the Vols arrived,” and the win in Nashville was a huge part of that…….but not the biggest

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How times have changed. We used to be afraid of Vandy!!
 
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#564
#564
“The Vols didn’t appear as nervous as they had in the past vs Vanderbilt, as they looked like they were the favorites instead of underdogs.”

Sounds like TSIO last year. Long losing streak versus a bitter rival comes to an end, and something just feels different……
 
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#565
#565
peaygolf said:
22 days……

#22 - 6-0 vs Vanderbilt (1928)

In 1926, Robert Neyland was hired to do one major job……beat Vanderbilt. In 1928, he was 0-2 vs Vanderbilt. Coming into the game, UT was 7-0 and Vanderbilt was 6-1 when the Vols traveled to Nashville looking for their first victory in the series since 1916. The slogan “U-Too Vandy” was cheered by more than 7,000 students and fans that made the trip to the game.

Vandy fumbled on their first play, but UT turned the ball over on downs. Both teams played excellent defense and relied on a “field position” game, hoping the opponent would make a mistake.

Late the second quarter, Gene McEver began wearing down the Commodore line and carried the ball to the Vandy six yard line. After three plays, UT faced fourth down. After a timeout Vols tailback Roy Witt took the snap and began “dodging around” looking for an open man. Right before he was hit, Witt saw Paul Hug step out from behind the goal post. The pass was perfect and UT lead 6-0. Some accounts say it was a 15 yard touchdown pass, others say it was 22 yards…..either way, the Vols players and fans were joyous.

Vandy made valiant attempts to score, but players like Alley, Tripp, and Farmer Jordan were sensational. Roy Witt also made two touchdown saving tackles on Vandy’s big end Abernathy. The Vols didn’t appear as nervous as they had in the past vs Vanderbilt, as they looked like they were the favorites instead of underdogs.

The win was Neyland’s first vs the bitter rival Commodores. UT would go on to finish the season 9-0-1.

Many older Vols historians say that 1928 was the “year the Vols arrived,” and the win in Nashville was a huge part of that…….but not the biggest

View attachment 569093View attachment 569094
Click to expand...
7vfxxi.jpg
 
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#566
#566
peaygolf said:
22 days……

#22 - 6-0 vs Vanderbilt (1928)

In 1926, Robert Neyland was hired to do one major job……beat Vanderbilt. In 1928, he was 0-2 vs Vanderbilt. Coming into the game, UT was 7-0 and Vanderbilt was 6-1 when the Vols traveled to Nashville looking for their first victory in the series since 1916. The slogan “U-Too Vandy” was cheered by more than 7,000 students and fans that made the trip to the game.

Vandy fumbled on their first play, but UT turned the ball over on downs. Both teams played excellent defense and relied on a “field position” game, hoping the opponent would make a mistake.

Late the second quarter, Gene McEver began wearing down the Commodore line and carried the ball to the Vandy six yard line. After three plays, UT faced fourth down. After a timeout Vols tailback Roy Witt took the snap and began “dodging around” looking for an open man. Right before he was hit, Witt saw Paul Hug step out from behind the goal post. The pass was perfect and UT lead 6-0. Some accounts say it was a 15 yard touchdown pass, others say it was 22 yards…..either way, the Vols players and fans were joyous.

Vandy made valiant attempts to score, but players like Alley, Tripp, and Farmer Jordan were sensational. Roy Witt also made two touchdown saving tackles on Vandy’s big end Abernathy. The Vols didn’t appear as nervous as they had in the past vs Vanderbilt, as they looked like they were the favorites instead of underdogs.

The win was Neyland’s first vs the bitter rival Commodores. UT would go on to finish the season 9-0-1.

Many older Vols historians say that 1928 was the “year the Vols arrived,” and the win in Nashville was a huge part of that…….but not the biggest

View attachment 569093View attachment 569094
Click to expand...

1927 was a 7-7 tie, so technically it was 0-1-1 for Neyland at that point. I won't say how I know, but if the Vandy fan sitting behind me at the game is listening, you still owe me two dollars for getting mustard on my coonskin coat!
 
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#568
#568
peaygolf said:
22 days……

#22 - 6-0 vs Vanderbilt (1928)

In 1926, Robert Neyland was hired to do one major job……beat Vanderbilt. In 1928, he was 0-1-1 vs Vanderbilt. Coming into the game, UT was 7-0 and Vanderbilt was 6-1 when the Vols traveled to Nashville looking for their first victory in the series since 1916. The slogan “U-Too Vandy” was cheered by more than 7,000 students and fans that made the trip to the game.

Vandy fumbled on their first play, but UT turned the ball over on downs. Both teams played excellent defense and relied on a “field position” game, hoping the opponent would make a mistake.

Late the second quarter, Gene McEver began wearing down the Commodore line and carried the ball to the Vandy six yard line. After three plays, UT faced fourth down. After a timeout Vols tailback Roy Witt took the snap and began “dodging around” looking for an open man. Right before he was hit, Witt saw Paul Hug step out from behind the goal post. The pass was perfect and UT lead 6-0. Some accounts say it was a 15 yard touchdown pass, others say it was 22 yards…..either way, the Vols players and fans were joyous.

Vandy made valiant attempts to score, but players like Alley, Tripp, and Farmer Jordan were sensational. Roy Witt also made two touchdown saving tackles on Vandy’s big end Abernathy. The Vols didn’t appear as nervous as they had in the past vs Vanderbilt, as they looked like they were the favorites instead of underdogs.

The win was Neyland’s first vs the bitter rival Commodores. UT would go on to finish the season 9-0-1.

Many older Vols historians say that 1928 was the “year the Vols arrived,” and the win in Nashville was a huge part of that…….but not the biggest

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I love the body language on this Vandy fan seeing us score the winning touchdown!

Get used to it, bub!
8E9C96B1-EFF5-4244-A76D-70B0CF240F53.jpeg
 
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#569
#569
WeeohdeeWood said:
Also Orlando Pace the Outland Trophy winner. If I remember correctly.
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Great point! Pace was quite the player at TO(F)U and in the NFL. It was big-time impressive that we throttled that offense down!

Funny, too, that George wound up a fan favorite with the Titans. He was public enemy number one in that Citrus Bowl win.
 
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#570
#570
peaygolf said:
23 days…..

#23- 20-14 vs #4 Ohio State (1996 Citrus Bowl)

A game that ranks in my top 5 games I’ve ever been to……..

After 10-1 regular seasons, disappointed by not winning conference championships, the Vols and Buckeyes faced each other in Orlando. OSU was favored and had the Heisman winner in Eddie George.

It was a rainy day that seemed to favor the Buckeyes ground game. OSU got on the board first with George scoring from two yards out in the first quarter. OSU got into scoring range again in the first and had a fourth and one from the UT 2 yard line. OSU went for it and George was stuffed short.

With 23 seconds left in the half, UT had the ball at their own 31 yard line, and turned what looked to be a run-out-the-clock draw play up the middle into a 69-yard Jay Graham touchdown, tying the game at 7.

The Volunteers took a 14-7 lead when Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent on a 47-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. The Buckeyes tied the game on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Hoying to Rickey Dudley early in the fourth quarter, but the Volunteers answered with a 59-yard drive that resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Jeff Hall.

George fumbled on the ensuing possession. On their next one, the Buckeyes moved from their 20 to a fourth and one at midfield with 5 minutes 12 seconds left. OSU decided to go for it. Hoying ran right and pitched the ball toward George, but the ball bounced off the helmet of fullback Matt Calhoun and ended up in the hands of Tennessee safety Tori Noel.

Hall would kick another FG to put UT ahead 20-14, and the Vols defense finished it off, giving UT an 11-1 record and a #2 national ranking.

Jay Graham ran for 154 yards and was named MVP, while Joey Kent had 109 yards receiving.

View attachment 568891
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Great minds, as they say...

Tennessee vs The Maxims vs Ohio State (1996 Citrus Bowl)
 
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#574
#574
21 days…….

#21 - 34-32 vs #2 Florida (2001)

The terrorist attacks on 9/11 postponed the UF game to Dec 1st, and actually made the game a SECE championship contest. Both teams were 9-1, and ranked #4 and #2. UT was a 17.5 point underdog at the Swamp.

Quarterback Casey Clausen started the scoring early when he threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Troy Fleming with 6 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Kicker Alex Walls made it 7-0 with the extra point.

The Big Orange extended its advantage to 14-0 when Travis Stephens scored on a 6-yard touchdown later in the frame.

The Gators responded in the second stanza by scoring 20 points and keeping UT off the board. The Gators lead 20-14 at the half.

Tennessee regained the lead early in the third quarter when Stephens scored from 35 yards out with 13:26 remaining in the frame.

Florida kicked a 35-yard field goal to enable the Gators to retake the lead, 23-21, with six minutes left in the period.

In the fourth quarter, Jabari Davis scored a pair of short touchdown runs, his second made it 34-26 with 8:47 remaining in the game. His two scores were sandwiched between a 52-yard field goal by Chandler.

Florida pulled to within 34-32 with just over a minute to play when Grossman connected with Carlos Perez from three yards out. Florida missed the potential game-tying two-point conversion.

Tennessee had shocked the college football world……..

Stephens rushed for 226 yards and two scores on 19 carries. Davis had four carries for 11 yards and two touchdowns.

This game would be much higher……except for what unfortunately happened in Atlanta. But…….what a fantastic win and moment in UT history that unfolded in Gainesville.

C5C0F1F2-B197-468F-BE5E-FE669C123517.png
 
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#575
#575
peaygolf said:
21 days…….

#21 - 34-32 vs #2 Florida (2001)

The terrorist attacks on 9/11 postponed the UF game to Dec 1st, and actually made the game a SECE championship contest. Both teams were 9-1, and ranked #4 and #2. UT was a 17.5 point underdog at the Swamp.....
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That game should have always been at the end of the season. It was typically the game that determined the East for many years. I have never been able to imagine any reason that the Birmingham office made it the SEC opener every year except that they wanted FL to have the advantage of us playing in the heat in the Swamp. And how many were afternoon games?

I notice they are not sending GA to Neyland for the SEC opener.

Anyway, great game, well covered, Peay! I am really looking forward to this year's edition!
 
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