UT running back Marlin Lane (15) makes his way past Vandy defenders while at the Commodore’s home field in Nashville on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014.NASHVILLE – If Tennessee wasn’t exactly in trouble at Vanderbilt midway through Saturday’s third quarter, the Volunteers weren’t exactly thrashing the Commodores, who were yet to win their first Southeastern Conference game of the season in this, their last attempt.
And now UT faced a second-and-4 at its own 46, Vandy’s defense staying strong in a surprisingly close contest.
The ball went to senior reserve running back Marlin Lane, who was subbing for injured freshman Jalen Hurd. He picked up 4 yards to midfield. First down, Tennessee. Then quarterback Josh Dobbs threw a pass to Lane, who turned it into a 26-yard gain to the VU 24. Then Lane struck again, this time breaking at least four tackles on an 18-yard work of art that carried the ball to the Commodores’ 6-yard line.
Two plays later, Dobbs scored to put the Vols up 24-10, all the points they’d need to win their sixth game of the season and guarantee themselves their first bowl bid since 2009.
“Marlin Lane is an individual who hasn’t played much this year,” Tennessee coach Butch Jones said following the 24-17 win. “For him to step up like he did in a critical game, it was great to see his efforts rewarded.”