Had Max Gilbert made the 43-yard field-goal attempt late in regulation against Georgia this past Saturday, the comparisons to Tennessee’s 52-49 topping of Alabama in 2022 would be limitless.
Chase McGrath connected on a 40-yarder three years ago on the same side of the field at Neyland Stadium to topple the Crimson Tide. The Volunteers built early double-digit leads in both contests before falling behind and then reclaiming the advantage, and they entered both games seeking to end lengthy series skids.
There was also Saturday’s performance by Tennessee redshirt junior receiver Chris Brazzell II, who did his best Jalin Hyatt imitation by scorching the Bulldogs for six catches that yielded 177 yards and three touchdowns during the 44-41 overtime loss.
“We didn’t really have any swings of emotion,” Brazzell said after the dizzying Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. “We just stayed in the game the whole time. The thing about being a competitor is that if things don’t go right, you’ve got to keep your head in it.”
The No. 15 Vols continued preparations Tuesday for this Saturday’s home game against UAB (12:45 p.m. on the SEC Network).