Antonio Wardlow
One of my favorite Vol memories from my childhood. Grew up in Georgia, surrounded by uga fans, including some of my best friends. Dont really remember exactly how old, but not the best age for having your team losing to the teams of the fans your age around you. I was in late middle school or early high school. My team had rarely been underdogs to that point in my life. I didn’t know struggle too well, except against Florida. We were heading into a really dark time in our programs history (glad to be mentioning that as if it is definitely in the past - fingers crossed we continue ascending), and I (and many Vol fans) had no idea or at least had no idea how bad it would get. Having been ranked high but with a loss to Florida, the eventual national champs, we came into the game as underdogs going to Athens against their top ranked defense. A brief early lead, following a 3 and out first drive, evaporated quickly. Down 24-7 in first half, and though we had plenty of potential, it really looked like UGAs game. We came out with our hair on fire in the second half, but it still felt like uga at home with a big lead would not be overcome. Following our first lead of the game amidst the comeback, Antonio Wardlow blocked a punt that got recovered for a touchdown. At that moment I knew the game was ours. Even thomas browns 99 yard kickoff return touchdown on the next play didn’t phase me. We had too much momentum. We were going to win that game. Alas, Uga would not score again. It was a game full of incredible plays and momentum shifts, and I will always remember the day we stormed back in the hedges, simply crushing them. That was a good day in school the following Monday. Pretty sure the regular edition of sports illustrated, which featured Wardlow’s block on the cover, still is on the wall at my parents house.
The game recap has a bunch of good stats and quotes in it. Enjoy:
Play-by-play action for the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Georgia Bulldogs NCAAF game from October 7, 2006 on ESPN.
www.espn.com
