September 27, 2005
Tennessee vs LSU commentary
After all the hype, speculation, debate and rhetoric surrounding this game, it was nice to finally see the game get underway. As a fan, I'm happy that LSU was able to host a homegame on their own field for the first time this year. In an area that has faced so much in the past month, that storyline alone made the game worth playing.
But let us not forget that this was two top ten teams--one fighting for its life in the SEC standings and the other looking to make an early season statement.
And let's face it--both Tennessee and LSU played like champions in Monday's night prime-time contest and both played some sloppy football. In the first half, the Vols couldn't get out of their own way fast enough, giving LSU 14-points on turnovers and excellent field position. Sophomore quarterback Eric Ainge looked like a deer in headlights and the Volunteer receivers couldn't catch a cold in the first half. But then, Phillip Fulmer did what needed to be done--he pulled Ainge in favor of senior Rick Clausen and the game changed.
Suddenly, LSU couldn't get out of their own way fast enough. Momentum slowly began to change to orange and white. It started on fourth-and-one when Clausen powered behind his huge offensive line to cut the deficit to 24-14 and continued a few plays later when the Vols returned an interception to inside the five. Kicker James Wilhoit sent the game to overtime and the Vols took care of business in the first OT, sending the LSU faithful home stunned at the upset.
For UT, it wasn't a comeback along the lines of the MIracle at South Bend in terms of how far down they were. But in terms of a season, it was huge. The Vols regained some momentum in the SEC race and could face LSU again in the Atlanta in December. Both teams will need a lot of help to get there, but it could happen. Also, UT found an offense in the form of Rick Clausen who showed poise and leadership in leading his team back to the win. Cluasen started three games for LSU and was let go by the team, transferring to UT. The victory had to be espeically sweet for him, but he gave credit to his teammates for the win.
As I read about the game, I saw a story over on USA Today about LSU fans throwing beer bottles at the UT buses before the game (and breaking three windows on the buses) .
As I read it, I found myself hoping that this was just a small group of fans who made the entire LSU fan nation look bad. It only takes a few rotten apples to sour the perception of the whole bunch.
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