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Tennessee football: Key moments, turning points in Vols loss at Vanderbilt

By Caleb Calhoun

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Kalija Lipscomb #16 of the Vanderbilt Commodores carries the ball against Micah Abernathy #22 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Kalija Lipscomb #16 of the Vanderbilt Commodores carries the ball against Micah Abernathy #22 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee football missed out on another bowl game after falling to Vandy. Here are the key moments in the Volunteers’ loss to the Commodores.

Despite losing in a 38-13 blowout to the Vanderbilt Commodores, Tennessee football had plenty of chances to make this a game. Bad play-calling by Tyson Helton and poor execution by the secondary is why the Vols aren’t bowling at this point.

However, let’s not forget that they had the game close in the first quarter. On top of that, they made it 17-7 and had the ball with a chance to take control in the third quarter. These guys blew both opportunities.

There were clear incidents that cost this team, and it’s why Jeremy Pruitt’s first program finishes 5-7 on the year while Derek Mason made his second bowl game in three years on the backs of Rocky Top. Here are the key moments and turning points in Tennessee football’s loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Jarrett Guarantano incomplete pass to Jauan Jennings

This was a big play in the first quarter. Tennessee football had a great chance to take complete control of this game. They had stopped the Vanderbilt Commodores on their opening offensive drive, and they themselves were driving near midfield. But on 3rd and 3, Jarrett Guarantano threw an incomplete pass to Jauan Jennings. That forced the Vols to punt, which ruined them a chance to get an early lead.

Kyle Shurmur converts 3rd and 6

It’s one many will forget about. But after punting, the Vols were in position to hold the Vanderbilt Commodores to a field goal. Backed up in their own territory, they only needed to get one stop. Kyle Shurmur, however, continued the dominance over UT that he has enjoyed for three years. He hit Kalija Lipscomb for a seven-yard pass to convert the first down, and the ‘Dores scored on the very next play to go up 7-0.

Khari Blasingame runs for 4th down conversion

This was on a drive that only resulted in a field goal, but it was a huge deal. Down 14-0, Jeremy Pruitt was undoubtedly hoping to get the ball back with a chance to get some points before the half ended. However, despite Ke’Shawn Vaughn being out, Derek Mason’s team was still able to run the ball. And on 4th and 1 at the Tennessee 31, he took a gamble and went for it. Vanderbilt converted the first down and then got a field goal to go up by three scores at halftime.

Jarrett Guarantano tackled for four-yard loss

This was a huge deal. Tennessee football had cut it to 17-7 in the third and got a second straight stop on defense. With the ball at midfield, they were in prime position to make it a one-score game. But Jarrett Guarantano faked a handoff to Ty Chandler, and with no blocking on the left side, Vanderbilt read it perfectly. They were able to hit him with a four-yard loss, and that play killed what could have been a crucial drive for the Vols to get back in the game.

Kyle Shurmur touchdown pass to Amir Abdur-Rahman

This was the play that put the game out of reach. After failing twice to score while down 17-7 with the ball, the Vanderbilt Commodores made sure they would stay in control. They got the ball to the Tennessee 26-yard line thanks to a pass interference penalty. But then Kyle Shurmur hit Amir Abdur-Rahman with a 26-yard touchdown to give Vanderbilt a 24-7 fourth quarter lead. The Commodores would score two more touchdowns while the Vols scored one more, but this was the play that assured they would be in control. Tennessee was not going to come back after this one.

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