Top 10 Opening Games in Tennessee Football History

Sep 6, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; General view at Neyland Stadium before the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

2. 1959: Tennessee Vols beat Auburn Tigers 3-0

This is a step back in history, but it is a huge game in the importance of Tennessee football and particularly the longtime rivalry that the Vols used to have with the Auburn Tigers.

The Vols were 4-6 the year before under Bowden Wyatt and appeared to be falling off the map from the Neyland years, and Auburn, on the other hand, had not lost a game since 1956 at that time, on a 24-game streak without a loss, 23 of which were wins.

As a result, while Tennessee was unranked and rightfully so, Auburn was No. 3 with many questions as to why they were not No. 1. This should have been a blowout in favor of the Tigers, but in one of the great upsets in Tennessee history, the Vols snuck out a victory.

The dominant Tennessee defense held Auburn to only nine first downs, and a 19-yard field goal in the second quarter was the only score of the game for either team. Auburn got inside the Tennessee 10-yard line twice, but the Vols still managed to hold them scoreless.

Unfortunately, the momentum did not carry over the way it should have, as the Vols still stumbled to 5-4-1 on the season after this win put them in the Top 10. But this win at the time was exciting and something to remember.

Auburn, meanwhile, went 7-3 on the year, so their undefeated streak and reign of dominance was clearly over by the end.

Next: #1: 1998 Syracuse