Tennessee's regular season ended with a touch of silver.
Not only did the Vols extend their winning streak over Kentucky to a silver-anniversary 25 years, they also ended the season as the SEC East's runner-up. All told, they were 4-1 against teams from the East with their only loss coming to top-ranked Florida by 10 points in the Swamp.
If there's an accomplishment that matters most, at least in head coach Lane Kiffin's eyes, it's the latter.
"That was not an easy game," Kiffin said. "It did create a lot of momentum for us. And I do like the part about being able to run through the SEC East with one loss."
Looking forward, that certainly bodes well for the Vols. But before we start looking forward, let's take a look back at the Vols' 30-24 overtime win on Saturday night:
Turning Point:
The Vols were a different team after halftime, especially on defense. They effectively shut down the passing game, limiting the Wildcats to 2-for-10 passing for only 10 yards.
And Randall Cobb, who finished with 101 yards rushing, had a little success running the ball when he lined up at quarterback, they managed to force a key fumble that led to a go-ahead field goal by Devin Mathis in the third quarter.
Kentucky's game-tying field goal with 33 seconds left in regulation certainly was a turning point, but only given the fact that Tennessee's defense held tough inside its own 10-yard line to force the field goal.
But the turning point had to be in overtime when Eric Berry, who was also named a finalist for the Lott Trophy on Saturday, made back-to-back plays on Kentucky's opening possession. The first was a tackle of Derrick Locke in the backfield for a loss of 6 yards that put the Wildcats in a third-and-16, and the second was a pass break-up on third down that forced a 49-yard field goal.
The kick went wide left and paved the way for Tennessee's victory in overtime, although give Jonathan Crompton and Gerald Jones some major props for connecting on a 14-yard completion on second-and-19. That play was a really big one, too.
What Happened:
If you needed any further indication of how far Kentucky has come in the last four years, Saturday was it.
Wildcats fans had a real belief that Saturday's game would be the one to finally snap the streak, and Kentucky played like it in the first half. They were an emotional team - almost too emotional at times - and the crowd was into the game like no other time I can remember at Commonwealth Stadium.
But for as far as Kentucky has come, Saturday's win said more about Tennessee than Kentucky.
Without an interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter and a goal-line stand by Kentucky, the scoreboard would have more accurately reflected the yardage difference between the two teams (446-261).
It didn't, and the Vols managed to pull off their first comeback win of the season after failing to win any of their previous five games in which an opponent scored first. They overcame what should have been a fatal turnover late in regulation.
As in any close game, a few plays and players swung the game Tennessee's way, but Saturday's win was more about resilience and heart - Tennessee had an abundance of both. And that more than anything, even a 4-1 record against the SEC East, should bode well for the future.
Game Ball Goes To:
Again, there's plenty of deserving candidates.
Jones played perhaps his best game at Tennessee. Mathis has been perfect (2-of-2 FGs, 7-of-7 PATs) since taking over for Daniel Lincoln, and he drilled a huge 30-yarder in the third quarter to give UT the lead.
I'm awfully tempted to go with linebacker Rico McCoy, who has been outstanding the last half of the season. He's tied for seventh nationally with five forced fumbles, including a big one against the Wildcats. He had another 13 tackles Saturday. He's been a beast, and deserves some legit consideration for All-SEC.
Ultimately, though, Montario Hardesty gets the nod for the second week in a row. He had 39 carries Saturday for 179 yards, both new career highs after setting the previous marks last week against Vanderbilt with 32 carries for 171 yards.
What's more impressive is he never seemed to tire, which was never more evident than when his 39th carry went 20 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
Up Next:
The Vols get a well-earned week off from practice before starting bowl preparations Friday. Stay tuned for a look at the bowl picture Monday afternoon.
As a UT grad living in Kentucky, I am always amused by the fact that in years when UK fans think they have little chance to defeat the Vols, there is not much hype in the media for the game. In years when UK backers think there is a real opportunity to beat Tennessee, it all starts the week before and builds until gametime. This year was the worst. We heard predictions of 50-0,etc. But when UK was outcoached and outplayed in the second half, the old Blue mindset returned once again.I have nothing against the UK players (except for the cheap shots on Cunningham that could have resulted in serious injury),nor the general UK fan, but the crazy ones really need to behave like adults.
maybe you should move back to Tn...........
Maybe you should go back to your own website.
Im a vol living in ky. whay scarces me is if ky beats the Big Orange we wont hear the end of it. Even if we beat another 20 yr in a roll. HD in LOuisville,ky