Crying, praying, storming the field: Tennessee's win shows the magic of college football
It's easy to say the Tennesse-Alabama contest was the best game of the season if not the best game since the Auburn-'Bama Kick Six classic. The Hype. Epic. Instant classic. Incredible finish. All true.
But to really understand it, you had to be there. Fifteen straight losses to 'Bama in which the Vols created ways to lose. A frustration level entering the twilight zone. Another game where the expectation was guarded optimism, yet riddled with pessimism. Even when leading, 28-10, Vol Nation was on its heels. Every play in the second half seemed to be huge. Back and forth, fourth-down stops, missed extra point and a two-point conversion. The game had everything, beginning with the incomparable exhilarating environment.
When Alabama returned a fumble for a touchdown and a 49-42 lead, a sigh of "here we go again" spread through the 101,000 faithful. The Vols tied it late and 'Bama, led by their Heisman quarterback Bryce Young (35-for-52, 455 yards), surgically advanced down the field, converting three long third downs. When the Tide lined up for an anticipated game-winning 49-yard field goal with 25 seconds left, most UT fans were resigned to their fate.
Instead, the kick was wide right and overtime appeared certain. But Tennessee would have nothing of it. Two throws by now Heisman contender quarterback Hendon Hooker (21-for-31 385 yards) put the ball at the 'Bama 23-yard line and gave them a chance at winning on the last play. After Tennessee's Chase McGrath made possibly the ugliest looking 40-yard field goal in history, a burst of jubilation spread through the stadium — followed by the fans storming the field and, finally a complete draining of your emotions. People publicly prayed and cried. You had to be there to see it and believe it. There was a sense we had all witnessed a surreal moment when Vol Nation was finally on the right end of the score and relief set in.
It reminded me why college football is simply the best sport there is. You can't copy an original. I remind you Tennessee was predicted to win here "at the buzzer" and the fans would storm the field. Yes, I'm taking my bow. Remember you didn't just hear it here first, you heard it only here, period. Tennessee is back!
Vols deserve more respect
Why isn't Tennessee ranked No. 1 with four victories over ranked teams? Because their loss was so close, the Tide remain in contention. The SEC quite possibly could have two teams in the College Football Playoff, if not three. Right now, I have 'Bama four and Georgia and Ohio State two and three. USC showed once again that it plays no defense after blowing a 14-point lead to Utah (43-42). Only UCLA has a chance to go undefeated in the PAC 12 but that will change this week when it loses at Oregon. Michigan, Clemson, Mississippi and TCU remain undefeated but they're in that second tier.
Notre Dame coach feeling the heat?
What has happened to Notre Dame? The Irish lost at home — to Stanford (16-14). The Cardinal had an 11-game losing streak against FBS teams before the victory. They had no business talent-wise competing with the Irish who have looked unimpressive every week since Week 1. Is this the nadir or is it getting worse? Maybe ex-coach Brian Kelly knew something when he abruptly left last year for LSU. The heat is rising on coach Marcus Freeman.
This is big news?
You've probably never heard of Jack Tuttle. He's the backup quarterback at Indiana. He announced this week he would be transferring when the season ends. Huh? We're now announcing we're transferring during the season? I would simply say good riddance because of his clear lack of commitment.
On the field
No. 14 Syracuse (6-0) at No. 5 Clemson (6-0) -13: The Orange ranked? Sure, they defeated No. 23 NC State but the Wolfpack's starting quarterback Devin Leary was out for the season after needing surgery. Clemson still hasn't found its high gear and coach Dabo Swinney has been questioned each week about his starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. It won't matter here. The talent gap is too large. Tigers roll!
No. 24 Mississippi State (5-2) at No. 6 Alabama (6-1) -21: Very unfortunate for the Bulldogs to be playing 'Bama, which is coming off the loss to Tennesse loss and 17 penalties. Coach Nick Saban will correct the miscues and roll it up on the Bulldogs. Fuhgeddaboudit!
No. 17 Kansas State (5-1) at No. 8 TCU (6-0) -3.5: Adrian Martinez is finding success as the quarterback at KSU that he never found at Nebraska. TCU coach Sonny Dykes is my current coach of the year. Horned Frogs starting quarterback Max Duggan has made the plays during clutch moments. Another close game but TCU prevails.
No. 9 UCLA (6-0) at No. 10 Oregon (5-1) -6.5: I know the Ducks were crushed earlier by Georgia (49-3) but this is a different team. Transfer quarterback Bo Nix has found his confidence. The Bruins are physical on both sides of the ball and easily defeated Utah. If you can contain UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA has no chance. They are vulnerable to Oregon's speed. Lastly, the game is at Autzen Stadium which is a very difficult place to play. Ducks roll!
No. 20 Texas (5-2) at No. 11 Oklahoma State (6-1) +7: The Cowboys blew a 17-point lead against TCU and lost in double OT, 43-40. They're still alive for a CFP but Texas is coming to town and Boone Pickens Stadium will be rocking. The Longhorns might be undefeated if quarterback Quinn Ewers were not injured. They've solidified themselves as a team on the brink of returning to the national stage and are a road favorite. Defeating Oklahoma, 49-0, and the Pokes in Stillwater will elevate their ranking. Both teams' defenses are soft so this will be another classic Big 12 pinball machine game. The atmosphere is always unbelievable and the media meal is homemade macaroni! Cowboy fans are boisterous and loud the entire game, creating a deafening environment. I'll be travelling to Stillwater for this classic. Pokes in an upset!
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Tennessee's epic win over Alabama shows magic of college football
