Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
Thankfully, this is the last time I have to write one of these; they’re making me realize that any year after 1990 is now either close to or more than 30 years ago, which also means I'm somehow closing in on 30 myself. Anyway, pitter patter, let's get at 'er.
The year is 1991, George H.W. Bush is in the White House, the Soviet Union is nearing its collapse, and the world is entering a decade of unprecedented change. In Knoxville, the Tennessee Volunteers are preparing for a football season unlike any other, one without the Georgia Bulldogs on the schedule.
That would be the last time Tennessee went an entire season without facing Georgia. Until now
Johnny Majors was entering his 15th season at the helm of the Tennessee program, coming off a 9-2-2 campaign the year prior. The Vols finished second in the SEC standings, but with first-place Florida ruled ineligible for postseason play, Tennessee was awarded the SEC Championship and the conference's bid to the Sugar Bowl.
Quarterback Andy Kelly was entering his senior season after leading the Vols' offense in 1990. Kelly threw for 2,241 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions during his junior campaign.
The Vols kicked off the season in the Bluegrass State, taking on Louisville inside Cardinal Stadium. The Cardinals were led by seventh-year head coach Howard Schnellenberger and, fittingly enough, featured quarterback Jeff Brohm, who is now the head coach at Louisville.
Despite turning the ball over five times, Tennessee dominated the statistical battle, outgaining Louisville 421 yards to 211. Wide receiver Carl Pickens led the way, catching a 75-yard touchdown pass a. nd returning a punt 67 yards for another score. To add insult to literal injury for the Cardinals, Brohm suffered a broken leg late in the game.
The Vols cruised to a 28-11 victory to open the season.
Tennessee returned home in Week 2 to host the UCLA Bruins. The Bruins were led by 16th-year head coach Terry Donahue and sophomore quarterback Wayne Cook.
In the sweltering Knoxville heat, the Volunteers' defense made one of the biggest plays of the afternoon when defensive back Tracy Smith returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. The 112-degree heat index on the field proved to be too much for the Bruins' offense, as Tennessee pulled away for a 30-16 victory.
The Vols returned to Neyland Stadium in week three for a matchup with Mississippi State, led by first-year head coach Jackie Sherrill and junior quarterback Sleepy Robinson. Despite entering as heavy underdogs, the Bulldogs kept the game within one score throughout, but Tennessee ultimately escaped with a victory when Andy Kelly connected with Mark Adams on a 10-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.
Ending a three-game homestand, the Vols welcomed Auburn to Neyland Stadium. The Tigers were led by 11th-year head coach Pat Dye and sophomore quarterback Stan White. Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly put together a stellar performance, throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns, while Carl Pickens hauled in four passes for 172 yards and two scores. The Vols secured the victory, 30-21.
Tennessee dropped two straight games on the road at Florida (35-18), and at Alabama (24-19).
The Vols returned to their winning ways when they came home to host the Memphis Tigers. Tennessee seized control early, erupting for 40 first-half points before cruising to a 52-24 victory over the Tigers.
Back on the road, Tennessee traveled to Notre Dame Stadium for a showdown with the Fighting Irish. In what became known as the "Miracle in South Bend," the Vols fell behind early after a series of costly turnovers. Living out General Neyland's maxims, Tennessee blocked two kicks and returned both for touchdowns, cutting the deficit to 31-14 at halftime. The Volunteer defense then dominated the second half, pitching a shutout as the offense completed one of the greatest comebacks in program history. Tennessee stunned Notre Dame, 35-34.
Back at home, the Vols hosted the Ole Miss Rebels. True freshman running back James Stewart delivered a historic performance, rushing for 215 yards to set a Tennessee record for the most rushing yards by a true freshman in a single game. The Volunteers defeated the Rebels, 36-25.
Back on the road, Tennessee made the trip north to Lexington. To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Vols left with a 16-7 victory over Kentucky.
Next up, the Vols returned to Neyland Stadium to host in-state rival Vanderbilt. Tennessee made history as three players rushed for more than 100 yards in the same game, powering the Big Orange to a dominant 45-0 victory over the Commodores.
Tennessee ended the regular season with a record of 9-2 and was set to face off with Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Vols jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead against the Nittany Lions, but Penn State's defense settled in as the offense exploded for 35 second-half points. The comeback was too much to overcome, as the Nittany Lions defeated Tennessee, 42-17. The Volunteers finished the season with a 9-3 record.
The successful season also showcased Tennessee's NFL talent, as nine Volunteers were selected in the NFL Draft, including two first-round picks and two second-round selections.
Despite a disappointing end to the season, the 1991 campaign should widely be viewed as a success, featuring several memorable moments that showcased Tennessee's potential.
However, the following offseason brought a major shift in Knoxville. In August 1992, head coach Johnny Majors underwent emergency quintuple bypass surgery, leading offensive coordinator Phillip Fulmer to take over as interim head coach.
Fulmer guided the Vols to a 3-0 start before Majors returned to the sideline and led the team to a 5-3 finish. Following the Hall of Fame Bowl, Tennessee bought out Majors' contract and officially named Fulmer the program's next head coach.
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