Vols stun Ga. Tech in 2 OTs

No. 25 Tennessee recovers from two 14-point deficits

No. 25 Tennessee rallied from a pair of 14-point deficits in the second half and stopped a 2-point conversion in the second overtime, stunning Georgia Tech 42-41 despite giving up five rushing touchdowns to TaQuon Marshall and getting thoroughly dominated statistically Monday night.

Bolstering the outlook for embattled coach Butch Jones, the Volunteers pulled off a remarkable season-opening victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in a game they seemed to have no business winning.

John Kelly scored the tying touchdown in regulation on an 11-yard run with 1:29 remaining, and then added two more TD runs in overtime. Marshall, in a remarkable performance in his first college start, matched Kelly’s scores with a pair of his own, finishing the game with 249 yards rushing and a school record for rushing TDs.

After Marshall got to the end zone on a 13yard run in the second OT, Georgia Tech decided to go for the win rather than a tying PAT and a potential third overtime. But Marshall was stuffed as he tried to cut inside, and a desperation pitch was ruled an incomplete pass, ending the game.

ALABAMA MOURNS >> Alabama’s team had as much to mourn as to celebrate after a huge opening win.

On the field, linebackers Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller sustained season-ending injuries in the top-ranked Crimson Tide’s 24-7 win over No. 3 Florida State . About 24 hours after the game, a son of wide receivers coach Mike Locksley was shot and killed in Maryland. That left players and coaches with much more on their mind than football Monday.

“I just feel real bad, just like everyone else,” said Tide receiver Calvin Ridley, who texted his support to Locksley. “I just want him to know I love him and I really don’t know anything else about it.” FRESHMAN TO LEAD FLORIDA STATE >> Quarterback Deondre Francois will have season-ending knee surgery Tuesday, leaving command of the offense to true freshman James Blackman.