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Tennessee football vs. LSU: Wild endings, upsets, historically significant games – here are the top 15

By Caleb Calhoun

September 26, 2005; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers Gerald Riggs Jr. drives in for the game-winning overtime touchdown against Louisiana State Tigers linebacker Cameron Vaughn (46) at Tiger Stadium Stadium. The Volunteers defeated the Tigers 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2005 John David Mercer
September 26, 2005; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers Gerald Riggs Jr. drives in for the game-winning overtime touchdown against Louisiana State Tigers linebacker Cameron Vaughn (46) at Tiger Stadium Stadium. The Volunteers defeated the Tigers 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports © 2005 John David Mercer /
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ATLANTA – DECEMBER 8: Quarterback Kelley Washington #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers falls under the weight of defensive back Damien James #5 of the LSU Tigers during the Southeastern Conference Championship Game on December 8, 2001 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. LSU defeated Tennessee 31-20. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA – DECEMBER 8: Quarterback Kelley Washington #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers falls under the weight of defensive back Damien James #5 of the LSU Tigers during the Southeastern Conference Championship Game on December 8, 2001 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. LSU defeated Tennessee 31-20. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

817. 26. 839. Final. 18

Sept. 29, 2001

It’s one of the most somber games anybody can remember. The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were at the heart of this matchup. For context, all games the following Saturday after the attacks were canceled, including Tennessee football’s matchup with Florida and LSU’s matchup with the Auburn Tigers.

However, both the Vols and LSU had scheduled byes the week after that. As a result, they both entered this game 2-0 and in the top 15 but having not played in three weeks. The unity on display after the attacks is a historical significance factor that puts this into one of the top 15 matchups.

As for the game itself, the rust was clear early. LSU struck first to go up 7-0, and the Vols hit two field goals, making it 7-6 at halftime. Then Kelley Washington, a highly touted 22-year old freshman at the time who took advantage of the off-time to develop within the offense, managed to break out.

Washington went off in the second half to finish with 11 catches for 256 yards, a school record in receiving that stands to this day, and a 70-yard touchdown grab. The Vols scored three touchdowns on their first three offensive possessions of the second half. They let LSU come back to make it 26-18, but Clausen to Washington became a thing the rest of the year.

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