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Tennessee football 2021 highlights: Top 10 plays of the season

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) celebrates a touchdown with Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) in the end zone during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) celebrates a touchdown with Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) in the end zone during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Kns Tennessee Kentucky Football /

It was obvious with the arrival of Josh Heupel that Tennessee football would have a lot more highlight plays on offense. Everything came down to tempo and big plays, and at least on that front, Heupel didn’t disappoint. Those big plays often came in the first quarter and were what carried Rocky Top to seven wins.

This doesn’t mean the defense didn’t generate big plays as well. Sure, they gave up lots more yards and points than in years past, which was to be expected given how many more plays they were supposed to run, but it doesn’t mean they couldn’t be effective.

Because of all the highlight plays this year, out countdown of the biggest plays can only feature players once. They could be mentioned multiple times when other plays are brought up, but the official countdown will all involve different players. Let’s break all of them down. These are Tennessee football’s top 10 plays of 2022.

10. Aaron Beasley fumble recovery vs. South Carolina

It didn’t seem like much at the time, but Aaron Beasley forced a turnover here through sheer effort and grit. The South Carolina Gamecocks, trailing 21-0 in the first quarter, were reeling. Luke Doty fumbled a snap on the first play of their first drive after the Vols scored 21 points. Those mistakes happen sometimes.

What doesn’t happen is how Beasley reacted. Although he had issues with containment and getting off blocks throughout the year, Beasley managed to jump over the line to land on the ball. UT then took advantage by scoring a touchdown three plays later to go up 28-0.

It was close here, as Jaylen McCollough, who had three interceptions on the year, had his most crucial one in this game. That came one drive before Beasley’s fumble recovery, and it was in the red zone with South Carolina only down 14-0.

Either one could have made the list, but Beasley’s fumble recovery was so impressive given how he got into the backfield that he got the edge. Both plays were crucial in Tennessee football blowing out South Carolina 45-20, though.

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