Memory suggests that Homecoming Games are generally contests where the home team routs the inferior opponent, leaving the fans giddy and ultimately vindicated for a great choice in donating to the school athletic fund. This typical Champs vs. Chumps concept was best exemplified when a Casey Clausen led Tennessee team dismantled Louisiana-Monroe 70-3 in 2000. Undoubtedly, everyone that day believed that the program was going “in the right direction.”

History reveals, however, that not every Vols homecoming had a patsy for an opponent. In 1959, LSU had the number 1 team in the country and came to Neyland Stadium intending for that status to remain the same. On a play known famously as “The Stop,” eventual Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon ended up short of the goal line on a two point conversion, Charlie Severance became a local household name, and Tennessee won 14-13.

Fast Forward to 2021: the Tennessee Walking Horse appeared, no longer high stepping around the field but in attendance nonetheless. The fraternities and sororities participated in their homecoming activities, cheering their successes at halftime. The university welcomed back sports legends Todd Helton, Monica Abbott, Candace Parker and Payton Manning.

Also, a No. 1 team and 20 point favorite came to Knoxville. This Tennessee team could not pull off the upset this time, losing to Georgia 41-17.

Tennessee started strong again, a trademark of this 2021 team. The Vols’ first possession was a ten play drive covering 77 yards, ending with a nine yard touchdown reception by Velus Jones, Jr., from Hendon Hooker. Pregame, Hooker intimated that a fast start was mandatory to send a message that the team clad in black and orange was ready for the challenge. Have no doubt, the Red and Black visitors were stunned in the first quarter.

Georgia answered with a 39 yard James Cook touchdown run on the next possession, knotting the score at 7-7. Tennessee answered that score with a 24 yard Chase McGrath field goal. No one had given the Bulldogs this much trouble the whole year. Could the Vols build on the early momentum?

Alas, it was not to be, as an unusually chilly November day turned into a downright frosty evening. Tennessee didn’t score again until late in the fourth quarter on a Joe Milton III pass to Cedric Tillman, and in between, Georgia put up 34 points. No. 1 would stay No. 1 this day.

Hooker had a rough outing with an interception and fumble, but given the tenacious Bulldog defense, his dropoff in play was not totally unexpected. One Bulldog star was steady quarterback Stetson Bennett on 17-29 passing for 213 yards, adding 58 yards on six carries - not including sacks - and his first rushing touchdown of the season. The other star was Cook, with his touchdown run and a touchdown reception covering 23 yards.

The real star though was the punishing Georgia defense.

Though Tennessee scored more points on Georgia than any other team this season, it became apparent as the game progressed that the Bulldog defensive line was winning the battle in the trenches. This Georgia team has no glaring weaknesses, plays with tenacity, makes few errors and has superb athletes. Their first national Championship since the Herschel Walker led 1980 team is now a distinct possibility after running the table on SEC opponents this regular season.

The player of the game for Tennessee was receiver Tillman, who caught 10 passes for 200 yards and the TD grab. He now has 46 receptions this year as opposed to eight in three previous seasons combined. Tillman exemplifies the current Vols team - they’re outmanned by the better teams but remain well coached, confident , and will likely win their next two games and be bowl bound. Tillman said the team wants to finish 3-0, including the bowl game.

With no teams like Georgia remaining to be played, the Vols will be favored to turn the table and dismantle their next two opponents - South Alabama and Vanderbilt. Despite the Georgia loss, Coach Josh Heupel’s team continues to be competitive despite a lean squad decimated by transfers before the season. His engaging style of play will entice recruits to Tennessee, which is imperative to beat top notch foes foes such as Florida, Alabama and Georgia.