Texas A&M defeats Tennessee in dramatic fashion. Once again, Tennessee found itself in a hole. They would trail by as many as 21 in the 2nd half. With this being Tennessee though, they never quit and find ways to make things interesting. Nearly everything went against Tennessee in this game. The Vols had a whopping seven turnovers, twelve penalties for 84 yards and three more injuries to a team already injury prone. This game would be remembered for years in College Station.
The Aggies struck first with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Knight to take a 7-0 lead. Tennessee would go on to have a good drive but Alvin Kamara would fumble at the seven yard line. That would be huge as Kamara would’ve had a 55 yard gain. The Aggies couldn’t do anything with it on the next possession though and would punt. Tennessee would then answer with over three minutes left in the first quarter. A trick pass play from wide receiver Jauan Jennings to Josh Dobbs from four yards out tied it. A&M would strike back in a little over a minute with a two yard touchdown pass from Knight making it 14-7. Evan Berry would then fumble on the kickoff. The Aggies would take advantage two plays later with a seven yard touchdown run by Knight.
The second quarter was all about defense. Tennessee’s first possession of the second quarter started promising again. It would end with an incompletion on 4th and 2 though. After that, there were all punts as Texas A&M took a 21-7 lead at halftime. Tennessee had some very critical turnovers in the first half, one leading to an Aggie score and another one negating a Vol score.
The third quarter started with yet another promising drive from the Vols with some big plays by Alvin Kamara, Dobbs and Josh Malone. Dobbs would fumble later in the drive giving A&M the ball again. The Aggies would drive down the field and would score thanks to a seven yard touchdown pass from Knight. At 28-7 Tennessee had to get something going and quick. A 12 yard screen pass on 3rd and 10 would keep a critical drive going. Kamara would then score from 15 yards out making 28-14.
The next possession Trevor Knight would be picked off by Colton Jumper giving Tennessee the ball deep in Aggie territory. John Kelly for Tennessee would fumble the ball though, giving A&M the ball back at its own two yard line. Texas A&M would punt but Dobbs pass is picked off. This would make it six turnovers for the Vols. Colton Jumper had another huge play in this game. He would get a third down stop and force the Aggies to punt.
Tennessee had great offensive plays again to start a drive. The Aggie defense would respond at a critical time again though on 3rd and 23 forcing another Vols punt. At this point it is now the fourth quarter with A&M still up a couple scores. After an A&M punt, a great drive for Tennessee this time ends with points. A four yard touchdown run by Kelly makes it a one score game 28-21.
With just under five minutes to play, Trevor Knight scores on a 62 yard touchdown run. This makes it seem as if Tennessee is out of it now. However, Tennessee would respond. Kamara would score from four yards out with 2:07 left making it 35-28.
The next drive by A&M would end critically. The Aggies would break with Williams for a huge run. This would look like a touchdown before the ball would be knocked from behind on the one yard line. It would go out of the end zone, giving Tennessee the ball on a touchback. Tennessee would take advantage. Dobbs would hit Tyler Byrd for 44 yards on the first play.
After a couple plays Dobbs finds Kamara for a first down at the 18 yard line. Two plays later Kamara would score from 18 yards out tying it up at 35 miraculously with 41 seconds left. A&M would drive down the field though and would attempt a 38 yard field goal attempt for the win. However, it was missed and overtime was calling.
Tennessee would get first possession and would kick a field goal. This would give Tennessee their first lead of the day 38-35. The Aggies would be stuffed on 3rd and 1, and would attempt a field goal themselves. This time, the kick is good and a second overtime is on the way.
Trevor Knight would score from one yard out making it 45-38 Aggies in the second overtime. Dobb’s pass would then be intercepted on 4th down and the Aggies would survive. That would be Tennessee’s seventh turnover of the day. This was an all time classic game and just the third meeting between these two schools. Tennessee is a team that had a few key injuries on defensive. Jalen Reeves-Maybin is out of the year, Cam Sutton and Darren Kirkland were also out for this game. Not to mention, running back Jalen Hurd did not make the trip to this game either.
Let’s give props to Alvin Kamara though. He was the starter for Tennessee at running back and put up huge numbers. He had 161 receiving yards and 127 rushing yards. That hasn’t happened in a game in 20 years. Tennessee had 684 total yards to A&M’s 592. Without even a couple of these Tennessee turnovers, Tennessee probably escapes with a win. However, it wasn’t meant to be. Tennessee is 5-1 on the year but still in control of their destiny in the SEC East. They will take on undefeated and #1 Alabama next week at home. It doesn’t get any easier for the Vols, but this team doesn’t give up. Next week should be a great game with the Tide.
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