Nov. 17, 2007
Audio: Coach Johnson’s Press Conference
Audio: Postgame with G. Hall | Audio: M. Buggs
104.5 the Zone Postgame with Coach Johnson
104.5 the Zone Postgame with J. Jennings
Audio: 104.5 Play of Game – Jennings TD
John Russell’s Game Photo Gallery
Box Score | Season Stats | Quotes | Notes
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Daniel Lincoln kicked a 33-yard field goal with 2:46 left to cap a 16-point fourth-quarter comeback and No. 19 Tennessee beat Vanderbilt 25-24 on Saturday.
The comeback was the second largest in history for the Vols (8-3, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) and kept them in control of the SEC East race.
The field goal redeemed Lincoln, who had missed an extra point and a 41-yard field goal attempt earlier.
The Vols were down 24-9 after Vanderbilt’s Mackenzi Adams threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to George Smith with 9:00 left in the third quarter.
Tennessee’s defense forced the Commodores (5-6, 2-6) to go three-and-out on two drives to set up touchdown passes by Erik Ainge. Ainge threw a 7-yard TD pass to Josh Briscoe, followed by a 5-yard TD pass to Austin Rogers to bring the Vols within two points with 7:14 left in the game.
A 2-point conversion attempt after Rogers’ touchdown failed as Ainge threw incomplete to Quintin Hancock. Vanderbilt again went three-and-out and a 45-yard punt return by Dennis Rogan set up Lincoln’s field goal.
| COMMODORE POST-GAME COVERAGE | ||||
| GAME OF SCORING RUNS Trailing 9-7 with 47 seconds to play in the first half, a 19-yard touchdown catch by Jeff Jennings led to 17 unanswered points by the Commodores. With Vanderbilt holding a 24-9 advantage entering the fourth quarter, Tennessee scored 16 unanswered points to end the game. GOFF TIES TACKLE MARK SEASON-LONG DRIVE WASHINGTON FILLS IN NICELY |
Ainge finished 29-for-43 with 245 yards. Arian Foster rushed for 106 yards on 19 carries.
The Commodores attempted their own comeback led by a 55-yard kickoff return by D.J. Moore, but a 49-yard field goal attempt by Bryant Hahnfeldt with 33 seconds left sailed wide left.
A 19-yard pass from Adams to Jeff Jennings put the Commodores up 14-9 with 47 seconds before halftime.
Tennessee had a chance to drive the field before the half, but Chris Brown missed a lateral pass from Ainge at the Vanderbilt 26, and the ball was scooped up by linebacker Patrick Benoist.
After three incomplete passes by Adams, Bryant Hahnfeldt kicked a 33-yard field goal to give the Commodores a 17-9 halftime lead.
Adams also had a 5-yard touchdown pass to Brad Allen. Adams, whose three touchdown passes were a career high, finished 14-for-26 for 139 yards, and Cassen Jackson-Garrison ran 17 times for 86 yards.
Earl Bennett, the SEC’s all-time reception leader, was shaken up late in the game when Tennessee safety Eric Berry tackled him as he leapt to catch a 20-yard pass from Adams. Bennett finished with 26 yards on two receptions.
Ainge also had a 6-yard touchdown pass on the first drive of the game to Lucas Taylor, who finished with 90 yards receiving. Lincoln’s extra point attempt was blocked by Theo Horrocks.
