6. 2003: Miami penalties, fumbled punt secure Vols upset win
Phillip Fulmer called this the prettiest, ugliest win he had ever been a part of. Tennessee football was ranked No. 18 but struggling after a 4-0 start. They lost two in a row and then looked horrible in wins over Alabama Crimson Tide and Duke Blue Devils teams who would both finish with losing records.
On the other side, the No. 6 ranked Miami Hurricanes suffered their first regular-season loss in three years the week before and looking for revenge. Kellen Winslow said he was ticked off and that it was unfortunate for the Vols.
Part of what would ensue afterward was luck, and the other part was strategy. Fulmer and co. knew the Hurricanes were poorly coached, and with a senior quarterback, his strategy was to play conservatively and let them self-implode. In that way, it may not have fully been luck. However,the way it unfolded definitely was.
The only touchdown of the game was scored after the Vols’ possession was kept alive on a roughing-the-punter. They scored on a 4th and goal reverse handoff to Derrick Tinsley to go up 10-3. Their field goal came after forcing an interception.
Miami got a field goal early in the second half. UT forced two more turnovers with Miami in field goal range again. But the key play came late. The Vols were set to punt to the Hurricanes, giving them one last chance at a game-winning drive. Well, Colquitt delivered a great punt, and Sean Taylor muffed it. Tinsley, who scored the touchdown, recovered the ball.
So the Hurricanes lost thanks to four turnovers, the final one being unforced, and an unforced penalty that resulted in the only touchdown of the day. Yes, Tennessee football was lucky to win this one after being significantly outgained.