Looking To Continue Their Winning Streak Under Coach Josh Heupel.
Tennessee powered ahead in the third
quarter, with a series of three
consecutive runs totaling 17 yards to
take a decisive 14-10 lead. Shortly after,
Will Brooks made a key defensive play
with his third interception of the season,
returning it 65 yards to give the Vols a
prime scoring opportunity. Quarterback
Nico then connected with Kitselman in
the back of the end zone to extend the
lead to 21-10.
Kentucky, however, rallied in the fourth
quarter as backup quarterback Gavin
Wimsatt led a swift 75-yard drive, closing
the gap to 21-18 and putting Tennessee
fans on edge. But the Vols responded two
drives later, launching a lengthy 91-yard
march downfield that effectively sealed
the game. In a memorable first-and-goal
play from the 6-yard line with less than
five minutes remaining, Dylan Sampson
took a handoff and, with the help of a
determined push from his teammates,
powered into the end zone to give
Tennessee a commanding 28-18 lead.
This final run also earned Sampson a
place in Tennessee’s history books as the
single-season rushing touchdown leader,
surpassing Gene McEver’s 1929 record
with his 19th touchdown. The Vols now
prepare to host Mississippi State next
Saturday in Neyland Stadium, looking to
continue their winning streak under
Coach Josh Heupel.
