Nov 23, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker A.J. Johnson (45) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Patton Robinette (4) during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
5. A.J. Johnson vs. Vanderbilt
While Vanderbilt quarterback Patton Robinette ripped the hearts out of Tennessee fans late in the Tennessee-Vanderbilt game in 2013, Vols linebacker A.J. Johnson had one of the best games of his career during the bitterly cold night.
On the day, Johnson totaled 13 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery. The Vols held Vanderbilt to 14 points on the night, and up until the last drive, had stifled a solid Vandy offense.
Johnson did everything he could in this game to keep the Vols in it, but unfortunately he and the defense came up just a little short when it mattered most, and the loss against Vandy ended Tennessee’s hopes of making a bowl game.
Regardless, Johnson’s performance was just another gem in his stellar Tennessee career, and he was easily the most productive defender for the Vols on the night.