Tennessee Volunteers Gear Up for Showdown with Georgia Bulldogs, Remembering 2016 Upset
The Tennessee Volunteers are set to host the Georgia Bulldogs in a highly anticipated SEC matchup this Saturday. The No. 15 Volunteers aim to make a statement in their conference opener and break their losing streak against the No. 6 Bulldogs, the defending SEC champions. Fans in Knoxville are also excited as ESPN's College Gameday returns to Rocky Top ahead of the big game.
Recalling the 2016 Upset
The last time Tennessee defeated Georgia was in 2016, Kirby Smart's first season as head coach of the Bulldogs. The game concluded with a memorable Hail Mary pass from Josh Dobbs to Jauan Jennings, securing a 34-31 victory for the Volunteers.
Georgia initially took a commanding 17-0 lead, but Tennessee battled back. With just under three minutes remaining, Tennessee gained their first lead. However, a late touchdown pass from Jacob Eason to Riley Ridley seemingly sealed the game for Georgia. A subsequent excessive celebration penalty pushed Georgia's kickoff back, allowing Evan Berry to return the kick past midfield, setting up Dobbs' game-winning heave.
The Contrasting Paths of Tennessee and Georgia Since 2016
While the 2016 loss marked a minor setback in Smart's early tenure at Georgia, the program quickly ascended to national prominence. Georgia has dominated the series since that game. Smart led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship and a national championship game appearance in 2017 and later broke a 40-year title drought with back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, Tennessee struggled to find stability. Butch Jones's tenure ended in 2017. While the 2016 win against Georgia contributed to a 5-0 start that year, the team quickly unraveled. It wasn't until Josh Heupel took over in 2021 that the Volunteers began their resurgence, achieving two 10-plus win seasons in the past three years.
Key Players from the 2016 Matchup
In 2016, Georgia's backfield featured future NFL stars Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. While Chubb was limited due to injury, Michel rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown. Tennessee's Alvin Kamara contributed 62 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown, and Jauan Jennings secured the game-winning Hail Mary catch.
ESPN's College GameDay Returns to Knoxville
ESPN's College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will be live from Ayres Hall Lawn at the University of Tennessee from 9 a.m. – noon ET on ESPN, ESPNU and Disney+. This marks the 12th time Tennessee has hosted GameDay, and the first visit since 2022.
Special guests include Lady Vols legend Candace Parker as the guest picker, along with appearances by UT head coach Josh Heupel and a performance by country singer Russell Dickerson.
College GameDay's On-Site Highlights
- Josh Heupel will join GameDay live on-site.
- Candace Parker will be the celebrity guest picker.
- Russell Dickerson will perform.
- Nick Saban will provide film room analysis.
- Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest will give fans a chance to win prizes.
Featured Stories on College GameDay
GameDay will also feature stories on Special Education Teacher Josh Holman, and Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar. Plus, a feature on the Georgia vs. Tennessee rivalry itself.
