Tennessee football: Key moments, turning points in Vols’ 41-21 win over Gamecocks

Big plays were the story of Tennessee football’s 41-21 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks. Here are the key moments from the Volunteers’ victory.

It was big play after big play on both sides. The South Carolina Gamecocks had a 75-yard touchdown to open the game and also relied on a one-handed catch later to take a lead going into the half. But Tennessee football wouldn’t be outdone.

In their 41-21 victory, the Vols relied on numerous big plays from start to finish. It’s what built them an early lead and put them in control of the game late. Now despite being 3-5 and coming off a win over a team that was 3-4 heading into the game, they have a lot to be excited about.

A bowl game truly is on the table for these guys, and that’s shocking considering where they started. But it shows that they don’t quit, and clear moments in this game proved that. Here are the key moment and turning points from Tennessee football’s win.

Marquez Callaway punt return touchdown

Don’t forget that at this point, the Vols were down 7-3 over 10 minutes into the second quarter and had been stopped on the previous drive on 4th and goal. So there was no reason for faith in their offense. But Marquez Callaway responded with his first punt return touchdown of the year. He went 65 yards to the house and gave UT hope with a 10-7 lead.

Jarrett Guarantano’s second touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings

Jauan Jennings had an earlier go-ahead touchdown that only resulted in South Carolina responding with a touchdown. So in the third quarter coming off a missed field goal, it was 3rd and 14 for the Vols as they were down 21-17. But Jarrett Guarantano got hit and found Jennings in the end zone. He got hit as well, but he held onto the ball for the go-ahead score.

JT Shrout touchdown pass to Marquez Callaway

Guarantano got hit on that go-ahead touchdown pass. So with Brian Maurer out, JT Shrout had to come in. Everybody was expecting Tennessee football to stick with the run since they were up 24-21, so Jim Chaney brilliantly called a pass. On 2nd and 9, Shrout showed his own arm, finding Callaway for a 55-yard touchdown pass to put the Vols up 31-21.

Darrell Taylor 4th and 2 deflection

Down 31-21, South Carolina was not done. Will Muschamp had come back in Neyland with greater odds. So after the Gamecocks drove into UT territory in the third, they brought up a 4th and 2 on the Vols’ 35. Muschamp decided to go for it. And Taylor, who had two sacks on the day, made his move. He deflected a Ryan Hilinski pass, giving UT the ball back in a crucial moment.

Daniel Bituli blocked punt for touchdown

After that fourth down stop, the Vols could only get a field goal on the following drive. So up 34-21, they still only had a two-score lead. But Daniel Bituli made the play to keep them in control for good. After another defensive stop, Bituli blocked a punt early in the fourth. He recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Vols up 41-21, which became the final score.

That final big play was the icing on the cake for a game made for big plays. Tennessee football finally began to execute, and they showed what they could do when that happens. This was a huge win for the Vols, and everybody on Rocky Top should be happy about it.