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

[StarRaider]

What a day it was indeed. Then what a night!

 

[WeeohdeeWood]

Tomorrow begins the Countdown to Kickoff.

This year, I will be counting down MY top 150 victories in UT history. I based my list on several factors, including ranked wins, upsets, program changing wins, last second wins, wins that brought about national spotlight, etc……..

Game day will be Day 0……I’ll have something interesting for that day. As always, I hope you enjoy and let the debate start tomorrow..

This won't go over well. Gonna take forever.

Thanks Peaygolf, enjoyed every bit of it.

 

[Tin Man]

Paging Mr. @peaygolf. Paging Mr. @peaygolf.
Mr. Peaygolf, your party is in the thread expecting your delivery of #10. ️

 

[peaygolf]

10 days……

#10 - 20-14 vs #3 Texas (1951 Cotton Bowl)

Both teams carried 9-1 records into Dallas along with a pair of outstanding defensive units. When the day was done, there was no question that this would go down as one of the Classic’s roughest and hardest hitting games ever.

Hank Lauricella sparked the Volunteers to an early 7-0 lead, galloping 75 yards to the Texas five to start Tennessee’s march on its second possession. Seconds later, Herky Payne passed to John Gruble for the score. Texas also gained its first score of the afternoon on the heels of a big play. Backed up deep inside the 10, Tennessee faced fourth down and a punting situation. Lauricella was kicking from his end zone when the Longhorns’ Jim “Buck” Lansford saw his chance to cash in on a golden opportunity. Lansford crashed through to block Lauricella’s kick and Texas gained possession at the Vols’ eight. On fourth down, Byron Townsend skirted the left side for the touchdown. Moments later, Texas moved in front, driving from its 33 before Gib Dawson snared a 35-yard scoring strike from Ben Tompkins.

At the half, Texas led by a touchdown, 14-7, and the score held up through the third period. But as the quarter closed, Tennessee was mounting a drive. Led by Lauricella and fellow halfbacks Andy Kozar and Jimmy Hahn, the Vols methodically drove the football down the Longhorns’ throats, 82 yards in 16 plays. Kozar covered the final five yards
to bring Tennessee within one, 14-13. But, the extra point attempt by Pat Shires was wide, and with 10 minutes left to play, Texas was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Only temporarily, however. For Tennessee, Christmas came a week late. The Longhorns picked a most inopportune time to lose their only fumble of the game. Tennessee made the recovery at the Texas 43. Four plays later, the Vols were knocking at the goal line and Kozar bulled over from the one with the winning score.

Following the win, Tennessee was recognized by several voting sources as the 1950 national champion over Oklahoma so the school still claims the title.

 

[NorCalVol67]

10 days……

#10 - 20-14 vs #3 Texas (1951 Cotton Bowl)

Both teams carried 9-1 records into Dallas along with a pair of outstand-
ing defensive units. When the day was done, there was no question that this would go down as one of the Classic’s roughest and hardest hitting games ever.

Hank Lauricella sparked the Volun-
teers to an early 7-0 lead, galloping 75
yards to the Texas five to start
Tennessee’s march on its second pos-
session. Seconds later, Herky Payne
passed to John Gruble for the score.
Texas also gained its first score of the
afternoon on the heels of a big play.
Backed up deep inside the 10, Tennes-
see faced fourth down and a punting situ-
ation. Lauricella was kicking from his
end zone when the Longhorns’ Jim
“Buck” Lansford saw his chance to cash
in on a golden opportunity. Lansford
crashed through to block Lauricella’s kick and Texas gained possession at the Vols’ eight. On fourth down, Byron Townsend skirted the left side for the touchdown. Moments later, Texas moved in front, driving from its 33 before Gib Dawson snared a 35-yard scoring strike from Ben Tompkins.

At the half, Texas led by a touchdown, 14-7, and the score held up through the third period. But as the quarter closed, Tennessee was mounting a drive. Led by Lauricella and fellow halfbacks Andy Kozar and Jimmy Hahn, the Vols methodically drove the football down the Longhorns’ throats, 82 yards in 16 plays. Kozar covered the final five yards
to bring Tennessee within one, 14-13. But, the extra point attempt by Pat Shires was wide, and with 10 minutes left to play, Texas was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Only temporarily, however. For Tennessee, Christmas came a week late. The Longhorns picked a most inopportune time to lose their only fumble of the game. Tennessee made the recovery at the Texas 43. Four plays later, the Vols were knocking at the goal line and Kozar bulled over from the one with the winning score.

Following the win, Tennessee was recognized by several voting sources as the 1950 national champion over Oklahoma so the school still claims the title.

View attachment 571709View attachment 571710

I watched this game a few years ago with my Dad. He used to talk about this game, so I have been well aware of this one since I was very young.

Chunks of the game were missing and the quality was not great, but getting to watch a game that he remembered so well was awesome.

And my Aunt was a cheerleader for this Vols team.

 

[peaygolf]

I watched this game a few years ago with my Dad. He used to talk about this game, so I have been well aware of this one since I was very young.

Chunks of the game were missing and the quality was not great, but getting to watch a game that he remembered so well was awesome.

And my Aunt was a cheerleader for this Vols team.

I used to talk to my grandmother about games from 1938 and 1939. Loved just sitting and listening to those stories as well. Great memories for both of us.

 

[StarRaider]

...
And my Aunt was a cheerleader for this Vols team.

wow!

 

[Rifleman]

Following the win, Tennessee was recognized by several voting sources as the 1950 national champion over Oklahoma so the school still claims the title.

We would have whipped that Sooner team 14 ways to Sunday. Too bad it didn't happen. Even the Bear's greatest KY team couldn't score on us, and the sooners didn't even play Texas that year.

I've no doubt that if there had been a playoff back then we would have won it way more times than we have claimed titles.

 

[Rifleman]

 

[Tin Man]

View attachment 571738

Within 7 days, we may pester @Freak for the 2023 pick ‘em.

 

[Sea Ray]

We're favored by 28 pts vs UVa. If that's a toss up then we're really in trouble.

On another note, can we really clear that point spread? That seems like an awful lot on Opening Day vs a power 5 team

 

[peaygolf]

Top 10 list was very hard to rank................some iconic games coming up that some will say..........."NO. That's #1"

 

[StarRaider]

Top 10 list was very hard to rank................some iconic games coming up that some will say..........."NO. That's #1"

that's why.... its great.... to be... a TENNESSEE VOL

I have been fortunate to attend some of these classics... 82 bubba, 85 (86) SugarVols, 98 piggies, 06 cal

 

[Rifleman]

We're favored by 28 pts vs UVa. If that's a toss up then we're really in trouble.

On another note, can we really clear that point spread? That seems like an awful lot on Opening Day vs a power 5 team

45 - 17 seems about right, which would cover an OVER/under bet but hit the spread. Wouldn't make any spread or over/under bets on a team running this offense, though. Variables get too wild with the pace being so fast.

Just give me Iowa and the under every weekend until Vegas adjusts. Easy money.

 

[joevol33]

View attachment 571738

I've borrowed this for future use

 

[W.TN.Orange Blood]

 

[peaygolf]

9 days…..

#9 - 35-34 vs #6 Notre Dame (1991)

#13 UT traveled to South Bend to face #6 Notre Dame.

The Irish took a 7-0 lead on tailback Tony Brooks's 12-yard run early in the first quarter, went ahead 14-0 when cornerback Tom Carter intercepted Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly's second pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown 34 seconds later, and increased their lead to 21-0 when Irish quarterback Rick Mirer scrambled 10 yards for a TD near the end of the quarter. After the Vols finally got on the board one minute into the second quarter with a 21-yard pass from Kelly to wide receiver Cory Fleming, Notre Dame made it 31-7 on Hentrich's 24-yard field goal and fullback Jerome Bettis's two-yard run.

Then came the play that changed everything. Near the end of the half, Holtz called on Hentrich to try a 32-yard field goal that would have pushed the Notre Dame advantage to 34-7. The kick was blocked by Tennessee's Darryl Hardy and scooped up by teammate Floyd Miley, who returned it 85 yards for a touchdown, making the score 31-14 at the half. Hentrich was injured on the play, which would prove costly.

Kelly hit Von Reeves with a 4-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to bring the Volunteers within 31-21. After Hentrich's 20-yard field goal gave the Fighting Irish a 13-point lead, Hayden scored on a 4-yard run with 9:03 remaining.

Andy Kelly completed 24 of 38 passes for 259 yards in guiding Tennessee back, finally putting the Volunteers ahead 35-34 when he hit freshman Aaron Hayden with a 26-yard scoring pass with 4:03 left.

Notre Dame wouldn’t quit, and marched down the field. With 4 seconds left, Notre Dame’s back up kicker entered the game to try a 27 yard FG to win the game. Almost as soon as Rob Leonard's foot hit the ball on the kick that would propel him into Irish immortality, Tennessee's Jeremy Lincoln got just enough of it—with his butt, of all things—to knock the ball off course.

The “Miracle at South Bend” was complete. An epic win vs an epic opponent.

 

[Orange.]

....And my Aunt was a cheerleader for this [1950] Vols team.

The cheerleader remark led me down a rabbit hole looking through old photos. I think I found them in an old yearbook!

 

[Orange.]

Some other cool photos:

 

[Orange.]

The yearbook dedication!

 

[Orange.]

Miscellaneous pep rallies and an aerial view of Knoxville.

 

[Orange.]

9 days…..

#9 - 35-34 vs #6 Notre Dame (1991)

#13 UT traveled to South Bend to face #6 Notre Dame.

The Irish took a 7-0 lead on tailback Tony Brooks's 12-yard run early in the first quarter, went ahead 14-0 when cornerback Tom Carter intercepted Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly's second pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown 34 seconds later, and increased their lead to 21-0 when Irish quarterback Rick Mirer scrambled 10 yards for a TD near the end of the quarter. After the Vols finally got on the board one minute into the second quarter with a 21-yard pass from Kelly to wide receiver Cory Fleming, Notre Dame made it 31-7 on Hentrich's 24-yard field goal and fullback Jerome Bettis's two-yard run.

Then came the play that changed everything. Near the end of the half, Holtz called on Hentrich to try a 32-yard field goal that would have pushed the Notre Dame advantage to 34-7. The kick was blocked by Tennessee's Darryl Hardy and scooped up by teammate Floyd Miley, who returned it 85 yards for a touchdown, making the score 31-14 at the half. Hentrich was injured on the play, which would prove costly.

Kelly hit Von Reeves with a 4-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to bring the Volunteers within 31-21. After Hentrich's 20-yard field goal gave the Fighting Irish a 13-point lead, Hayden scored on a 4-yard run with 9:03 remaining.

Andy Kelly completed 24 of 38 passes for 259 yards in guiding Tennessee back, finally putting the Volunteers ahead 35-34 when he hit freshman Aaron Hayden with a 26-yard scoring pass with 4:03 left.

Notre Dame wouldn’t quit, and marched down the field. With 4 seconds left, Notre Dame’s back up kicker entered the game to try a 27 yard FG to win the game. Almost as soon as Rob Leonard's foot hit the ball on the kick that would propel him into Irish immortality, Tennessee's Jeremy Lincoln got just enough of it—with his butt, of all things—to knock the ball off course.

The “Miracle at South Bend” was complete. An epic win vs an epic opponent.


View attachment 571938

What a great game! Biggest comeback win in history by any team in South Bend! GBO

 

[Orange.]

10 days……

#10 - 20-14 vs #3 Texas (1951 Cotton Bowl)

Both teams carried 9-1 records into Dallas along with a pair of outstanding defensive units. When the day was done, there was no question that this would go down as one of the Classic’s roughest and hardest hitting games ever.

Hank Lauricella sparked the Volunteers to an early 7-0 lead, galloping 75 yards to the Texas five to start Tennessee’s march on its second possession. Seconds later, Herky Payne passed to John Gruble for the score. Texas also gained its first score of the afternoon on the heels of a big play. Backed up deep inside the 10, Tennessee faced fourth down and a punting situation. Lauricella was kicking from his end zone when the Longhorns’ Jim “Buck” Lansford saw his chance to cash in on a golden opportunity. Lansford crashed through to block Lauricella’s kick and Texas gained possession at the Vols’ eight. On fourth down, Byron Townsend skirted the left side for the touchdown. Moments later, Texas moved in front, driving from its 33 before Gib Dawson snared a 35-yard scoring strike from Ben Tompkins.

At the half, Texas led by a touchdown, 14-7, and the score held up through the third period. But as the quarter closed, Tennessee was mounting a drive. Led by Lauricella and fellow halfbacks Andy Kozar and Jimmy Hahn, the Vols methodically drove the football down the Longhorns’ throats, 82 yards in 16 plays. Kozar covered the final five yards
to bring Tennessee within one, 14-13. But, the extra point attempt by Pat Shires was wide, and with 10 minutes left to play, Texas was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Only temporarily, however. For Tennessee, Christmas came a week late. The Longhorns picked a most inopportune time to lose their only fumble of the game. Tennessee made the recovery at the Texas 43. Four plays later, the Vols were knocking at the goal line and Kozar bulled over from the one with the winning score.

Following the win, Tennessee was recognized by several voting sources as the 1950 national champion over Oklahoma so the school still claims the title.

View attachment 571709View attachment 571710

There are a few highlights that I could find.

 

[Tin Man]

9 days…..

#9 - 35-34 vs #6 Notre Dame (1991)

#13 UT traveled to South Bend to face #6 Notre Dame.

The Irish took a 7-0 lead on tailback Tony Brooks's 12-yard run early in the first quarter, went ahead 14-0 when cornerback Tom Carter intercepted Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly's second pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown 34 seconds later, and increased their lead to 21-0 when Irish quarterback Rick Mirer scrambled 10 yards for a TD near the end of the quarter. After the Vols finally got on the board one minute into the second quarter with a 21-yard pass from Kelly to wide receiver Cory Fleming, Notre Dame made it 31-7 on Hentrich's 24-yard field goal and fullback Jerome Bettis's two-yard run.

Then came the play that changed everything. Near the end of the half, Holtz called on Hentrich to try a 32-yard field goal that would have pushed the Notre Dame advantage to 34-7. The kick was blocked by Tennessee's Darryl Hardy and scooped up by teammate Floyd Miley, who returned it 85 yards for a touchdown, making the score 31-14 at the half. Hentrich was injured on the play, which would prove costly.

Kelly hit Von Reeves with a 4-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to bring the Volunteers within 31-21. After Hentrich's 20-yard field goal gave the Fighting Irish a 13-point lead, Hayden scored on a 4-yard run with 9:03 remaining.

Andy Kelly completed 24 of 38 passes for 259 yards in guiding Tennessee back, finally putting the Volunteers ahead 35-34 when he hit freshman Aaron Hayden with a 26-yard scoring pass with 4:03 left.

Notre Dame wouldn’t quit, and marched down the field. With 4 seconds left, Notre Dame’s back up kicker entered the game to try a 27 yard FG to win the game. Almost as soon as Rob Leonard's foot hit the ball on the kick that would propel him into Irish immortality, Tennessee's Jeremy Lincoln got just enough of it—with his butt, of all things—to knock the ball off course.

The “Miracle at South Bend” was complete. An epic win vs an epic opponent.


View attachment 571938

They Wore Orange Britches

 

[NorCalVol67]

The cheerleader remark led me down a rabbit hole looking through old photos. I think I found them in an old yearbook!
View attachment 571946

Awesome.