November 10, 1979

Hubert Simpson moved into the starting lineup and the Tennessee Record book all in one day, sparking the Vols to an impressive victory over Notre Dame to the delight of an audience that was the largest ever to jam Neyland Stadium (86,497).

Simpson's four touchdowns from his fullback position tied a UT record. The fleet junior netted 117 yards to overshadow Notre Dame's great Vegas Ferguson, who had 88 yards. Tennessee chewed out 441 yards total offense, but it was a goal line stand at the end of the first half that was considered decisive by both head coaches. Notre Dame had scored moments earlier and appeared headed for an important third TD when Craig Puki and Chris Bolton blasted Ferguson inches short of the goal.

QB Jimmy Streater directed UT in a brilliant first half combination of running and passing. When Streater sprained his knee near the end of the half, Jeff Olszewski took over and guided the team to a cinching field goal and TD in the third quarter.