Getting to Texas A&M wasn’t easy for Tennessee football. Getting a crucial victory was even harder at times.
As unlikely as success sometimes seemed in the first half, the Vols pulled it off in a 22-7 victory at Kyle Field on Nov. 14.
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Tennessee was off schedule from the start.
It didn’t leave Knoxville until the night before the game after the FAA ordered a nationwide emergency ground stop Nov. 13 just before 4 p.m. for all departing flights.
Tennessee’s troubles didn’t end with the travel delay. Its usually reliable running game slowed against the Texas A&M defense. Injuries mounted.
But the No. 9 Vols persevered in boosting their record to 8-2 as they continued their drive to the College Football Playoff.
Their drive had a noticeable limp against the Aggies, who fell to 4-6 with their sixth loss in seven SEC games.
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Mike Matthews, Tennessee’s leading receiver, incurred what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the first half. Quarterback George MacIntyre was sidelined by a knee injury in the third quarter. And the Vols already were without sack leader Tyree Weathersby, who suffered a season-ending knee injury a week earlier.
Never mind the attrition. Tennessee again demonstrated its resilience and resourcefulness.
Freshman Faizon Brandon, who began the season as Tennessee’s starting quarterback, threw one pass in relief of MacIntyre. But he made it count.
His 5-yard pass to tight end DaSaahn Brame accounted for UT’s only touchdown. That fourth-quarter score put the Vols up 16-7.
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A nine-point lead in this defense-dominated matchup was insurmountable for the Aggies, who made only five first downs until the 5:30 mark of the fourth quarter.
Their offense peaked early when freshman K J Edwards ran 25 yards for a touchdown. Tennessee’s defense never faltered after that.
Once the Aggies were forced to play catchup, their offensive shortcomings were magnified.
Texas A&M’s defense deserved a better fate. A Tennessee running game that was averaging 216 yards per game produced only 196 yards against the Aggies, who made UT star running back DeSean Bishop fight for every yard.
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Bishop, who had averaged 149.5 yards rushing in his last five games, was held to 97 yards on 34 carries.
The Aggies defense was at its best when the Vols were closing in on its goal line. Aside from Brandon’s touchdown pass, Tennessee had to settle for field goals on every scoring drive.
Cooper Ranvier came through each time. Despite a tricky wind, he made all five of his attempts.
Ranvier, who transferred from Louisville, has proved to be a huge plus for Tennessee’s offense. He has made 18-of-19 field goals and hasn’t missed an extra-point attempt.
First-year UT coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense has been just as consistent. And it raised its game after Edwards’ touchdown.
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Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed completed only nine of 22 passes for 71 yards, and Tennessee came up with two fourth-quarter interceptions.
UT’s passing game wasn’t impressive. That’s nothing new. And it doesn’t seem to matter.
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MacIntyre and Brandon combined to complete 14 of 18 passes for only 114 yards. However, they didn’t throw an interception or lose a fumble. For Tennessee’s passing attack, that qualifies as winning football.
And the way the defense is performing, perhaps the lack of passing won’t matter. The Vols just might win their way to a 10-2 regular-season record and a berth in the playoffs.
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John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football overcomes late departure, slow start and injuries | Adams
