Top 10 Bowl Game Victories in Tennessee Football History

Nov 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; A view of the New Orleans skyline from Yulman Stadium before the game between the Tulane Green Wave and the Connecticut Huskies. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

4. 1943 Sugar Bowl: Tennessee Beats Tulsa 14-7

It was the first Sugar Bowl win for the Tennessee Vols, and it was certainly a memorable one as well. Tennessee entered the game 8-1-1 and ranked No. 7 in the AP Poll and faced the No. 4 ranked Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, who were 10-0 and making a case to be national champions.

After Tulsa took a 7-0 lead, it appeared they would be able to run away with the game.

But under the leadership of Head Coach John Barnhill with Robert Neyland back in the military service due to World War II, the Vols would not go away so easily.

Tennessee scored on a three-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to 7-6 after a missed extra point, and then the defense took over in the third quarter.

The Vols blocked a Tulsa punt then to take an 8-7 lead, and they would not relinquish their advantage in the game after that. Keeping the traditions of Neyland before he left, Barnhill put all the faith in his defense to secure the victory.

A one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Vols a 14-7 lead, and they walked away Sugar Bowl champions thanks to an unrelenting defense. It was a memorable win at the time made even more memorable by the fact that it was the last time the Vols would take the field until 1944. They suspended the team in 1943 due to WWII military service.

Next: #3: 1951 Cotton Bowl