Tennessee football vs. LSU: Wild endings, upsets, historically significant games – here are the top 15
17. 817. 24. 839. Final
Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl – Dec. 30, 1972
It’s not everyday two SEC teams meet in a bowl game, but Tennessee football and LSU did just that in 1972. That alone is enough to make this game historically significant, but the way it ended also puts this game on here. It was pretty memorable no matter how you look at it.
LSU came into this game 9-1-1 and ranked No. 10 in both polls. Their only blemishes were a loss to Alabama and a tie against Florida. The Vols, meanwhile, in their first year with Condredge Holloway at quarterback, went 9-2, their only losses each coming by one score to Alabama and Auburn. They were No. 11 in both polls.
Although the first score of the game was an LSU field goal, the Vols then went off. Holloway threw a touchdown pass and ran for two more, and by the end of the first half, the Vols had a 24-3 lead. However, in the second half, the LSU defense adjusted, and the Vols struggled to move the ball.
Meanwhile, LSU fought back with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters. All of a sudden, with just under seven and a half minutes to go, they only trailed 24-17. Then LSU got the ball back and a chance to tie before the Vols stopped them on fourth down to secure the victory.