2021 Countdown to Bowling Green

DAY 97

After two years at Southern Cal, defensive end Malik Jackson #97 transferred to Tennessee in 2010 and soon earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. During his two seasons on The Hill, 2010 and 2011, Jackson had 110 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 7 1/2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 7 pass deflections and one interception which he returned for 44 yards.

Jackson was named All SEC in 2010. He was drafted in the fifth round in 2012 by Denver and currently plays for the Cleveland Browns.

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Day 96

31 May 2021 - Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, it is only fitting that we remember the four Tennessee Vols who gave that "last full measure" during World War II.

#32 - Bill Nowling KIA 8 August 1944

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#44 - Rudy Klarer KIA 6 January 1945

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#61 - Willis Tucker KIA 28 November 1944

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62 - Clyde "Ig" Fuson KIA 4 December 1944

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(All pictures from UTAD)

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Day 96

31 May 2021 - Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, it is only fitting that we remember the four Tennessee Vols who gave that "last full measure" during World War II.

#32 - Bill Nowling KIA 8 August 1944

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#44 - Rudy Klarer KIA 6 January 1945

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#61 - Willis Tucker KIA 28 November 1944

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62 - Clyde "Ig" Fuson KIA 4 December 1944

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(All pictures from UTAD)

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Day 95

Willie Gault is a familiar figure in any listing or recollection of Vol greats.

#26 was a threat as a receiver, a punt return man and a kickoff returner. He could literally score from anywhere on the field at any of these positions and stands tall in the record books in all three categories.

One of his most legendary and remembered feats was a 95-yard kickoff return against Vanderbilt in Nashville on 29 November 1980.

As the speedster from Griffin, GA, rocketed down the field, John Ward exulted, "Willie Gault, Ladies and Gentlemen, is running all the way to the State Capitol!"

Three Vol legends: Reggie White, Coach Majors and Willie Gault. (UTAD)

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Day 94

The 2004 and 2005 editions of the Vols were like day and night. The 2004 Vols went 10-3 losing to Auburn, Notre Dame and again to the Tigers in the SEC Championship. They went on to shellack Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl 38-7 and ended the season ranked #15. Tennessee started the 2005 campaign ranked #5 in the country but collapsed and posted a 5-6 record that reached its nadir with a 28-24 loss to Vanderbilt in Knoxville.

One of the bright spots in both years was the play of #94 Jason Hall at defensive end.

Hall was named SEC defensive Player of the Week for his exploits against Georgia in a 19-14 victory in Athens. Hall was credited with 7 solo tackles with 3 tackles for loss including two sacks with a pass deflection added for good measure.

Hall was named to the AP All SEC Second team in 2005.

He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2006.

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Day 93

One of the stalwarts of Tennessee teams of the early 1980s was #93 Michael "Stop" Cofer. A defensive end out of Knoxville Rule High School, Big Mike played defensive end for three seasons from 1980-1982. He was called "Stop" Cofer to distinguish him from his team mate Mike "Go" Cofer who played tight end.

Cofer amassed some 210 total tackles which included 133 solo tackles, 5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. He also had 1 blocked punt and four fumble recoveries. Mike "Stop" Cofer was named All SEC after the 1982 season. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and played there for ten years.

Mike was diagnosed with amyloidosis in 2007 and sadly passed away due to complications from the disease on 21 March 2019.

Mike "Stop" Cofer returned to Neyland Stadium as a "Legend of the Game" in 2013.



If Reba Cofer's sentiment at the end doesn't just rip out your heart and stomp that sucker flat, you really need to sort out your priorities.*

(*Not one but TWO classical references.)
 
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91 days........

Dick Dodson was named All-Southern in 1927, as the Vols went 8-0-1 and a share of the Southern Conference Championship. Dodson was a a member of the “Greatest backfield in the South,” along with Bill Spears and Herdis McCrary. Dodson’s 91 yard touchdown run vs Transylvania is the third longest in Tennessee history!

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90 days.........

The 1998 season was obviously special. Big offensive plays and stellar defense with Al Wilson were the norm, but sometimes forgotten was Shaun Ellis. His “interception” of a shovel-pass vs Auburn, and 90 yard touchdown, sealed the game in the 17-9 victory.
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I would also be remiss, if I didn’t mention my friend Jim Richardson. Jim started off as a QB, but finished his career with 3 receptions for 90 yards.

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89 days.........

The accolades of Peyton Manning are too numerous to list. He is Tennessee’s all time leader in every major passing category, including Touchdown passes, where he leads with 89 of them..........14 more than second place.
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88 days.........

2012 will go down as one of the worst defensive seasons in UT history, but one bright spot was Byron Moore. Moore started at safety because of an injury to Brian Randolph and finished with 86 tackles for the season. Moore also had 5 interceptions for 88 yards, including a touchdown vs Georgia.

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87 days......

In 1933, Tennessee hosted Virginia Poly (Tech), one of the stronger teams in the east. Beattie Feathers had over 100 yards, but the highlight of the game went to “Diamond” Dick Dorsey for his 87 yard touchdown, in the Vols 27-0 victory!

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87 days......

In 1933, Tennessee hosted Virginia Poly (Tech), one of the stronger teams in the east. Beattie Feathers had over 100 yards, but the highlight of the game went to “Diamond” Dick Dorsey for his 87 yard touchdown, in the Vols 27-0 victory!

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What did he have to do to earn the name Diamond Dick?
 

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