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

[peaygolf]

That could’ve been written by our VolNation scribe, OMG! My dad wasn’t even a twinkle in his daddy’s eye but I was able to “be there” - so well written!

when I read the article, I thought that I should just post the write-up. It was too good.

 

[Rifleman]

when I read the article, I thought that I should just post the write-up. It was too good.

That was excellent! From the florescence of the language I am assuming the Sports Journalist major at UT was once just Advanced Sports Bard.

 

[peaygolf]

17 days……

#17 - 45-3 vs #9 Florida (1990)

(3-0-2) #5 Tennessee hosted 9th ranked (5-0) Florida in a defacto bowl game for UF. The Gators were ineligible for a bowl game due to NCAA probation, but this was still a huge game for both programs. UT was trying to continue their upward trend as a national power, while UF was wanting to prove they were for real with new head coach Steve Spurrier.

The first half was the even struggle that most had predicted, with UT holding a slim 7-3 lead.

But the second half was all Tennessee.

Dale Carter returned the second-half kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown to start a 28-point third quarter that gave Tennessee a 45-3 victory.

Florida fumbled on the ensuing possession after Carter’s return and the Volunteer offensive surge gathered momentum. Tennessee drove 68 yards in 10 plays, taking a 21-3 lead on Tony Thompson’s 13-yard run.

The outburst reached its pinnacle when tight end Von Reeves took a handoff from Kelly, faded back and threw a perfect 47-yard touchdown pass to Carl Pickens to make it 28-3 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Florida tried to rally behind reserve quarterback Brian Fox, but he was intercepted on three consecutive possessions. Tennessee’s Reggie Ingram returned one 42 yards for a touchdown to give the Vols a 35-3 lead and cap the four-touchdown quarter.

The homecoming game drew the second-largest crowd in school history, 96,874, and ended Florida’s four-game winning streak in the series. Tennessee was back as a perineal national power……..

 

[Orange.]

17 days……

#17 - 45-3 vs #9 Florida (1990)

(3-0-2) #5 Tennessee hosted 9th ranked (5-0) Florida in a defacto bowl game for UF. The Gators were ineligible for a bowl game due to NCAA probation, but this was still a huge game for both programs. UT was trying to continue their upward trend as a national power, while UF was wanting to prove they were for real with new head coach Steve Spurrier.

The first half was the even struggle that most had predicted, with UT holding a slim 7-3 lead.

But the second half was all Tennessee.

Dale Carter returned the second-half kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown to start a 28-point third quarter that gave Tennessee a 45-3 victory.

Florida fumbled on the ensuing possession after Carter’s return and the Volunteer offensive surge gathered momentum. Tennessee drove 68 yards in 10 plays, taking a 21-3 lead on Tony Thompson’s 13-yard run.

The outburst reached its pinnacle when tight end Von Reeves took a handoff from Kelly, faded back and threw a perfect 47-yard touchdown pass to Carl Pickens to make it 28-3 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Florida tried to rally behind reserve quarterback Brian Fox, but he was intercepted on three consecutive possessions. Tennessee’s Reggie Ingram returned one 42 yards for a touchdown to give the Vols a 35-3 lead and cap the four-touchdown quarter.

The homecoming game drew the second-largest crowd in school history, 96,874, and ended Florida’s four-game winning streak in the series. Tennessee was back as a perineal national power……..


View attachment 570127

That game is my happy place.

 

[Orange.]

End-around pass and a go route: What's the big deal?

I was in that endzone, and that was an excellent place to be in that 28 point third quarter. They just kept coming to us!

P.S. Coincidence? I just watched that Dale Carter kickoff-return TD again this afternoon!

 

[EasternVol]

That's one of the most enjoyable games I've been lucky enough to attend. Seeing 90,000 in orange and white doing the mock chomp was something else.

 

[Tin Man]

This clip comes to mind whenever I fondly recall Steve Spurrier’s first trip to Neyland as Florida’s head coach.

[VIDEO=]
[/VIDEO]

 

[IndianaVol]

This one surprised me @peaygolf - really thought the game that started "The decade of dominance" would have been ranked higher.
The top 15 has me giddy...

 

[peaygolf]

This one surprised me @peaygolf - really thought the game that started "The decade of dominance" would have been ranked higher.
The top 15 has me giddy...

I'm nick-picking, but I feel like the '89 season "started" the UT run ...... That is why this game isn't in my top 15.

 

[Rifleman]

I'm nick-picking, but I feel like the '89 season "started" the UT run ...... That is why this game isn't in my top 15.

Agreed. 11-1 with a finish in an unreal New Years Day bowl on the first day of the 90s.

 

[IndianaVol]

Agreed. 11-1 with a finish in an unreal New Years Day bowl on the first day of the 90s.

Fair enough

 

[Rifleman]

Fair enough

And in fairness I still have a 1990 Cotton Bowl sweatshirt in my closet with more holes in it than a Sal Sunseri 3-4, so I might be biased.

 

[peaygolf]

I'll say it's the 2nd biggest win over UF.......

 

[Orange.]

I'll say it's the 2nd biggest win over UF.......

No idea where you going with that remark.

 

[VolsnRavens]

"more holes in it than a Sal Sunseri 3-4"

You made me both laugh and cry at the same time.....

 

[NorCalVol67]

17 days……

#17 - 45-3 vs #9 Florida (1990)

(3-0-2) #5 Tennessee hosted 9th ranked (5-0) Florida in a defacto bowl game for UF. The Gators were ineligible for a bowl game due to NCAA probation, but this was still a huge game for both programs. UT was trying to continue their upward trend as a national power, while UF was wanting to prove they were for real with new head coach Steve Spurrier.

The first half was the even struggle that most had predicted, with UT holding a slim 7-3 lead.

But the second half was all Tennessee.

Dale Carter returned the second-half kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown to start a 28-point third quarter that gave Tennessee a 45-3 victory.

Florida fumbled on the ensuing possession after Carter’s return and the Volunteer offensive surge gathered momentum. Tennessee drove 68 yards in 10 plays, taking a 21-3 lead on Tony Thompson’s 13-yard run.

The outburst reached its pinnacle when tight end Von Reeves took a handoff from Kelly, faded back and threw a perfect 47-yard touchdown pass to Carl Pickens to make it 28-3 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Florida tried to rally behind reserve quarterback Brian Fox, but he was intercepted on three consecutive possessions. Tennessee’s Reggie Ingram returned one 42 yards for a touchdown to give the Vols a 35-3 lead and cap the four-touchdown quarter.

The homecoming game drew the second-largest crowd in school history, 96,874, and ended Florida’s four-game winning streak in the series. Tennessee was back as a perineal national power……..


View attachment 570127

In my top 3 or 4 favorite games I attended. When Carter ran the kickoff back, you just had a feeling it was going to be a great night.

 

[87&91ALUM]

Just ordered my Football Time in Tennessee...I am so hyped up for this season....been awhile. Thanks for the countdown.

 

[HarderKnox59]

17 days……

#17 - 45-3 vs #9 Florida (1990)

(3-0-2) #5 Tennessee hosted 9th ranked (5-0) Florida in a defacto bowl game for UF. The Gators were ineligible for a bowl game due to NCAA probation, but this was still a huge game for both programs. UT was trying to continue their upward trend as a national power, while UF was wanting to prove they were for real with new head coach Steve Spurrier.

The first half was the even struggle that most had predicted, with UT holding a slim 7-3 lead.

But the second half was all Tennessee.

Dale Carter returned the second-half kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown to start a 28-point third quarter that gave Tennessee a 45-3 victory.

Florida fumbled on the ensuing possession after Carter’s return and the Volunteer offensive surge gathered momentum. Tennessee drove 68 yards in 10 plays, taking a 21-3 lead on Tony Thompson’s 13-yard run.

The outburst reached its pinnacle when tight end Von Reeves took a handoff from Kelly, faded back and threw a perfect 47-yard touchdown pass to Carl Pickens to make it 28-3 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Florida tried to rally behind reserve quarterback Brian Fox, but he was intercepted on three consecutive possessions. Tennessee’s Reggie Ingram returned one 42 yards for a touchdown to give the Vols a 35-3 lead and cap the four-touchdown quarter.

The homecoming game drew the second-largest crowd in school history, 96,874, and ended Florida’s four-game winning streak in the series. Tennessee was back as a perineal national power……..


View attachment 570127

Those fully checked orange and white endzones look great. Wish they would bring them back. Yes i know it's turf got both orange and white pieces of it.

 

[peaygolf]

16 days……..

#16 - 17-0 vs #4 Oklahoma (1939 Orange Bowl)


In his third season back after Military Service, the Vols went 10-0 in the regular season, giving up just 16 points the entire 1938 season.

Tennessee finished atop the SEC standings, and its dominating run through the schedule garnered the attention of various NCAA national champion selectors. Six selectors named the Vols the national champions of the 1938 season — the first of six national titles that Tennessee recognizes. For it’s reward, UT traveled to the Orange Bowl to face undefeated Oklahoma.

“Tennessee lived up to its billing as an opportunistic team and it's powerful ground attack was too much for the Sooners early on. In a rough contest, Oklahoma suffered a 15-yard penalty and Hugh McCullough punted to George Cafego, who returned it 16 yards to the Sooner 27. Fullback Leonard Coffman made a dozen yards in three tries, and then Cafego crashed through tackle for 12 more, moving the ball to the three. A penalty moved it back before Bob Foxx scored from eight yards out in the first quarter, and Wyatt's conversion made it a 7-0 lead. Later in the opening period, Coffman and Cafego led a 34-yard advance that stalled in Oklahoma territory. But the Volunteers thwarted the Sooners' every move, waiting for another break. It came midway through the second quarter when Oklahoma's Bob Seymour was tackled hard and he coughed up the ball, and Tennessee's Bob Andridge recovered at the Sooner 27. Babe Wood completed only one of four passes, as substitute Bob Ciphers grabbed a reception at the four, and then Wood lost five yards in two tries. Wyatt came back on to attempt a field goal, and with Sam Bartholomew holding the ball at the 22-yard line, Wyatt kicked it high over the crossbar, and the Volunteers capitalized on the miscue to increase their lead to 10-0,which is how the half ended.

After intermission, Cafego flipped passes to Wyatt and Foxx to move Tennessee to the Oklahoma 30, but could not convert. A scoreless third quarter gave Sooners players and followers some hope, but they were dashed in the final period. Later in the game, Wood returned McCullough's punt 12 yards and then dashed 21 yards a moment later while eluding a cluster of Sooners, ran 14 yards around end, and rifled a 23-yard pass to Jim Coleman, moving the ball to the Oklahoma 19. From there, Wood counted on a 19 yard touchdown run to cap the 73-yard drive, and Wyatt's extra point made it 17-0 in the final period.

For a while it appeared as if the game might end in open hostilities. Duggan was ejected from the contest for taking a swipe at Tennessee guard Ed Molinski. Meanwhile, for his part, Molinski was also banished for slugging away.

Only in the final minutes did the Sooners finally get under way and mount their only threat of the game. Bowled over by crushing blocks, they put their passing attack in high gear and moved the ball near the Volunteers' goal, but it there that the aerial attack failed, as Tennessee preserved the shutout, 17-0, crowning its unbeaten season.”

“When the last broken bone was whipped back into place, when the last eye had retreated into mourning, some statistician took a fugitive gander at the scoreboard and announced that Tennessee had won, 17-0," Memphis Commercial Appeal writer Walter Stewart wrote. "It wasn't a very good game, if you must insist on the truth, but it was so utterly ferocious that women fainted and strong men turned away their faces-pail faces, too."

 

[Rifleman]

No idea where you going with that remark.

Do any of us have a clue here?

NO...SIR...EEE!!!

NO...SIR...EEE!!!

 

[IndianaVol]

Those fully checked orange and white endzones look great. Wish they would bring them back. Yes i know it's turf got both orange and white pieces of it.

Didn't someone say this is an NCAA rule now that the sideline and goal line has to be distinguishable from any end zone graphics, background, or lettering...so the white wouldn't be discernible from the sidelines and goal lines.

 

[peaygolf]

15 days…..

#15 - 24-14 vs #22 Mississippi St (1998 SECCG)

Undefeated. Ranked #1. Two touchdown favorite. BCS title game. A lot was on the line in Atlanta.

The first quarter was one of mistakes and missed opportunities for both teams. Both offenses struggled, but Miss Sts defense made the first big play, returning a Tee Martin interception back 70 yards for a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Deon Grant intercepted a Bulldog pass and gave UT great field position inside the 20. Travis Stephens would score from the three yard line to tie the game. Tennessee would drive again and score again; a field goal from kicker Jeff Hall, to make it 10-7 going into halftime.

The third quarter was filled with more mistakes. An apparent Al Wilson interception return was wiped out due to a penalty, and UT would fumble the ball back moments later.

Into the fourth quarter now with a trip to the Fiesta Bowl on the line and the Vols still lead 10-7, but Tennessee would make one more big mistake: kicking the ball to Kevin Prentiss. With 8:59 left in the game, he catches the punt, hesitates on the sideline, then blasts up the field for a Mississippi State touchdown. With just under nine minutes in the game, Tennessee trails the Bulldogs 14-10. The Vols were in a tough spot.

“The play that set up the Vols for a win wouldn't count on the box score for Martin, but it was perhaps one of his most impressive on the day. With the ball on the UT 45-yard line, Martin takes the snap and is immediately tackled, but has the strength and awareness to finish the play, handing the ball to Travis Stephens, who takes it for a 14-yard gain into Mississippi State territory.

The next play would mark the beginning of the most important 28 seconds of the Tennessee football season.

On 1st and 10 from the Mississippi State 41-yard line, with pressure in his face once again, Martin fires his best throw of the day, a high arching heave into the end zone, falling perfectly into the hands of Price. He taps a foot down, the Vols score a touchdown and take the lead, 17-14.

On the very next play, with the ball on his own 30-yard line, Madkin drops back and is sacked by senior defensive lineman Corey Terry. The ball comes flying out of his hands, eventually scooped up by linebacker Eric Westmoreland. UT had plenty of time to run out the clock, kick a field goal and beat Mississippi State... or they could do it in style. The very next play for the UT offense, Martin finds wide Receiver Cedrick Wilson in the right corner of the end zone. Touchdown Tennessee.

The Vols won back to back SEC Championships, secured a 12-0 record and punched its ticket to the inaugural BCS Championship Game, a Fiesta Bowl matchup against the Florida State Seminoles.

 

[Orange.]

15 days…..

#15 - 24-14 vs #22 Mississippi St (1998 SECCG)
.... The next play would mark the beginning of the most important 28 seconds of the Tennessee football season.

On 1st and 10 from the Mississippi State 41-yard line, with pressure in his face once again, Martin fires his best throw of the day, a high arching heave into the end zone, falling perfectly into the hands of Price. He taps a foot down, the Vols score a touchdown and take the lead, 17-14....

 

[Orange.]

Out of context, but here's something for @peaygolf for making this thread for us. Vols vs Cal featuring the great Jimmy Streater and the first touchdown of the Majors era.

 

[IndianaVol]

15....it's BRUUUU Day !!!

Also, WOW...thought this one would be higher, like Top 10 higher, as well.
I remember watching that 1st quarter and thinking "This is it, this is where Tennessee does Tennessee and we fall on our a$$"...so glad Tee, Price, Wilson, and Corey Terry proved me wrong.