I will take something from most every game this season.
1- Western KY - The beginning of an era- the excitement was at a fever pitch. We saw the new coaches and were introduced to Bryce Brown which will likely be a key player for years to come.
2- UCLA - The Letdown - We had hopes of a special season and all came crashing back to reality...this was bound to happen to a team with a completly new staff and a QB still working on his confidence, but it still hurt so bad.
3- Florida- The Underdog of The Century - This was a game that was supposed to be over in the first five minutes. Billy the Kid was going against the Master. The player of the last three years was supposed to make our players pay for our coaches "mistakes". Instead we sent a message to the Gators, the SEC, and the Country that we are not your recent Volunteers. We are here to stay and you better fear the Kiffin in the future.
4-Ohio- The Scare - At the time no one knew we were facing a 9-3 team that would win their conference. This game put a seed of doubt in everyones mind and took one of best leaders from us in Reveiz.
5- Auburn - The Ultimate Disapointment - This was the battle of the two new SEC coaches. This was supposed to be where we could validate our staff was the best new kids on the block...that didn't happen, but something else did.Kiffin had been sticking with Crompton no matter what, and finally he started showing signs of promise in the second half, and something else happend Brandon Warren finally showed his true colors and the cancer would soon then be removed.
6- Georgia- The Breakout- Crompton, Crompton, Crompton. Not many thought it would happen but he did it. He blew up and he, the receivers, and the entire team got the vindication they needed. Everyone knew in this moment when the entire stadium was singing rocky top, the team celebrating in a huddle of joy, and the Bulldogs started in amazement that we were in for something special in the future!
7-Alabama- The Block - Once again it was time for the Vols to pay the price for their pre season "mistakes" and once again it was the Vols proving everyone wrong. Everything was in line for the impossible to happen when one large paw saved one teams season. Once again the Country took notice that the Vols were on their way back!
8-South Carolina-The Blackout-Does it get more exciting than this? Halloween, a key SEC game against a historic Volunteer nemesis, and throw into the mix BLACK JERSEYS! A game dominated from start to finish really emptimized what this team and staff is all about. Intensity.
9-Memphis -The Romp- This game was to make a statement. If you are a bottom dweller and play the Vols you will be punished. This game was over before it began.
10-Ole Miss -The Distraction- This week will go down as by far the worst for this great team. First the incident took three young promising Volunteers from the team and put a black eye on a previous great reputation. The loss of Janzen Jackson with the combination of key injuries provided the worst defensive showing of the year and ended all hope of closing the season on a 5 game winning streak.
11-Vandy-The Play- This game will be somewhat remembered as getting the Vols back on track and get them into the bowl season while adding another win against the lowly Commodedoors, but I think it is safe to say that this day belonged to #94. His INTTD will be remembered for years and he is truely a Volunteer to the core.
12-Kentucky-The Silver Anniversary Thiller- Another wild one in Big Blue country. I will always remember this game because of Mr. Hardesty. This guy willed us to victory and cemented himself in Tennessee lore with his OT TD run. Also don't forget Dennis Rogan as he himself had a game saving play.
Overall this was a season of highs and lows. But the high outweigh the lows by a longshot and make it safe to say that the Vols are on their way back, sooner than later!
