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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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8. Christian Charles blocked punt vs. Pittsburgh

On the Pittsburgh Panthers’ first offensive drive of the game, Tennessee football forced a three-and-out. Then, on special teams, a freshman and backup defensive back showed what his potential could be with the Vols going forward.

Pitt got set to punt on 4th and 14 from their 12-yard line, and Christian Charles raced through and blocked it immediately. That play set the Vols up with the ball on the two-yard line, and Jabari Small ran it in for a touchdown to give the Vols an early 7-0 lead.

UT extended the lead to 10-0 but couldn’t hold on. Another play that was impressive in that game was wide receiver Jimmy Calloway taking an out-pattern 44 yards to the end zone for a touchdown, which allowed the Vols to tie it up after they initially blew the lead.

Also, another backup defensive back, De’Shawn Rucker, followed in Christian Charles’ shoes later in the year. He blocked a punt against the Alabama Crimson Tide to set up a UT field goal in the third quarter and cut Bama’s lead to 21-17.

Despite these two plays, Charles’ was more impactful. It set an early tone for Tennessee football and a bigger one than Calloway set. Also, it could have been the difference in the game, as UT lost to Pitt 41-34. They lost to Bama 52-24, and Rucker’s block came after the Tide ran a rugby punt, so he had more help and less of an impact.

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