1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team

Last updated

1985 Tennessee Volunteers football
Tennessee Volunteers logo.svg
SEC champion
Sugar Bowl champion
Sugar Bowl, W 35–7 vs. Miami (FL)
Conference Southeastern Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 4
APNo. 4
Record9–1–2 (5–1 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinator Walt Harris (3rd season)
Defensive coordinator Ken Donahue (1st season)
Captains
Home stadium Neyland Stadium
Seasons
←  1984
1986  →
1985 Southeastern Conference football standings
ConfOverall
TeamW L TW L T
No. 4 Tennessee $ 5 –1 –09 –1 –2
No. 5 Florida 5 –1 –09 –1 –1
No. 13 Alabama 4 –1 –19 –2 –1
No. 20 LSU 4 –1 –19 –2 –1
Georgia 3 –2 –17 –3 –2
Auburn 3 –3 –08 –4 –0
Ole Miss 2 –4 –04 –6 –1
Vanderbilt 1 –4 –13 –7 –1
Kentucky 1 –5 –05 –6 –0
Mississippi State 0 –6 –05 –6 –0
  • $ – Conference champion
  • Florida ineligible for SEC championship due to NCAA probation.
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team (variously "Tennessee", "UT" or the "Vols") represented the University of Tennessee in the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season. Playing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Johnny Majors, in his ninth year, and played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. They finished the season with a record of nine wins, one loss and two ties (9–1–2 overall, 5–1 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a victory over Miami in the 1986 Sugar Bowl. The Volunteers offense scored 325 points while the defense allowed 140 points. At season's end, the Volunteers ranked fourth in both the AP Poll and the Coaches' Poll.

Contents

Known to fans as the Sugar Vols for their Sugar Bowl victory, the 1985 squad is frequently recalled as one of the most memorable and beloved teams in UT football history, [1] [2] [3] and has been credited with restoring the program to national prominence. [4] [5] The team's SEC Championship was the first for the program in 16 years, and its top ten ranking was the program's first in 13 years. [4]

After a strong start to the season, Tennessee suffered a major setback when star quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Tony Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury in a close game against Alabama. The team rallied to finish 6–0–1, however, led by backup quarterback Daryl Dickey, and a defense – nicknamed the "Orange Crush" – that allowed just four touchdowns in its final seven games. The 1986 Sugar Bowl has been ranked among the team's ten greatest victories of all time. [6] [7]

Before the season

The 1984 Tennessee squad had managed a 7–4–1 record, ending with a narrow 28–27 loss to Maryland in the Sun Bowl. While they had defeated rival Alabama 28–27, they lost important games to Auburn and Florida, and had been upset by Kentucky.

Prior to the 1985 season, long-time athletic director Bob Woodruff announced his retirement. Head coach Johnny Majors expressed interest in serving as both coach and athletic director, but the university hired former coach Doug Dickey. [8]

Returning players and roster changes

Quarterback Tony Robinson entered the 1985 season as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. During the 1984 season, he had completed 156 of 253 passes for 1,963 yards, falling just short of his predecessor Alan Cockrell's single-season record of 2,021 yards (set in 1983). His 61.7% completion percentage had broken the single-season record set by Johnny Majors in 1956. [9] Fifth-year senior Daryl Dickey, Robinson's backup, would start the final seven games after Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury. Three redshirt freshmen were competing for the third-string quarterback slot: Jeff Francis, Randy Sanders, and Greg Hargis. [10]

All-American prospect Tim McGee was the leading returning wide receiver, having caught a school record 54 passes in 1984. McGee entered the 1985 season needing 45 catches, 828 yards, and 5 touchdowns to set school career records in all three categories, a feat which he would accomplish. [9] McGee was joined in the starting lineup by junior college transfer Eric Swanson (20 catches for 186 yards in 1984), while junior Joey Clinkscales and sophomore Vince Carter would see significant playing time. [10] Olympic sprinter Sam Graddy joined the team as a receiver during spring practice. Senior Jeff Smith (6'3", 235 pounds), who had caught 26 passes for 416 yards in 1984, was the team's starting tight end, while Tim Hendrix (6'5", 223) would see significant playing time. [10]

The running back slot was wide open following the graduation of 2nd-team All American Johnnie Jones. Sophomore Charles Wilson began the season as the starter, and was joined by redshirt freshman Keith Davis and junior Pete Panuska. One notable addition to the running back corps was Jeff Powell, a member of the track team who had been awarded the football team's final scholarship at the end of spring practice. Fullback duties were handled by 250-pound junior Sam Henderson, 225-pound sophomore William Howard and 230-pound junior Jim Miller. [10]

The offensive line had lost Raleigh McKenzie and Bill Mayo to graduation, but returned future NFL players David Douglas (6'4", 266 pounds), Bruce Wilkerson (6'5", 258), Daryle Smith (6'5", 257), John Bruhin (6'4", 273), and Harry Galbreath (6'1", 260). Todd Kirk (6'3", 257) was the starting center. Tony Williams (6'3", 272) would also see playing time. [10]

On defense, the Vols had lost three linebackers to the NFL Draft: Carl Zander, Alvin Toles, and Reggie McKenzie. The key returning linebacker was Dale Jones, who had registered 109 tackles in 1984, and had garnered a reputation for making big plays. Jones was joined by senior Lavoisier Fisher, junior Tyrone Robinson, sophomores Kelly Ziegler and Darrin Miller, and freshman Bryan Kimbro. The defensive line was led by senior Richard Brown (6'1", 263 pounds) and junior Robby Scott (6'1", 274), while sophomores Mark Hovanic (6'3", 245), Fred Bennett (6'0", 258) and Richard Cooper (6'6", 272) had shown promise as freshmen. [10]

The Vols' secondary was considered the strongest part of the defense at the beginning of the season, with Tommy Sims and Terry Brown registering strong seasons in 1984. They were joined by junior Charles Davis and sophomores Terry McDaniel, Andre Creamer and Victor Peppers. [10] Chris White, a fifth-year senior who had seen scant playing time prior the 1985 season, would come off the bench to lead the team with 9 interceptions and receive All-American honors. [11]

The Vols' special teams were also dealing with inexperience, having lost kicker Fuad Reveiz and punter Jimmy Colquitt to the NFL. Carlos Reveiz, Fuad's younger brother, stepped in at kicker, while sophomore Bob Garmon was named the starting punter. [10] Joel Farmer was the team's long snapper, while Randy Sanders was the primary holder. Tim McGee and Andre Creamer handled punt returns, while Pete Panuska, Keith Davis, and Jeff Powell handled kick returns at various times during the season.

Coaching staff

Head coach Johnny Majors had compiled a 108–82–5 record during his 17 years as a head coach, which included five seasons with Iowa State (1968–1972), four with Pittsburgh (1973–1976), and eight with Tennessee (1977–1984). His record at UT at the start of the 1985 season was 51–39–3. [12] While he had taken the Vols to four consecutive bowl games, he had yet to win an SEC Championship.

The most notable addition to the Tennessee coaching staff was Ken Donahue, who had worked as an assistant coach under Alabama's Bear Bryant for 21 years. Donahue was initially hired as a defensive line coach in February 1985, but was promoted to defensive coordinator in March after Larry Marmie announced he was leaving for Arizona State. [13] Prior to Spring practice, long-time Vol assistant George Cafego retired. [14] In late March, the Vols hired Tennessee Tech defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas to coach linebackers. [15]

Four members of the 1985 staff later became head coaches at Division I programs: Walt Harris, Phillip Fulmer, David Cutcliffe and Ron Zook. Kippy Brown has worked as an assistant coach in the NFL, and was briefly UT's interim head coach following the abrupt departure of Lane Kiffin in January 2010. Gerald Brown, an administrative assistant, later became the running backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons.

Bruno Pauletto, the Vols' strength coach, was an Olympic shot putter who won the gold medal for the Canadian team at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, and was a member of the Canadian team at the 1984 Olympics. [16]

NamePositionSeason
Johnny Majors Head coach 9th
Ken Donahue Defensive coordinator 1st
Walt Harris Offensive coordinator 3rd
Ralph ChanceyAdministrative assistant7th
Kippy Brown Wide receivers3rd
Dick BumpasInside linebackers1st
David Cutcliffe Tight ends4th
Mel FoelsOutside linebackers2nd
Phillip Fulmer Offensive line6th
Bill HigdonRecruiting coordinator11th
Doug MathewsRunning backs6th
Ron Zook Defensive backs2nd
Bruno Pauletto Strength coach6th
Reference: [15]

Schedule

The Vols opened the 1985 campaign hosting #10 UCLA, which was coming off a 9–3 season in 1984, and had defeated defending national champion BYU in their first game of the 1985 season. Bruins coach Terry Donahue entered the game needing one win to become UCLA's all-time winningest football coach. [17] The Bruins' offense featured running back Gaston Green, two future NFL receivers, Willie "Flipper" Anderson and Mike Sherrard, and All-American kicker John Lee. Matt Stevens and David Norrie were vying for time at quarterback. [18]

Following a bye week, the Vols hosted the Auburn Tigers, who entered the game ranked #1 in the nation, and had defeated the Vols in the teams' previous three meetings. The Tigers' offense was led by eventual Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson, who had averaged 247.5 yards per game and nearly 10 yards per carry in his first two games of the season. Auburn struggled with uncertainty at quarterback, however, with Jeff Burger, Bobby Walden, and Pat Washington all vying for the starting position. [19]

After hosting Wake Forest, the Vols traveled to Gainesville to play the Florida Gators. Florida coach Galen Hall entered the game with an 11–0–1 record, having shut out LSU the previous week. Florida's offense featured the school's all-time leading rusher Neal Anderson and John L. Williams in the backfield, quarterback Kerwin Bell, and future NFL receiver Ricky Nattiel. Many Gator fans saw this game as an opportunity for revenge, as they blamed Tennessee for leading the movement to strip the Gators of their 1984 SEC Championship for rules violations committed under Hall's predecessor, Charley Pell. [20]

In the fifth game of the season, the Vols visited Alabama for the "Third Saturday in October" rivalry. The Tide entered the game 4–1 following a 19–17 loss to Penn State in the previous week. The Vols had won the teams' previous three meetings, and desperately needed a win to stay in contention for the SEC Championship. The Tide was led by quarterback Mike Shula (the son of NFL coach Don Shula) and future All-American running back Bobby Humphrey on offense, and All-American linebacker Cornelius Bennett on defense. [21]

Tennessee hosted Georgia Tech for its sixth game of the season. The Yellow Jackets entered the game 4–2 following a narrow loss to Auburn in the previous week. The Vols had edged Georgia Tech 24–21 the previous year, but were playing without star quarterback Tony Robinson, who had suffered a season-ending knee injury against Alabama. The Yellow Jackets' offense was led by All-ACC quarterback John Dewberry and receiver Gary Lee, though leading rushers Cory Collier and Jerry Mays were out with injuries. [22] Linebacker Ted Roof and lineman Pat Swilling led the Jackets' elite "Black Watch" unit on defense. [23]

After playing Rutgers in Knoxville and visiting Memphis State, the Vols began their final conference stretch by hosting Ole Miss. A tie between Alabama and LSU the previous week had left Tennessee and Florida tied for first place in the conference, and with Florida ineligible, the Vols needed only to win their final three games to win the SEC Championship. The Rebels were led by freshman quarterback Chris Osgood (starting in place of the injured Kent Austin), running back Nathan Wonsley, and receiver J.R. Ambrose. [24]

In the next-to-last game of the regular season, the Vols traveled to Lexington to play Kentucky in the annual Battle for the Barrel. Kentucky entered the game 5–5 under fourth-year head coach Jerry Claiborne, and had won the teams' previous meeting in Knoxville, 17–12. In the final game of the regular season, the Vols played host to Vanderbilt, which entered the game 3–6–1.

As SEC champions, Tennessee received an automatic berth in the 1986 Sugar Bowl, played on New Year's Day in New Orleans. Their opponent, Miami, entered the game with a 10-game winning streak, which was capped by a 58–7 blowout of Notre Dame. Ranked #2 in the nation, Miami needed a win over Tennessee and a loss by Penn State in the Orange Bowl to lay claim to the national title. [25] Under second-year coach Jimmy Johnson, the Hurricanes featured numerous future NFL players, including quarterback Vinny Testaverde, running backs Alonzo Highsmith, Warren Williams, and Mel Bratton, receivers Michael Irvin and Brian Blades, All-American tight end Willie Smith, and a defense led by linemen Jerome Brown and Kevin Fagan, linebacker Winston Moss, and defensive back Bennie Blades. The Vols would go on to destroy the overconfident Miami Hurricanes 35–7.

DateOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
September 14No. 10 UCLA *
 ABC T 26–2694,370 [26]
September 28No. 1 Auburn
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
ABCW 38–2094,358 [27]
October 5 Wake Forest *No. 16
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN
W 31–2993,345 [28]
October 12at No. 7 Florida No. 14
L 10–1774,432 [29]
October 19at No. 15 Alabama No. 20
 TBS W 16–1475,808 [30]
October 26 Georgia Tech *No. 16
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
 ESPN T 6–694,575 [31]
November 2 Rutgers *Dagger-14-plain.pngNo. 19
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN
W 40–092,188 [32]
November 9at Memphis State *No. 19
W 17–749,617 [33]
November 16 Ole Miss No. 18
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
TBSW 34–1492,482 [34]
November 23at Kentucky No. 16
TBSW 42–057,160 [35]
November 30 Vanderbilt No. 10
  • Neyland Stadium
  • Knoxville, TN (rivalry)
TBSW 30–097,372 [36]
January 1, 1986vs. No. 2 Miami (FL) *No. 8
ABCW 35–777,432 [37]
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

[38]

Game summaries

UCLA

#10 UCLA (1–0) at Tennessee (0–0)
Period1234Total
UCLA10001626
Tennessee0137626

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

Game information

Auburn

#1 Auburn (2–0) at Tennessee (0–0–1)
Period1234Total
Auburn0002020
Tennessee141001438

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

Game information

Wake Forest

Wake Forest (3–1) at #16 Tennessee (1–0–1)
Period1234Total
Wake Forest7071529
Tennessee14010731

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: October 5, 1985
  • Game attendance: 93,345
  • [39] [42]
Game information

Florida

#14 Tennessee (2–0–1) at #7 Florida (3–0–1)
Period1234Total
Tennessee030710
Florida0314017

at Florida Field, Gainesville, Florida

  • Date: October 12, 1985
  • Game attendance: 74,432
  • [39] [43]
Game information

Alabama

#20 Tennessee (2–1–1) at #15 Alabama (4–1)
Period1234Total
Tennessee0103316
Alabama070714

at Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama

Game information

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech (4–2) at #16 Tennessee (3–1–1)
Period1234Total
Georgia Tech30036
Tennessee00066

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

Game information

Rutgers

Rutgers (1–5–1) at #19 Tennessee (3–1–2)
Period1234Total
Rutgers00000
Tennessee141061040

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 2, 1985
  • Game attendance: 92,188
  • [39] [47]
Game information

Memphis State

#19 Tennessee (4–1–2) at Memphis State (2–5–2)
Period1234Total
Tennessee3140017
Memphis State70007

at Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tennessee

  • Date: November 9, 1985
  • Game attendance: 49,617
  • [39] [48] [49]
Game information

Ole Miss

Ole Miss (3–5–1) at #18 Tennessee (5–1–2)
Period1234Total
Ole Miss070714
Tennessee71071034

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

Game information

Kentucky

#16 Tennessee (6–1–2) at Kentucky (5–5)
Period1234Total
Tennessee33221442
Kentucky00000

at Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky

Game information

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt (3–6–1) at #10 Tennessee (7–1–2)
Period1234Total
Vanderbilt00000
Tennessee10173030

at Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 30, 1985
  • Game attendance: 97,372
  • TV: TBS
  • [39] [55]
Game information
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
  • TENN – Eric Swanson 43-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick)
  • TENN – Swanson 24-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick)
  • TENN – Reveiz 29-yard field goal
3rd Quarter
  • TENN – Reveiz 24-yard field goal

vs. No. 2 Miami (Sugar Bowl)

Sugar Bowl: #2 Miami (10–1) vs. #8 Tennessee (8–1–2)
Period1234Total
Miami70007
Tennessee01414735

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

End of season

Statistical leaders (regular season)

Honors

New school records

Team players drafted into the NFL

PlayerPositionRoundPickNFL club
Tim McGee Wide receiver121 Cincinnati Bengals
Jeff Powell Running back6166 Chicago Bears
Eric SwansonWide receiver7170 St. Louis Cardinals
Tommy SimsDefensive back7190 Indianapolis Colts
David DouglasGuard8204Cincinnati Bengals

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doug Dickey</span> American football player, coach, athletic director, College Football Hall of Fame member (born 1932)

Douglas Adair Dickey is an American former college football player and coach and college athletics administrator. Dickey is a South Dakota native who was raised in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida, where he played college football. He is best known as the head coach of the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida football teams, and afterward, as the athletic director of the University of Tennessee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Woodruff (American football)</span> American player, coach, and administrator (1916–2001)

George Robert Woodruff was an American college football player, coach, and sports administrator. Woodruff was a native of Georgia and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, where he played college football. He was best known as the head coach of the Baylor University and University of Florida football teams, and later, as the athletic director at the University of Tennessee.

Timothy Dwayne Hatchett McGee is a former professional American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1994. Before his NFL career, he played college football at the University of Tennessee, where he set school career records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions, and was named an All American his senior year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Robinson (American football)</span> American football player (born 1964)

Kevin Altona"Tony"Robinson is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Super Bowl-winning Washington Redskins as a replacement member of their team during the 1987 players' strike. Along with other Redskins replacement players from that year, he was eventually awarded a Super Bowl ring.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida–Tennessee football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Florida–Tennessee football rivalry, also called the Third Saturday in September, is an American college football rivalry between the Florida Gators football team of the University of Florida and Tennessee Volunteers football team of the University of Tennessee, who first met on the football field in 1916. The Gators and Vols have competed in the same athletic conference since Florida joined the now-defunct Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1910, and the schools were founding members of the Southeastern Conference in 1932. Despite this long conference association, a true rivalry did not develop until the early 1990s due to the infrequency of earlier meetings; in the first seventy-six years (1916–91) of the series, the two teams met just twenty-one times. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) expanded to twelve universities and split into two divisions in 1992. Florida and Tennessee were placed in the SEC's East Division and have met on a home-and-home basis every season since. Their rivalry quickly blossomed in intensity and importance in the 1990s and early 2000s as both programs regularly fielded national championship contending teams under coaches Phil Fulmer of Tennessee and Steve Spurrier at Florida.

The 1986 Sugar Bowl was the 52nd edition of the college football bowl game, played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Wednesday, January 1. Part of the 1985–86 bowl game season, it matched the independent and second-ranked Miami Hurricanes and the #8 Tennessee Volunteers of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1997 Tennessee Volunteers football team</span> American college football season

The 1997 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. Quarterback Peyton Manning had already completed his degree in three years, and had been projected to be the top overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, but returned to Tennessee for his senior year. The Volunteers opened the season with victories against Texas Tech and UCLA, but for the third time in his career, Manning fell to Florida, 33–20. The Vols won the rest of their regular season games, finishing 10–1, and advanced to the SEC Championship Game against Auburn. Down 20–7, Manning led the Vols to a 30–29 victory. Throwing for four touchdowns, he was named the game's MVP, but injured himself in the process. The #3 Vols were matched up with #2 Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Had Tennessee won and top-ranked Michigan lost to Washington State in the Rose Bowl, the Vols would have been expected to win the national championship. However, the Vols' defense could not stop Nebraska's rushing attack, giving up more than 400 yards on the ground in a 42–17 loss. As a senior, Manning won numerous awards. He was a consensus first-team All-American and won the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Johnny Unitas Award, and the Best College Football Player ESPY Award, among others. However, he did not win the Heisman Trophy, finishing runner-up to Charles Woodson, a CB from Michigan, and the only defensive player ever to win the Heisman Trophy.

The 1969 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1969 NCAA University Division football season. Playing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Doug Dickey, in his sixth year, and played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. They finished the season with a record of nine wins and two losses and a loss against Florida in the Gator Bowl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Tennessee Volunteers football team</span> American college football season

The 1984 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1984 NCAA Division I-A football season. Playing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Johnny Majors, in his eighth year, and played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. They finished the season with a record of seven wins, four losses and one tie and a loss against Maryland in the Sun Bowl. The Volunteers offense scored 327 points while the defense allowed 276 points.

Daryl Raymond Dickey is an American football administrator, former coach, and former player. He served as the head football coach at the University of West Georgia from 2008 through the 2013 season, and assumed the athletic director position in 2009. He served as the head football coach at Presbyterian College from 1997 to 2000.

The 1971 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1971 NCAA University Division football season. Playing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Bill Battle, in his second year, and played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. They finished the season with a record of ten wins and two losses and a victory over Arkansas in the 1971 Liberty Bowl.

The 1970 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1970 NCAA University Division football season. Playing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Bill Battle, in his first year, and played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. They finished the season with a record of eleven wins and one loss and a victory over Air Force in the Sugar Bowl. The 1970 Tennessee defense holds the record for most takeaways in a single season with 57, not including the bowl game in which they recorded 8 more.

William Joseph Clinkscales is an American football executive and former player who recently served as the director of player personnel for the Vegas Vipers of the XFL. Clinkscales was previously the director of player personnel for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He has worked for the New York Jets from 1994 to 2012, rising to Vice President of College Scouting during his final four years with the team. A former wide receiver, he was drafted in 1987 by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in the NFL for two seasons, initially with the Steelers, and then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Tennessee Volunteers football team</span> American college football season

The 2014 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This was the 118th overall season, 81st as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and its 23rd within the SEC Eastern Division. The team was coached by Butch Jones in his second season with Tennessee, and played its home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

Timothy A. Priest is an American attorney, broadcaster and former football player. He served as the football color analyst for the University of Tennessee's Vol Radio Network from 1999 to 2021, working alongside play-by-play commentator Bob Kesling. Priest played for Tennessee from 1968 to 1970, and holds the school's career interceptions record, with 18. He was captain of the 1970 squad, which featured one of the most heralded defensive backfields in school history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auburn–Tennessee football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Auburn–Tennessee football rivalry is an American college football rivalry between the Auburn Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers. The game was traditionally played prior to the 1992 football season, when the Southeastern Conference split into its Eastern and Western divisions. Auburn leads the series 29–22–3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia Tech–Tennessee football rivalry</span> American college football rivalry

The Georgia Tech–Tennessee football rivalry is an American college football rivalry between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and Tennessee Volunteers. The series dates back to 1902 and features two of the most prominent programs in college football history, with Georgia Tech claiming four national championships, 15 conference titles, and 21 consensus All-Americans, and Tennessee claiming six national championships, 16 conference titles, and 38 consensus All-Americans. Tennessee leads the series 25–17–2. The series ended in 1987, but it was renewed in the September 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Tennessee Volunteers football</span>

The Tennessee Volunteers football team represents the University of Tennessee in American football.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Tennessee Volunteers football team</span> American college football season

The 2020 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Volunteers played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, and competed in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

References

  1. ↑ Jeff Carroll, Perfect Rivals (Random House Digital, 2010), p. 36.
  2. ↑ Nicholas Wendel, "'Sugarvols Carry Milestone With Them", Tennessee Journal, March 29, 2012. Retrieved: March 28, 2013.
  3. ↑ Tom Mattingly, "The Memories of 1985 Archived 2013-04-11 at archive.today ", Knoxnews.com, November 30, 2007. Retrieved: March 28, 2013.
  4. 1 2 John Pennington, "End of an Era? Or an Opportunity Archived 2013-04-11 at archive.today ?" Knoxnews.com, October 9, 2005. Retrieved: March 28, 2013.
  5. ↑ Mike Strange, "DVD to Honor Sugar Vols 20 Years After Huge Win", Knoxnews.com, August 10, 2005. Retrieved: March 28, 2013.
  6. ↑ Dave Hooker, "Top 10 Tennessee Victories Archived 2013-06-15 at archive.today ", Knoxnews.com, June 17, 2008. Retrieved: April 9, 2013.
  7. ↑ "The 10 Greatest Tennessee Volunteers Games of All Time", Bleacher Report, June 19, 2008. Retrieved: April 9, 2013.
  8. ↑ "UCLA at Tennessee" (ABC Sports broadcast)", Knoxville, Tennessee, September 14, 1985. Accessed at YouTube.com, April 8, 2013.
  9. 1 2 1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine (University of Tennessee, 1985), p. 12.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine (University of Tennessee, 1985), pp. 18–19.
  11. ↑ Chris White Archived September 5, 2015, at the Wayback Machine ", UTSports.com. Retrieved: April 8, 2013.
  12. ↑ 1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine , University of Tennessee, 1985, p. 25.
  13. ↑ "Donahue Takes Coordinator Job", Tuscaloosa News , March 28, 1985, p. 13.
  14. ↑ "Tennessee Kicking Coach George Cafego Retires", Tuscaloosa News, March 24, 1985, p. 38.
  15. 1 2 1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide. The University of Tennessee. 1985. pp. 30–37. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  16. ↑ 1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide , University of Tennessee, 1985, p. 37.]
  17. ↑ "UCLA Coach Terry Donahue Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ", Tennessee Versus UCLA Official Program, University of Tennessee, September 1985, p. 65.
  18. ↑ Gibson Smith, "1985 UCLA Bruins Scouting Report Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ", Tennessee Versus UCLA Official Program, University of Tennessee, 1985, pp. 14–15.
  19. ↑ Gibson Smith, "1985 Auburn Tigers Scouting Report Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ", Tennessee Versus Auburn Official Program, University of Tennessee, 1985, pp. 14–15.
  20. ↑ Sharon Robb, "Gators Drop Tennessee Volunteers Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine ", Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel , October 13, 1985. Retrieved: March 27, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Vols Stop Tide, Lose Robinson", Los Angeles Times , October 20, 1985. Retrieved: March 27, 2013.
  22. ↑ Gibson Smith, "Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Scouting Report Archived October 22, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ", Tennessee Versus Georgia Tech Official Program, 1985, pp. 14–15.
  23. ↑ Luciana Chavez, "Duke's Faith in Roof Far From Blind", The News & Observer, November 24, 2006. Retrieved at archive.org, March 27, 2013.
  24. ↑ Gibson Smith, "Mississippi Rebels Scouting Report Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine ", Tennessee Versus Mississippi Official Program, 1985, pp. 14–15.
  25. ↑ Austin Wilson, "National Title Could Hinge on Miami-Tennessee Fray Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine ", The Fifty-Second Sugar Bowl Official Program, 1986, p. 11.
  26. ↑ "UCLA's comeback kids are at it again, 26–26". The Los Angeles Times. September 15, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  27. ↑ "Tennessee pulls a stunner". The Commercial Appeal. September 29, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  28. ↑ "Deacons push Tennessee to the limit". The Charlotte Observer. October 6, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  29. ↑ "Gators defeat Vols". The Leaf-Chronicle. October 13, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  30. ↑ "Ground, kicking games propel Vols past Tide". The Montgomery Advertiser. October 20, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  31. ↑ "Vols get a kick, Jackets get a 6–6 tie". The Atlanta Journal & Constitution. October 27, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  32. ↑ "Tennessee rolls over Rutgers, 40–0". The Central New Jersey Home News. November 3, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  33. ↑ "Tigers growl,but Vols hang on for victory, 17–7". The Leaf-Chronicle. November 10, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  34. ↑ "Vols stuff Ole Miss, 34–14". Kingsport Times-News. November 17, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  35. ↑ Jerry Tipton (November 24, 1985). "Vols' delayed fuse blasts Cats 42–0". Lexington Herald-Leader. pp. C1, C7 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ↑ "So sweet, Vols blank Vandy to win SEC title". Asheville Citizen-Times. December 1, 1985. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  37. ↑ "Orange crush, but Tennessee, not Miami, does the damage". The Shreveport Journal. January 2, 1986. Retrieved November 4, 2023– via Newspapers.com.
  38. ↑ "Tennessee Football History and Records: Tennessee Results 1980–89". University of Tennessee Athletics. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
  39. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Last Season Archived February 2, 2014, at the Wayback Machine ", 1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1986), pp. 100–104.
  40. ↑ UCLA Bruins at Tennessee Volunteers (September 14, 1985) Archived February 13, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , College Football Belt. Retrieved: April 1, 2013.
  41. ↑ Pacific Stars and Strips , September 30, 1985, p. 22. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com, April 10, 2013.
  42. ↑ Pacific Stars and Stripes , October 7, 1985, p. 24. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 14, 2013.
  43. ↑ Santa Ana-Orange County Register , October 13, 1985, p. 112. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 11, 2013.
  44. ↑ Salina Journal , October 20, 1985, p. 24. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 11, 2013.
  45. ↑ Southeast Roundup : Florida Has Thoughts About Auburn, Beats Virginia Tech, 35–18", Los Angeles Times, October 27, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.
  46. ↑ Salina Journal , October 27, 1985, p. 10. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 11, 2013.
  47. ↑ Salina Journal , November 3, 1985, p. 34. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com.
  48. ↑ "Southeast Roundup : Alabama Salvages Tie When LSU Misses on a Late Field-Goal Try", Los Angeles Times, November 10, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.
  49. ↑ Pacific Stars and Stripes , November 10, 1985, p. 22. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 13, 2013.
  50. ↑ "Southeast Roundup: Tennessee Moves Into the Driver's Seat, 34–14", Los Angeles Times, November 17, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.
  51. ↑ Ole Miss Rebels – 1985 Stats Archived November 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , p. 72. Retrieved: April 9, 2013.
  52. ↑ Aiken Standard , November 17, 1985, p. 18. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 12, 2013.
  53. ↑ "Southeast Roundup: Tennessee Gets Its Offense Going and Beats Kentucky", Los Angeles Times, November 24, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.
  54. ↑ Salina Journal , November 24, 1985, p. 26. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 12, 2013.
  55. ↑ "Tennessee's 30–0 Victory Takes the Cake: Volunteers Rout Vanderbilt on Way to the Sugar Bowl", Los Angeles Times, December 1, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.
  56. ↑ Marty Mulé, "52nd Annual Sugar Bowl Classic Archived March 7, 2013, at the Wayback Machine ", Allstate Sugar Bowl official site. Originally published in Sugar Bowl Classic: A History (2008). Retrieved: April 2, 2013.
  57. ↑ 1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine (University of Tennessee, 1986), pp. 105–106.
  58. ↑ 1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine (University of Tennessee, 1986), p. 108.
  59. ↑ 1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine (University of Tennessee, 1986), pp. 116–117.
  60. ↑ Records Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine . UTSports.com. Retrieved: April 10, 2013.
  61. ↑ "1986 NFL Draft". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.