Oregon Hands Tennessee Their Worst Loss Since 1910

Tennessee’s hopes were high as the football team entered Eugene Stadium this past Saturday, but left with their first loss of the 2013 season. The cross-country trip was the first road game set for the Volunteers and proved to be a reality check.

            The first quarter was the highlight of the game for Tennessee. Orange and white jerseys swarmed the ball forcing Oregon’s powerful offense off the field. Momentum was swinging in the right direction for the Vols until RB Rajion Neal fumbled the ball giving Oregon the chance to strike first. After several failed pass plays, the Vols defense forced another 4^th down. Luck was on Team 117’s side as the Oregon kicker missed the field goal. 

            Oregon struggled and seemed confused as Tennessee’s offense drove down the field. A 51-yard pass from QB Justin Worley set up a 4-yard touchdown pass putting the Tennessee Volunteers in the lead 7-0.

            This was the end of Tennessee’s success as the entire team looked to have disappeared. Oregon scored 59 unanswered points and Tennessee’s offense was non-existent. A light was seen in the final minutes of the game as RB Alden Hill ran through the Oregon secondary for a touchdown. This proved to be a rally started too late as the final score was in favor of the Ducks, 59-14.                

            The Volunteers need to learn from their mistakes and set their focus on the next opponent, SEC East rival Florida. The Gators had the past weekend off and are hungry for redemption after a loss to unranked Miami.

            The offense struggled against Oregon and need to play better if they hope to have a chance to beat Florida. Florida’s defense will be a challenge, and Head Coach Butch Jones is already preparing.

            “I think first of all schematically they are a little bit different. Florida can play eight, nine deep defensively and there is talent to this first group. When you think of defenses in the SEC, you watch Florida on film, they define SEC defenses,” said Jones.

            Hopefully Tennessee’s offense will also show some improvement. Jones has opened up the starting QB position in light of the poor play of current starting QB Justin Worley. The running game also needs to be a deadly weapon for Tennessee. I think if we can run the ball in a powerful fashion and wear down the Florida defense, the passing game will open up and allow our offense to produce big plays.

            Either win or lose, Tennessee’s fans will still be rooting for Team 117. A victory over our biggest rivalry would put Tennessee back on the national map.