By Camden Gober
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15 Tennessee suffered a tragic overtime loss to No. 6 Georgia, 44-41, inside Neyland Stadium on Saturday. With the win, the Bulldogs’ win streak increased to nine straight games in the series.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has yet to beat Georgia during his time on Rocky Top. Many believed this was his best chance to get over that hump. Despite the loss, Heupel believes the game will help his team in the long run.
“If we’re going to move forward and be the team that we’re capable of, this feeling tonight’s got to be a part of what continues to propel us — the urgency and the focus and everything that we do,” Heupel said.
Heupel was clear that he isn’t a fan of so-called “moral victories,” as his team expects to win every game.
“Losses never ever feel good, taste good — that’s not the expectation inside this locker room just to play somebody tight. I think the disappointment of tonight can be a moment, something in our journey together that can springboard and propel us if we choose to use it that way,” he said.
One major bright spot for the Vols was quarterback Joey Aguilar. He finished 24-of-36 for 371 yards and four touchdowns through the air. He added a rushing touchdown, giving him five total scores on the day.
Aguilar threw two interceptions, but handled Georgia’s pressure and defensive looks well. In his first-ever SEC start, he looked like he had played in the league for years.
Aguilar said the team still has plenty of room for improvement.
“What didn’t we learn? We have to dig deeper. Sit on this one tonight, and go back to work tomorrow,” Aguilar said. “Definitely left a lot on the table.”
Tennessee had not scored 20 points against Georgia in a game since 2020. On Saturday, the Vols scored 21 in the first quarter alone. The offense found more success against Kirby Smart’s defense than in recent years; however, it takes all three phases to beat a team of that caliber.
Tennessee had a chance to win in regulation with a 43-yard field goal attempt, but Max Gilbert’s kick sailed wide right, sending the game into overtime.
“It’s a series of one plays that makes the difference,” Heupel said.
The Vols came close to breaking through but still have work to do. Tennessee was without four defensive starters: Jermod McCoy, Ricky Gibson III, Daevin Hobbs, and Jaxson Moi. Despite the loss, it was an impressive showing against one of the top teams in the country.
Heupel doesn’t want the team to hang its head or let the loss carry over. He believes Tennessee will continue to improve each week as players return from injury.
The Vols will look to bounce back next week when they host UAB at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.