VOLS GAME IN BITS & PIECES

SATURDAY’S STAR

John Kelly. Enough said. Tennessee’s junior running back single-handedly kept the Vols in the game with a series of big plays in the second half. His 237 combined rushing and receiving yards seemed to amount to most of the offense. His 34-yard TD run in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 13-10.

SATURDAY’S STAT

Tennessee failed to score a touchdown in the red zone, and its only score on three trips inside the Florida 20 was a late field goal that tied the game at 20. The Vols were 8-of-9 in the red zone through their first two games, but their struggles in that regard probably cost them this one.

TURNING POINT

Tennessee had first-and-goal inside the Florida 1 while trailing 6-3 early in the third quarter and came away with no points. Playing out of the shotgun, quarterback Quinten Dormady threw into double coverage and was nearly intercepted. Then the Vols were whistled for a false start, and the bad sequence ended with Duke Dawson’s pick near the goal line.

HIGHLIGHT PLAY

Florida’s Feleipe Franks made the play of the season so far when he evaded pressure, stepped up and heaved the last-second, 63-yard bomb that found Tyrie Cleveland to win the game as time expired. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium erupted, and Tennessee players lay on the field in shock.

WHAT IT MEANS

Tennessee coaches needs to batten down the hatches and prepare for external chaos. It’s not just that the Vols lost, but the way they lost, that will infuriate the fan base. Getting beat over the top on the last play of the game after some peculiar offensive calls in the red zone will have talk radio and message boards across the state lit up this week.