Today in UT Football history

[StarRaider]

September 26, 1959

UT - 3
Auburn - 0

Auburn beat the Vols 7-0 during their 1957 national championship season and held UT to zero first downs in 1958. The Plainsman were also riding a 24 game winning streak as they came to Knoxville to open the 1959 season.

From the beginning of the game, the outmanned and “outweighed” Vols did “what they set out to do— make every block and tackle count.” In the second quarter, Ken Sadler pounced on an Auburn fumble at their 43 yard line. Moments later, Cotton Letner, who missed a field goal four minutes earlier, booted a 19 yarder to give UT a 3-0 lead at the half.

UTs defense continued to be relentless, making two goal line stands in the second half to preserve the 3-0 upset.


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[peaygolf]

September 27, 1980

UT - 42
Auburn- 0

Tennessee’s offense and defense found a perfect blend in Birmingham, and accomplished something that hadn’t been done by a Vols team since 1967–back to back victories over the Tigers.

QB Jeff Olszewski had 11 straight completions, Terry Daniels ran for 125 yards on 21 carries, and the defense held All-American tailback James Brooks to only 36 yards rushing in the decisive victory.

The Associated Press named Olszewski “Southeast Back of the Week” for his amazing performance. The defensive effort handled Auburn it’s first shutout in four years.

 

[Tin Man]

September 27, 1980

UT - 42
Auburn- 0

Tennessee’s offense and defense found a perfect blend in Birmingham, and accomplished something that hadn’t been done by a Vols team since 1967–back to back victories over the Tigers.

QB Jeff Olszewski had 11 straight competitions, Terry Daniels ran for 125 yards on 21 carries, and the defense held All-American tailback James Brooks to only 36 yards rushing in the decisive victory.

The Associated Press named Olszewski “Southeast Back of the Week” for his amazing performance. The defensive effort handled Auburn it’s first shutout in four years.


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Edit: I truly enjoyed seeing this mastery of Barn.

 

[peaygolf]

September 28, 2013

UT - 31
South Alabama- 24

South Alabama scored on the opening drive to go up 7-0 and then forced a three-and-out, the Vols then refocused. LaDarrell McNeil intercepted a pass to set up a Michael Palardy field goal.

After that, the Vols forced three punts and scored on three straight drives, including a touchdown pass from Worley to A.J. Branisel, a touchdown pass from Worley to Josh Smith and a rushing touchdown by Marlin Lane. UT was in complete control 24-7, but then the early mistakes began. On the next two drives, Worley threw back to back interceptions

Still, Tennessee football held the lead at halftime and put the picks behind them by opening the second half with a 6-play 76-yard drive and capping it off with a touchdown run by Rajion Neal. Then they got an interception, so they had the ball up 31-7 in the third.

Worley then threw his third pick, and everything changed. South Alabama would score 17 consecutive points.

All of a sudden, it was 31-24 in the fourth quarter with over eight minutes left. South Alabama then forced a three-and-out and got the ball with a chance to tie. They slowly moved down the field, mounting a 16-play 79-yard drive to bring up a 1st and goal at the Tennessee 7-yard line.

That’s when the Vols’ defense finally stiffened. A tackle for a loss on first down and a sack on second down put South Alabama behind the eight-ball. They then had a small completion to bring up 4th and goal from the 8-yard line. Brian Randolph intercepted the 4th and goal pass, though. Three runs by Neal for a first down allowed the Vols to the ice the game and run out the clock.

 

[StarRaider]

 

[MemphisVol77]

That video quality was through the roof. Vol Netwok knocked it out the park restoring it. I rewatched the 98 FL game before the season and the footage wasn't half that good.

I wish they'd restore the 85 Sugar Bowl and most big games through the 90's.