Wrong. That failed fake field goal was like pumping adrenaline into Vandy. Plus they picked up a couple of first downs and flipped field position. Also, it's not one fake field goal this staff has made questionable decisions all year long.
I think there was more to it than just believing UT needed a TD there. I think the reason he went for the fake there is because something was wrong with Palardy that day, whether physical or mental, I don't know. But he couldn't get a kickoff into the endzone, hell, one of his kicks barely got inside the 20, and another only got to the 10. His punts all day were low, short, and wobbly. And he was 1 for 2 on prior FG attempts, having missed a short FG and barely made another short one after it bounced off the side bar. I don't think he had any faith in Palardy's ability that day to hit a FG in the 45 yd range. I don't think any coach just randomly decides to fake a FG on 4th and 19 nursing a 3-pt lead unless they believe their kicker has no chance of making the FG.