Tennessee Football Smokey Points: Top 5 Vols Performers in the Music City Bowl

Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) catches a pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) catches a pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers cheerleaders do push ups and wave a flag after a touchdown during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers cheerleaders do push ups and wave a flag after a touchdown during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Malone has been one of the biggest game-changers in the history of Tennessee football this year, and he finished the 2016 season just short of 1,000 yards.

But he came close thanks to his play on Friday.

With other Vols receivers having rough outings and dropping passes, Malone was the reliable target at receiver all day.

He teased fans first with a few nice…and crucial catches. Up until the fourth quarter, though, he had just four catches for 61 yards.

But all of those catches were crucial to long and successful drives, so he already deserved credit.

Then, the big game-changing play happened. Nebraska had cut the game from 31-14 to 31-24. They were threatening, and the Vols needed to extend their lead.

And just as he has done all year for Tennessee football Malone became the big-play guy. The 6’3″ 200-pound junior caught a 59-yard bomb from Joshua Dobbs and walked into the end zone for a touchdown to keep Tennessee in control.

With that catch, he finished the game with five receptions for 120 yards. Once again, the playmaker showed up. And Josh to Josh was able to happen for one final time.

It’s unclear whether or not Malone will leave early for the NFL Draft, but what is clear is that he deserves lots of credit for what he did as a playmaker with the program this year. And if he is leaving, at least he was able to make this list one final time.