After Tennessee football took a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, a UAB player was caught stomping on Vols kicker Max Gilbert’s foot. In the moments after Gilbert’s converted point-after attempt, Blazers safety Sirad Bryant was penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct due to the action. He was not ejected from the game.
Gilbert did not appear to say anything to any UAB players after the kick. However, holder and punter Jackson Ross did share some quick words with Bryant before the incident. Bryant responded by stomping on Gilbert’s kicking foot just after.
Gilbert returned to the sideline with a noticeable limp. The kicker remained on the sideline and did not enter the injury tent or return to the locker room. After UT’s ensuing touchdown drive to open the second quarter, he returned to the field after Tennessee’s fourth touchdown, as well, and connected on the extra point.
??? uhh ejection??????? pic.twitter.com/tys9NModJ5
— gmannVOLS (@gmannVOLS) September 20, 2025
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This was the finish of the fourth offensive drive of the game for Tennessee. The Vols quickly scored on the opening possession with another connection to Chris Brazzell. On the second drive, Mike Matthews reeled in a long throw for another score.
Drive three ended in a Joey Aguilar interception. It was his third of the year, but it appeared there was a missed pass interference on the play with plenty of contact before the ball arrived.
On the fourth drive, DeSean Bishop carried the load and punched in the score. Gilbert, who missed the potential game-winning kick against Georgia last Saturday, is 4-for-4 on extra points to start the game. He has yet to attempt a field goal.
On the season, Gilbert is 6-for-7 on field goals, with the miss against the Bulldogs his only miscue. He is also 21-for-21 on extra points through three games, one quarter and some change.
One Response
That definitely was a cheap shot and he should have been ejected from the game. Could have been a career ending injury. Glad he is ok. Saw our hometown boy, Gray Dangerfield in on a couple of kickoffs, while he recovered. Shout outs. Charleston so proud of him. He was our cart boy at the golf course this summer where I play, good kid. Wishing him much success in his future as a kicker. Go vols. On to bulldog country and another good game. Game over those darn cowbells.