Tennessee football could have completely changed how its program is perceived if just one or two plays went differently on Saturday afternoon. Although the Volunteers fought back late and gave No. 1 Texas a scare, they leave Neyland Stadium with a 20-17 loss and a missed opportunity to establish themselves as a national title contender.

True freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon led a 10-play, 80-yard drive late to put his team within three points, and Tennessee electrified Knoxville by promptly recovering an onside kick. The Vols had 1:22 remaining to either tie or potentially win the game, but costly penalties and just general disorganization left the team with no other choice but to attempt a Hail Mary. Despite a fair effort, Brandon's pass was batted down in the end zone.

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