Tennessee got down.
Somehow, it never went out.
Georgia Tech’s flexbone rushing attack dealt the Volunteers blow after blow Monday night in the season opener for both teams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Tennessee survived them all and inflicted a few of its own to come out with an improbable 42-41 instant-classic, overtime victory to cap college football’s opening weekend.
A Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game crowd 75,107 witnessed the Vols fall behind 28-14 in the fourth quarter before a walk-on transfer from Division Two Tusculum College forced overtime with a blocked field goal.
With the game tied, Tech’s Shawn Davis attempted a 36-yard kick as time expired. Tennessee’s reserve defensive tackle Paul Bain blocked the kick.
In the second overtime, Georgia Tech scored and could have tied the game with an extra point.
Instead, the Yellow Jackets elected to go for two. Quarterback TaQuon Marshall was planted by Tennessee defensive end Darrell Taylor while attempting a pass to KirVonte Benson. The ball hit the ground, ending the game and sending Tennessee’s players surging onto the field in celebration.
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