In a game that was do or die for the Vols, James Franklin brought in one of the best Vanderbilt teams in a long time to square off against arguably the worst Tennessee team ever. I knew this would be a tough game and honestly I was quite worried. However I also knew that with a win in this game, a sure fire win in Kentucky next week would put Tennessee at 6-6 on the season and send the Vols to a bowl game for the third straight year. I went to the game with my dad and when we got to our seats in the stadium I knew right away it would be interesting because about 3 rows in front of me there was a former Vanderbilt offensive linemen. Upon further inquiry I learned that he had played for the 'Dores during the 2005 season in which Vanderbilt won.
The game started out in Tennessee's favor. After Vandy got the ball to start, a Jordan Rodgers fumble gave the ball to the Vols and they were able to stroll right down the field on three plays and punch the ball across the goal line on a 2 yard scamper by Tauren Poole. Vols lead early 7-0. Tennessee got the ball back on a Jordan Rogers interception made by Austin Johnson but an interception thrown by Bray put Vandy in business and Zac Stacey scored one play later on a 6 yard run. Tennessee was able to gain the halftime lead however when Tyler Bray threw a brilliant pass to Da'Rick Rogers to put the Vols up 14-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter Vandy tied the game when Tyler Bray tried to zip one across the middle to Mychael Rivera but his pass was intercepted and taken 100 yards the other way to tie the game at 14. Vanderbilt took the lead in the forth quarter when Jordan Rodgers hit Chris Boyd with 12:21 left in the game and Vanderbilt looked like they may pull off the win. Tennessee took the ball down to the redzone on the ensuing drive, but on a field goal attempt by Parlady that first looked blocked, then after review showed that a Vandy player did not touch the ball, Tennessee benefited from a running into the kicker call and on 4th down, Bray hit Rogers who made a ridiculous catch, tying the game at 21 and eventually being the play that sent the game into overtime.
Reminded me of catches I used to make in my old playing days. . .
In overtime Tennessee won the toss and elected to go on defense first. Vandy came down to play at our end of the field. After picking up a first down, on third and 6 Jordan Rodgers again looked for his tight end on an out route. This time Nashville native Eric Gordon was there to pick the pass off and return it 94 yards for a game clinching touchdown. The only problem was that a ref had blown him down at the 6. Tennessee was going to have to come back out on offense and try to win the game. Just before the Vols took a snap the play was reviewed. Confusion rang throughout the stadium as it seemed Tennessee was about to get screwed out of another win. However this time vindication arrived in the form of the head referee announcing that Gordon's knee had not touched the ground, and that the touchdown would stand. Tennessee won an overtime thriller 27-21 and would now travel to Lexington to try and beat Kentucky for the 27th year in a row to make them bowl eligible.
I've never been so happy to be Vanderbilt. This is where we are.
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