The sixth-ranked Vols ended five years of frustration against the arch-rival Gators in overtime when Jeff Hall connected on a 41-yeard field goal and his Florida counterpart Collins Cooper missed on a 32-yarder."What we do with this win is most important-how far we take it," Tennessee coach PHillip Fulmer said.
In overtime, Tee Martin missed on two passes inot the end zone and the Vols where called for holding,seemingly taking them out of field-goal range.Martin then scrambled for 12 yards to the 23-yard line,setting up Hall's kick, which split the uprights.
The second-ranked GAtors recorded a first down before stalling at the 15-yard line. That brought on Cooper, whose kick hooked wide left.
Before the ball even came to rest, a sea of humanitiy filled the field at Neyland Stadium. The goalpost came down,television cameras and all. It was a scene those present will never forget.
Another unforgettable apsect of the night was the performance of Vols linebacker Al Wilson, whol virtually cemented his All-American status in the second game of the season.
Wilson, who was chosen SEC defensive player of the week after finishing with 12 tackles and a sack, and also forced three fumbles as Floida turned the ball over five times. ONe of the turnovers came when Terry Jackson fumbled into the end zone.
Al just played a tremendous game," Fulmer said. "He made a lot of plays. NOt only the strips, but he also made key tackles."
Tennessee's Shawn Bryson showed why he is a rarity in college football- a fullback who is on e of the fastest players on his team. His 57-yard touchdown run, right up the gut, stunned the Gators and put the Vols on top 7-3.
Martin hit Peerless Price with a 29-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter,which allowed the Vols to survive touchdown catches by Floirda's Travis McGriff and Travis Taylor.
Tennessee safety Deon Grant saved the day with a fourth-quarter interception on what might have been a touchdown pass.
