5. 1928: Alabama allows blocked punt safety, can’t stop Gene McEver
This was the first memorable game of Tennessee football’s rivalry with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Robert Neyland took over in 1926, and this game marked the annual meeting between the two schools, which was only interrupted in 1943 due to World War II.
The story of the day was Gene McEver. Rocky Top’s first All-American, McEver returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. However, Alabama immediately tied it up with an offensive touchdown of its own to make the score 7-6. So they failed on the PAT, which was the first bit of luck for UT.
Later in the first quarter, though, another lucky key play in the game managed to come for Rocky Top. Alabama had a poor snap on a punt in its own end zone, which resulted in a safety, giving the Vols a 9-6 lead.
McEver’s second touchdown put the Vols ahead 15-6, but again, that was also due to luck. The Vols were about to be stuck with a 3rd and goal from the eight-yard line, as Alabama’s defense was holding strong. However, the Tide committed an offside penalty, which gave UT an easy three yards, and McEver scored easily after catching a pass from Bobby Dodd.
Alabama scored in the third quarter but lost 15-13. They lost because of a muffed punt, an offside penalty, and a failed PAT. UT’s only bad luck was a failed PAT. So while the Vols left one point on the board, Alabama left two and spotted them at least four more.