This game marked the introduction of Tartan Turf in Neyland Stadium as well as the first game played with the addition of the East upper deck.

UGA pondered not playing the game at all because of the controversial playing surface provided by 3M, but the Vols made sure they had the appropriate shoes and the game was on. ABC was there and the entire nation saw a classic battle that wasn't over until AFTER the clock hit 00:00.

The Vols jumped out on top first and led 7-0 at the half, but UGA cut the lead to 7-3 in the third and took the lead on a 90-yard punt return later in the quarter. UT countered with a safety by Steve Kiner to make the score 10-9 at the end of three.

Georgia would expand its lead to 17-9 when a seemingly routine run up the middle turned into an 80-yard TD. The outlook was indeed bleak for the Vols as they gathered their forces at the 20 for what was obviously their final opportunity to break down a Georgia defense that had stood impenetrable since early in the second period. But the Vols responded with Bubba Wyche in a do-or-die situation. On fourth down, he hit Gary Kreis on a 20-yard td pass with 00:00 left on the clock (Kreis punted the ball into the North stands after the catch). Now came the 2 point try.