Way Back Wednesday: Vols edge Cavaliers in the 1991 Sugar Bowl 23-22

The 1990 college football was a strange, bittersweet one. After starting the season 3-2 with ties to Colorado and Auburn sandwiched around 3 wins, the Vols dropped a heartbreaker to Alabama 9-6. A hard-fought loss to then-number one Notre Dame 34-29 followed. However, the Vols rallied, winning their last 3 games to finish the regular […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Aug 30, 2023 7:49 PM EDT

After Florida had to pass up the postseason due to probation, the Vols punched their ticket to the Sugar Bowl for the first time since their magical 1985 run to the SEC championship. The Virginia Cavaliers awaited them. UVA ascended to #1 earlier in the season, but three losses knocked them out of the polls.

The Vols started out flat in the Superdome, as Virginia stormed 61 yards in 12 plays for a quick 6-0 lead. Tennessee's offense was listless in the first half, and Virginia took advantage. Terry Kirby capped off an 80-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown, and the Cavaliers took a 16-0 lead into the locker room.

The Vols responded with a sustained drive, getting to the Virginia 10 before having to boot a field goal to finally crack the scoreboard. Later in the third quarter, after picking off UVA QB Shawn Moore, Tennessee went to work on the ground. Tony Thompson capped off a 94-yard drive from 7 yards out, and the Vols were within 16-10.

The Vols defense held on the following drive, forcing a 43-yard field goal to push the Cavaliers' lead back out to two scores at 19-10. However, Andy Kelly and Carl Pickens drew the Vols close again, connecting on a 15-yard touchdown to draw within 19-17 with just 4:24 left in the game. Kelly completed 24 of 35 attempts for 273 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, earning the game MVP award. Pickens caught 6 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Virginia stormed down the field quickly, but on third and five with the chance to ice the game, Moore's pass was incomplete, forcing UVA to settle for another field goal and a 22-17 lead with just 2:31 left. Tennessee needed a touchdown on its final drive, and nothing less.

Kelly, Thompson, and the Vols offense delivered. They went 78 yards in 13 plays to get down to the Virginia 1-yard line with just 0:34 left. Thompson delivered salvation for the Vols with a leap over the top, and Tennessee led 23-22. The two-point conversion failed, but it didn't matter, as Dale Carter intercepted a desperation heave on the game's final play, and Tennessee had won the Sugar Bowl.

Tennessee hasn't been back to the crown jewel game of the Southeastern Conference since. However, it would be fitting to return to the Big Easy in 2023 by toppling the team they beat the last time they were there.