4. 1989: Reggie Cobb helps No. 12 Vols upset No. 4 Tigers
If any game can be responsible for launching Tennessee football into its elite modern run, which lasted roughly from 1989 to 2004, it’s this game. The Vols were coming off a 5-6 season in which Johnny Majors’ seat was never hotter thanks to an 0-6 start. Meanwhile, the Auburn Tigers were coming off a 10-2 season and their second straight SEC Championship.
UT had gotten back into the top 25, though, entering this game ranked No. 17 thanks to a close win over the Colorado State Rams and then dominant wins at the No. 6 ranked UCLA Bruins and eventual ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils. Still, UCLA turned out to be massively overrated. So Auburn, which was 2-0 and ranked No. 4, became their first real powerhouse test.
Well, it was the day of Reggie Cobb. Rocky Top’s senior running back had 225 yards on 22 carries, including a 79-yard touchdown run, to help the Vols secure the 21-14 upset. The Vols also had two safeties off botched punts and led 14-3. However, Auburn cut it to 14-11 late, but UT got an interception and scored on an eight-yard Chuck Webb run to take a 21-11 lead and win 21-14.
This game proved Rocky Top was back. The Vols would go 11-1 this year, only losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide the week Cobb was dismissed. Luckily for them, though, Alabama would los to Auburn, and Auburn wouldn’t lose another SEC game, which is why UT was able to capture a share of the SEC title and finish in the top five.