Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Tennessee Football: 3 takeaways from Gator Bowl win over Indiana

By James Costanz

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after a 16-yard touchdown run to give his team the lead in the fourth quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Indiana Hoosiers at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Tennessee defeated Indiana 23-22. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after a 16-yard touchdown run to give his team the lead in the fourth quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against the Indiana Hoosiers at TIAA Bank Field on January 2, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Tennessee defeated Indiana 23-22. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next

Tennessee football pulled off an amazing second half comeback to snatch the lead from Indiana and win the 2020 Gator Bowl. What did we learn?

Tennessee and Indiana met for just the 2nd time with the first encounter coming 32 years ago on this day. Both teams had interesting stories coming into this game, and a win here would give them a major boost of confidence going into 2020.

Indiana was looking for their first nine-win season since 1967. Led by Peyton Ramsey, Hoosier fans have enjoyed their most successful football season since 1993. A win here would definitely show that the program is finally on the right path.

Tennessee endured a brutal start to the season with losses against Georgia State and BYU at home and were facing another losing season. Credit to Jeremy Pruitt, for keeping his team level headed and finishing the season with 5 straight wins.

Tennessee controlled the first half with a dominant defense that didn’t allow the Hoosiers to have a drive of more than 36 yards. Indiana’s defense was just as strong, only giving up six points despite Tennessee having three red zone opportunities.

The Hoosiers flipped the script in the 3rd quarter, powered by the legs of Peyton Ramsey and a 63-yard pick-six by Jamar Johnson. Indiana had a 22-9 lead deep into the fourth quarter, but then chaos ensued. Tennessee went on an 82-yard drive in under three minutes to cut the lead to one score.

A recovered onside kick, another quick scoring drive and just like that Tennessee takes a 23-22 lead. Indiana tried a 52-yard field goal to take the lead back late, but Logan Justus pushed it a little too far right.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the 2020 Gator Bowl.

Home/Tennessee Volunteers