Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Host
A single play can become one of the most memorable moments in sports history. Think of Allen Iverson crossing over Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan's "Last Shot" in the 1998 NBA Finals, the Immaculate Reception, or, for Tennessee fans, Dobbs Hail Mary against Georgia. One snap. One decision. One play that lives on forever.
For Tennessee Football this upcoming 2026 season, a single play may not define its season. Rather, it may be its ability to execute three specific plays at a high level across all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams.
OFFENSE:
When your team is coached by Josh Heupel, the offense is your calling card. If it falls short, chances are your team will too. The easy answer here is the deep ball or the passing game. If Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre can throw the ball accurately and efficiently, Tennessee's ceiling rises significantly.
But I'm going in a different direction.
The running game, more specifically, the quarterback run, whether it's designed or the result of a collapsing pocket, could be one of the most important plays in Tennessee's playbook. That's what made Hendon Hooker (zero days since the last Hooker mention) so special, and it could once again become a game-changing weapon this season. The threat of a running quarterback can force the defense to account for an extra runner, open running lanes, and help create explosive plays without being reliant on the deep ball.
DEFENSE:
One of the best ways to disrupt an opposing offense is to get to the quarterback, creating an internal clock that forces him to speed up and potentially make poor decisions. For Tennessee, the "Allen" could be the play that defines the Volunteers' season. Jim Knowles' pressure package is designed to create confusion before the snap, forcing both the quarterback and the offensive line to make split-second decisions. The goal isn't always to send an all-out, "send the house" blitz, but rather to create just enough confusion for one defender to come free. When executed correctly, that single moment of hesitation can spell disaster for the offense.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Obviously, a kickoff or punt return taken to the house is one of the most exciting plays in football. However, this season, Tennessee shouldn't be overly focused on scoring every time a returner touches the ball. Instead, the Volunteers need consistent explosive returns that flip field position. Giving a young quarterback a shorter field to work with can make all the difference, turning longer, more difficult drives into manageable scoring opportunities.
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