Tennessee football: Turning points in Vols’ 40-13 win at LSU
Although it was a 40-13 blowout, Tennessee football wasn’t just able to cruise to victory over the LSU Tigers Saturday in Death Valley. The Vols had a few breaks go their way to break this game open, and without those plays, there could have been issues. These were the key moments in their blowout victory at Death Valley.
Jack Bech fumbles opening kickoff
Obviously, this one is going to stand out. Paxton Brooks kicked off to Jack Bech, and he fumbled a kickoff destined to go out of bounds. The Vols took advantage and drove down the field, capping the drive off with a Jabari Small touchdown run.
Dee Williams 58-yard punt return
Immediately after that forced turnover to set up a 7-0 lead, Tennessee football forced a three-and-out. The Vols then brought out Dee Williams, a junior college transfer cornerback playing his first game for them. He returned a punt 58 yards, and that set up a field goal from Chase McGrath to give them a two-score lead.
LSU comes up short on back-to-back fourth downs
Immediately after going up two scores, the Vols’ defense stepped up. LSU drove to UT territory on the next drive, only to be stopped on a 4th and 4 with a three-yard gain. Then they were stopped on a 4th and 1 in their own territory on their next drive.
Hendon Hooker 45-yard touchdown pass to Jalin Hyatt
Following Tennessee football’s second fourth down stop, the Vols were holding onto a 13-0 lead with two field goals. Then they broke it open, as Hendon Hooker tossed a dime to Jalin Hyatt to give the Vols a 20-0 lead, putting them in complete control.
76-yard touchdown drive to open the second half
At the end of the first half, LSU did score a touchdown, but then they were stopped on another fourth down to set up a Vols’ field goal at the end of the half. UT went up 23-7. Then, to open the second half, they went on an eight-play 76-yard touchdown drive, capped off by another touchdown pass from Hendon Hooker to Jalin Hyatt, this one from 14 yards.
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With that score, Tennessee football was in control, and it was never going to be in doubt. The Vols scored another touchdown later to give themselves even more breathing room, but this drive solidified the game, and it also solidified the blowout. Once that drive ended, everybody knew UT was about to take over Death Valley.