Tennessee football went on the road and pulled out a thrilling 41-34 overtime win at Mississippi State Saturday evening. The game included six lead changes and three times leading to a thrilling back-and-forth game with no shortage of critical moments.
Here’s five critical moments from the Vols’ win over Mississippi State.
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A Good Start Turns Bad
Mississippi State won the opening toss and elected to receive, looking to make an early statement. Tennessee’s defense rose to the occasion. The Vols quickly forced Mississippi State into third-and-long and Dominic Bailey sacked Blake Shapen on third down to force a three-and-out.
It was a great start to the game for Tennessee. Until, Braylon Staley muffed a bombed Xavier Gayten punt and Mississippi State recovered. The Bulldogs took over at the Tennessee 20-yard line and took advantage of their second chance, finding the end zone five plays later.
What started as a good start turned terrible quickly as the Bulldogs took an early lead.
Colton Hood Settles Tennessee In
Self inflicted mistakes were a theme for Tennessee throughout the game but especially early in the football game. Third down drops ended each of Tennessee’s first two drives as the Vols trailed 7-3 early.
After punting on its second drive, the Bulldogs quickly faced third-and-five. With Dominic Bailey in his face, Blake Shapen threw the ball behind his intended receiver and right into the chest of Colton Hood who strolled in 23 yards for a pick six.
The game changing play marked the first lead change of the game and helped Tennessee settle into the football game after a discombobulated start.
Game Changing Flag
A Joey Aguilar interception gave Mississippi State a short field and set up a Bulldogs touchdown to claim the lead in the third quarter.
That’s what proceeded Joey Aguilar airing out a deep ball to receiver Chris Brazzell who beautifully high-pointed the football for a 59-yard touchdown. Only the back judge, who was not the closest official to the play, heaved a flag in to overhaul the long touchdown.
Not only did the flag take a touchdown off the board but it also pushed Tennessee into first-and-25, a down-and-distance the Vols were not able to overcome having to eventually punt. It gave Mississippi State a chance to go down the field and take a two-score lead in the fourth quarter with a touchdown.
Tyre West Flips Momentum Back
Tennessee’s defense forced a punt on the ensuing drive, but once again, a special teams miscue put them right back on the field with Mississippi State converting on a fake punt. The Bulldogs had all the momentum and never in the game did Tennessee’s chances of winning look as bleak as they did in that moment.
Enter Tyre West. The defensive end hammered Shapen from the blindside, knocking the ball free. Josh Josephs scooped it up and strolled in 41 yards for a touchdown.
Tennessee’s defense hasn’t been great this season but in five games, they have three defensive touchdowns with two coming right after instant changes. This one was the biggest play of the game.
A Goal Line Stand
When Shapen’s pass miraculously found the arms of Anthony Evans, Mississippi State had it first-and-goal at the five-yard line overtime. Insert a game-winning goal-line stand.
The Bulldogs tried to hit Tennessee with a misdirection RPO on first down. The Vols had it played perfectly and Josh Josephs made the tackle for a one-yard gain. Bryson Eason and Arion Carter stuffed a second down run. Jalen McMurray made the tackle on a third down Shapen scramble, setting up fourth-and-goal at the four-yard line.
Tennessee’s coverage held up fantastic. Dominic Bailey eventually provided pressure up the middle and Arion Carter stepped in front of Shapen’s pass, breaking it up and sealing the road win.
