1. Marquez Callaway Hail Mary touchdown catch vs. Kentucky
It was a really tough decision when it came down to this and the Tennessee football defensive touchdown to take control of the Auburn Tigers. After all, the play against Auburn had a bigger impact on the game.
Betsided
But in the end, which win was bigger on the season remains a bit of a wash. And Hail Mary plays are always critical. As a result, the excitement of a Hail Mary was enough for us to make this the top play.
Also, don’t discount what this meant. The Vols were only up 10-0 over the Kentucky Wildcats as the half was drawing to a close. There was plenty of reason to worry. What if Terry Wilson and Benny Snell got going in the third quarter?
Well, Jarrett Guarantano and Marquez Callaway made sure that wouldn’t happen. With seconds left, the Vols were on the Kentucky 39. There was a legitimate debate about getting a few more yards and quickly trying a field goal.
Instead, however, Guarantano began to extend the play, and a field goal would be out of the question. As he eluded pressure to throw the ball into the end zone, there were multiple players there on both teams. But Callaway came down with it as the half expired.
The play gave Tennessee football a three-score lead going into halftime as they were going to get the ball in the second half. So it was everything they needed to remain in control over Kentucky. And such a momentum boost can’t be understated. With that, the Vols were able to enjoy a thrilling victory. It was a Hail Mary as part of a huge win, so this deserved to be recognized on Rocky Top as the best play of the year.