In regards to the Arkansas game in 98; we made the break where Stoener laid the ball on the ground. The Tennessee Defensive front smashed the Arkansas center in the mouth and drove him off the line of scrimmage. As he was retreating from the onslaught his foot caught the back side of Stoener's foot and caused Stoener to stumble, Stoener attempted to balance himself with his hand he was carrying the ball in, the ball slipped loose as he attempted to break his fall, The Big Orange fell on it. In a couple of minutes the Vols drove to the game winning score.
When people call a particular break 'luck' they should really go back and examine the play more closely.
Most 'breaks' are caused by a heads up play on the part of your opponent.
The average fan only sees the ball rolling around on the ground but fails to examine what took place that caused the ball to be free in the first place. Sure, sometimes a ball carrier will just drop the ball with no one around, but rarely. Often a ball carrier will even lose a ball when the ball is only hit a little, but most fumbles are the result of some force aside from 'luck'.
Great teams make their 'luck'.
Folks can say we were lucky in the Arkansas game, but that cheats the defensive players who forced the offensive center into the QB which resulted in a free ball on the ground.
Every action has an equally opposite reaction. Stoener's fumble was a reaction to a great defensive play.