Honorable mentions
Bryce Thompson interception secures game vs. Charlotte
Again, Bryce Thompson is a freshman cornerback who gives Tennessee football a bright future. This fourth quarter interception came late with the Vols only up 14-3, so had he not made it, the 49ers could have come back.
Shy Tuttle interception vs. South Carolina
This was the play that sparked the momentum for the Vols against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Had they won, it likely would have made the top 10 list. But with a loss, since there was no touchdown, it fell into our honorable mentions. But it was still worth noting.
Jonatha Kongbo interception vs. Auburn
Before his season-ending injury, Jonathan Kongbo was another one of the players to have a huge game against he Auburn Tigers. However, his interception did not follow with any points, so it wasn’t as much of a momentum changer.
Brent Cimaglia 45-yard field goal vs. Auburn
A standard made field goal is not going to make the top 10 list. But it is worthy of honorable mention against the Tigers because after years of Aaron Medley failing miserably on kicks beyond 40 yards, this was a huge kick by Brent Cimaglia. It was his second made field goal from beyond 40 yards on the day, and that it cut Auburn’s lead to 17-13 at halftime gave the Vols momentum to take control in the second half.
Darrell Taylor strip-sack vs. Kentucky
Tennessee football had a ton of late defensive plays to hang on in its 24-7 win over the Kentucky Wildcats. Shy Tuttle made the key play with a field goal block, which made the list. Marquill Osborne had two late interceptions as the game was in hand. But Darrell Taylor, in his fourth sack of the day, forced and recovered a fumble the drive after Tuttle’s blocked field goal. Kentucky had just recovered a Ty Chandler fumble and was on the Tennessee 31 here with over nine and a half minutes left, so they could have threatened with a score here down 24-7. That made this play a big deal too, and it just barely missed the list.