Tennessee Vols showed up late to the Gator Bowl, but they left Florida with a win
The Tennessee Vols were delayed getting to the Gator Bowl. Physically, they were at TIAA Bank Field at kickoff, but mentally they were still on their Top Golf outing from earlier this week until the fourth quarter. I guess it doesn't matter when you show up, as long as you eventually show up and take […]
The Tennessee Vols were delayed getting to the Gator Bowl.
Physically, they were at TIAA Bank Field at kickoff, but mentally they were still on their Top Golf outing from earlier this week until the fourth quarter.
I guess it doesn't matter when you show up, as long as you eventually show up and take care of business.
Which is exactly what Tennessee did in the fourth quarter.
The Vols trailed 22-9 early in the fourth quarter, but a Quavaris Crouch touchdown run, an improbable onside kick recovery and an Eric Gray touchdown run gave Tennessee a 23-22 lead with four minutes left to play.
And that's when the defense stepped up to ensure that Tennessee would leave Florida with a win. A Darrell Taylor sack helped the Vols hold Indiana to a 52 yard field goal attempt, which was wide right.
Tennessee was then able to hold off a late Indiana charge down the field after Peyton Ramsey's fourth down pass fell short to give the Vols a 23-22 win.
A season full of unlikely events
After the way the Vols started the season, it's almost unbelievable that they finished the season with an 8-5 record and a six game winning streak.
But that's a testament to the job that Jeremy Pruitt and his staff did this season. The players never quit believing in Pruitt's vision. And they never quit believing on Thursday night when the offense looked inept and victory seemed unlikely. The Vols were toast. But despite seemingly everyone feeling that an Indiana win was inevitable, Tennessee kept pressing forward.
The Vols' Gator Bowl win was essentially a microcosm of UT's season — adversity, doubt, belief, and ultimately success.
Tennessee still has a long way to go before they're a threat to win the SEC East. But I think it's clear they're on the right trajectory under Pruitt.
Featured image via Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
