December 20, 1971
UT - 14
Arkansas - 13
Tennessee played Arkansas for the first time since 1907 in the Liberty Bowl. Arkansas dominated time of possession and total yards, but only held a 13-7 lead in the 4th quarter. A field goal nullified by a penalty, gave UT hope. A series later, the Vols recovered a fumble and marched down the field. After a 22 yrd pass from Jim Maxwell to Gary Theiler to the 19, the stage was set for the “Crossville Comet,” Curt Watson, to score on a 17 yrd TD to tie the score. Eddie Hunts PAT gave the Vols a 14-13 lead. On the next possession, Eddie Brown intercepted a pass to seal the victory. The 10-2 Vols finished #9 in the country.
Curt Watson’s game winner
Carl Johnson gets after Joe Ferguson