Top 10 Opening Games in Tennessee Football History
3. 1987: Tennessee Vols beat Iowa Hawkeyes 23-22
Coming off of a 7-5 1986 season, a lackluster encore from the magical 1985 season, the Vols were ready to return to their 1985 glory in 1987, starting with the Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium against the Iowa Hawkeyes. They opened the year ranked No. 17, and Iowa opened ranked No. 16.
This game was truly a classic. The Vols had an all-time classic play in Tennessee history as Darrin Miller intercepted an option pass at one point and took it 96 yards for a touchdown.
But midway through the fourth quarter, the Hawkeyes were leading the Vols 22-17. But Tennessee, behind Reggie Cobb, was able to cut it to 22-20 with one field goal. Then, late in the game, they got back in field goal range with eight seconds left.
Phil Reich knocked home his second field goal, and the Vols squeaked by the Hawkeyes for a thrilling victory at a neutral site.
Cobb was the clear MVP of this game, carrying the ball 25 times for 138 yards, clearly putting the football team on his back to carry them to victory in this game.
This set the tone for another very good season, as Tennessee went 10-2-1 on the year and finished the year ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll after a 27-22 bowl game victory over the Indiana Hoosiers.
Looking back, this game was still a quality win, as Iowa went 9-3 on the year and beat the Wyoming Cowboys in the Holiday Bowl.
Next: #2: 1959 Auburn