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Tennessee football: Five key moments that defined Vols turnaround for 2019

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 26: Jauan Jennings #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks after the game at Neyland Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 26: Jauan Jennings #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks after the game at Neyland Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images /

4. Tim Jordan third down conversion catch against the Mississippi State Bulldogs

Sticking with the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the other belief people had about Tennessee football was that they could not close out games. And they were in danger of failing on that front once again in this game.

MSU had fought back from 13-3 down to make it 13-10 on a scoring drive in which they had a fourth down conversion. UT responded by driving past midfield late in the fourth quarter. But as Jim Chaney stayed conservative, a 3rd and 6 came up.

With just over four minutes to go, a first down would put the Vols in control. So should he throw it with Jarrett Guarantano, who was extremely maligned early in the year, or should he play conservative and put the defense back on the field after just allowing a long drive?

Well, Chaney called the play of the year. He drew up a quick shovel pass to Tim Jordan, and Jordan used his abilities in open space to run for the first down. In this game, Jordan had a touchdown run. And two plays after that conversion, Guarantano hit Tyler Byrd for a touchdown to put the Vols in front for good.

But that third down conversion is what clinched the game in the grand scheme of things. And while Trevon Flowers’s interception proved UT could match teams in forcing turnovers, Jordan’s first down run proved they could make a play when they needed to. After failing to make the key play against the BYU Cougars while leading late, they took a major step with that conversion.

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