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Tennessee football 2019 recap: Vols top 15 plays of the season

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 30: Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs a ninety-four yard touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 30: Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs a ninety-four yard touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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14. At Kentucky Wildcats

Nigel Warrior 24-yard interception return

Tennessee Volunteers win 17-13

This is one of the most underrated plays of the year for Tennessee football. Remember, before Jarrett Guarantano had come into the game to start the second half, the Vols were struggle on the road against the Kentucky Wildcats. They had spotted them a 13-0 lead with two touchdowns on their first two offensive drives.

We now see with the benefit of hindsight how unstoppable Lynn Bowden Jr. was. Once he gets the lead and doesn’t have to throw, though, he’s even more dangerous. UT brought up a 4th and 1 on the previous drive in which Mark Stoops inexplicably decided to punt, but on this one, up 13-3 in the second quarter, UK had gotten down to the Vols 37 and brought up a 1st and 10.

At this point, they could have been going in for the kill. Stoops tried to throw the Vols off with a pass, and luckily for Jeremy Pruitt’s defense, Nigel Warrior was ready for it. He intercepted the pass and ran it back 24 yards to the Tennessee 46.

Now, it’s worth noting that the Vols’ offense did not capitalize on that drive. But despite coming away scoreless, it was a huge defensive play That pick on first down killed one drive, and it got the Vols going on defense. They were in rhythm the rest of the way, not letting Kentucky really do anything, and they didn’t need extra turnovers after that to shut them down.

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