An inspirational victory for the Vols. The Vols were in command most of the way but could not land a knockout punch. The Vols led 13-7 in the 4^th quarter, and were headed goalward when Tony Robinson was knocked out for the season with a nasty knee injury. A field goal put the Vols up 16-7, then Alabama rallied to cut the lead 16-14 and it looked like the game's momentum had turned.

The Vol defense was tested mightily as the Tide tried to rally for the winning score. Legion Field was a madhouse as time wore down. The Vol defense made big play after big play, but none bigger than an interception by Dale Jones at midfield when he batted and intercepted a Mike Shula pass.

The Vol defense hung tough and when Van Tiffin missed a 61-yard field goal at the final horn, the Vols walked off Legion Field with a hard-earned 16-14 victory. Freshman running back Keith Davis ran for a then-freshman record 141 yards and reeled off valuable yardage late in the game to keep the Tide at bay.