1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team

American college football season February 2026 January 2019 1985 Tennessee Volunteers football Tennessee Volunteers logo.svg 125 Southeastern Conference SEC 4 4 9–1–2 5–1 Johnny Majors 9th Walt Harris 3rd Ken Donahue 1st Tim McGee Tommy Sims Chris White Neyland Stadium SEC championSugar Bowl champion Sugar Bowl W Won 35–7 vs. Miami (FL) The 1985 Tennessee Volunteers football team (variously "Tennessee", "UT" or the "Vols") represented the University of Tennessee in the 1985 NCAA Division I-A football season. Playing as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the team was led by head coach Johnny Majors, in his ninth year, and played their home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. They finished the season with a record of nine wins, one loss and two ties (9–1–2 overall, 5–1 in the SEC), as SEC champions and with a victory over Miami in the 1986 Sugar Bowl. The Volunteers offense scored 325 points while the defense allowed 140 points. At season's end, the Volunteers ranked fourth in both the AP Poll and the Coaches' Poll. Known to fans as the Sugar Vols for their Sugar Bowl victory, the 1985 squad were known by their fans as one of the most memorable and beloved teams in UT football history,Jeff Carroll, Perfect Rivals (Random House Digital, 2010), p. 36.Nicholas Wendel, "https://archive.today/20130412000040/http://tnjn.com/2012/mar/29/sugarvols-carry-milestone-win-/ 'Sugarvols Carry Milestone With Them", Tennessee Journal, March 29, 2012. Retrieved: March 28, 2013.Tom Mattingly, "The Memories of 1985 https://archive.today/20130411052239/http://blogs.knoxnews.com/mattingly/2007/11/the-memories-of-1985.html 2013-04-11 ", Knoxnews.com, November 30, 2007. Retrieved: March 28, 2013. and can be credited with restoring the program to national prominence.John Pennington, "End of an Era? Or an Opportunity https://web.archive.org/web/20100908110058/http://blogs.knoxnews.com/penn/archives/2005/10/ September 8, 2010 ?" Knoxnews.com, October 9, 2005. Retrieved: March 28, 2013.Toppmeyer Blake Johnny Majors: Sugar Vols helped define former Tennessee football coach Knoxville News Sentinel 2020-06-07 https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2020/06/07/johnny-majors-tennessee-coach-sugar-vols-obituary-dies/3144049001/ 2024-12-13 The team's SEC Championship was the first for the program in 16 years, and its top ten ranking was the program's first in 13 years. After a strong start to the season, Tennessee suffered a major setback when star quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Tony Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury in a close game against Alabama. The team rallied to finish 6–0–1, however, led by backup quarterback Daryl Dickey, and a defense – nicknamed the "Orange Crush" – that allowed just four touchdowns in its final seven games. The 1986 Sugar Bowl has been ranked among the team's ten greatest victories of all time.Dave Hooker, "Top 10 Tennessee Victories https://web.archive.org/web/20101127063453/http://blogs.knoxnews.com/hooker/2008/06/top_10_tennessee_victories.html November 27, 2010 ", Knoxnews.com, June 17, 2008. Retrieved: April 9, 2013."The 10 Greatest Tennessee Volunteers Games of All Time ", Bleacher Report, June 19, 2008. Retrieved: April 9, 2013. Before the season The 1984 Tennessee squad had managed a 7–4–1 record, ending with a narrow 28–27 loss to Maryland in the Sun Bowl. While they had defeated rival Alabama 28–27, they lost important games to Auburn and Florida, and had been upset by Kentucky. Prior to the 1985 season, long-time athletic director Bob Woodruff announced his retirement. Head coach Johnny Majors expressed interest in serving as both coach and athletic director, but the university hired former coach Doug Dickey."UCLA at Tennessee" (ABC Sports broadcast)", Knoxville, Tennessee, September 14, 1985. Accessed at YouTube.com, April 8, 2013. Returning players and roster changes Quarterback Tony Robinson entered the 1985 season as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. During the 1984 season, he had completed 156 of 253 passes for 1,963 yards, falling just short of his predecessor Alan Cockrell's single-season record of 2,021 yards (set in 1983). His 61.7% completion percentage had broken the single-season record set by Johnny Majors in 1956.1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204740/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=738&pg=12 October 29, 2013 (University of Tennessee, 1985), p. 12. Fifth-year senior Daryl Dickey, Robinson's backup, would start the final seven games after Robinson suffered a season-ending knee injury. Three redshirt freshmen were competing for the third-string quarterback slot: Jeff Francis, Randy Sanders, and Greg Hargis.1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000753/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=738&pg=20 March 4, 2016 (University of Tennessee, 1985), pp. 18–19. All-American prospect Tim McGee was the leading returning wide receiver, having caught a school record 54 passes in 1984. McGee entered the 1985 season needing 45 catches, 828 yards, and 5 touchdowns to set school career records in all three categories, a feat which he would accomplish. McGee was joined in the starting lineup by junior college transfer Eric Swanson (20 catches for 186 yards in 1984), while junior Joey Clinkscales and sophomore Vince Carter would see significant playing time. Olympic sprinter Sam Graddy joined the team as a receiver during spring practice. Senior Jeff Smith (6'3", 235 pounds), who had caught 26 passes for 416 yards in 1984, was the team's starting tight end, while Tim Hendrix (6'5", 223) would see significant playing time. The running back slot was wide open following the graduation of 2nd-team All American Johnnie Jones. Sophomore Charles Wilson began the season as the starter, and was joined by redshirt freshman Keith Davis and junior Pete Panuska. One notable addition to the running back corps was Jeff Powell, a member of the track team who had been awarded the football team's final scholarship at the end of spring practice. Fullback duties were handled by 250-pound junior Sam Henderson, 225-pound sophomore William Howard and 230-pound junior Jim Miller. The offensive line had lost Raleigh McKenzie and Bill Mayo to graduation, but returned future NFL players David Douglas (6'4", 266 pounds), Bruce Wilkerson (6'5", 258), Daryle Smith (6'5", 257), John Bruhin (6'4", 273), and Harry Galbreath (6'1", 260). Todd Kirk (6'3", 257) was the starting center. Tony Williams (6'3", 272) would also see playing time. On defense, the Vols had lost three linebackers to the NFL Draft: Carl Zander, Alvin Toles, and Reggie McKenzie. The key returning linebacker was Dale Jones, who had registered 109 tackles in 1984, and had garnered a reputation for making big plays. Jones was joined by senior Lavoisier Fisher, junior Tyrone Robinson, sophomores Kelly Ziegler and Darrin Miller, and freshman Bryan Kimbro. The defensive line was led by senior Richard Brown (6'1", 263 pounds) and junior Robby Scott (6'1", 274), while sophomores Mark Hovanic (6'3", 245), Fred Bennett (6'0", 258) and Richard Cooper (6'6", 272) had shown promise as freshmen. The Vols' secondary was considered the strongest part of the defense at the beginning of the season, with Tommy Sims and Terry Brown registering strong seasons in 1984. They were joined by junior Charles Davis and sophomores Terry McDaniel, Andre Creamer and Victor Peppers. Chris White, a fifth-year senior who had seen scant playing time prior the 1985 season, would come off the bench to lead the team with 9 interceptions and receive All-American honors.Chris White https://web.archive.org/web/20150905143254/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/fballamerica/whitec.htm September 5, 2015 ", UTSports.com. Retrieved: April 8, 2013. The Vols' special teams were also dealing with inexperience, having lost kicker Fuad Reveiz and punter Jimmy Colquitt to the NFL. Carlos Reveiz, Fuad's younger brother, stepped in at kicker, while sophomore Bob Garmon was named the starting punter. Joel Farmer was the team's long snapper, while Randy Sanders was the primary holder. Tim McGee and Andre Creamer handled punt returns, while Pete Panuska, Keith Davis, and Jeff Powell handled kick returns at various times during the season. Coaching staff Head coach Johnny Majors had compiled a 108–82–5 record during his 17 years as a head coach, which included five seasons with Iowa State (1968–1972), four with Pittsburgh (1973–1976), and eight with Tennessee (1977–1984). His record at UT at the start of the 1985 season was 51–39–3.1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205552/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=738&pg=33 October 29, 2013 , University of Tennessee, 1985, p. 25. While he had taken the Vols to four consecutive bowl games, he had yet to win an SEC Championship. The most notable addition to the Tennessee coaching staff was Ken Donahue, who had worked as an assistant coach under Alabama's Bear Bryant for 21 years. Donahue was initially hired as a defensive line coach in February 1985, but was promoted to defensive coordinator in March after Larry Marmie announced he was leaving for Arizona State."Donahue Takes Coordinator Job https://web.archive.org/web/20151118211621/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19850328&id=MjodAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8KUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6582,8641237 November 18, 2015 ", Tuscaloosa News, March 28, 1985, p. 13. Prior to Spring practice, long-time Vol assistant George Cafego retired."Tennessee Kicking Coach George Cafego Retires https://web.archive.org/web/20151119111916/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LjodAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8KUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4834,7175007&dq=george-cafego&hl=en November 19, 2015 ", Tuscaloosa News, March 24, 1985, p. 38. In late March, the Vols hired Tennessee Tech defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas to coach linebackers. Four members of the 1985 staff later became head coaches at Division I programs: Walt Harris, Phillip Fulmer, David Cutcliffe and Ron Zook. Kippy Brown has worked as an assistant coach in the NFL, and was briefly UT's interim head coach following the abrupt departure of Lane Kiffin in January 2010. Gerald Brown, an administrative assistant, later became the running backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons. Bruno Pauletto, the Vols' strength coach, was an Olympic shot putter who won the gold medal for the Canadian team at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, and was a member of the Canadian team at the 1984 Olympics.1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20170812193240/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=738&pg=38 August 12, 2017 , University of Tennessee, 1985, p. 37.] Name Position Season Johnny Majors Head coach 9th Ken Donahue Defensive coordinator 1st Walt Harris Offensive coordinator 3rd Ralph Chancey Administrative assistant 7th Kippy Brown Wide receivers 3rd Dick Bumpas Inside linebackers 1st David Cutcliffe Tight ends 4th Mel Foels Outside linebackers 2nd Phillip Fulmer Offensive line 6th Bill Higdon Recruiting coordinator 11th Doug Mathews Running backs 6th Ron Zook Defensive backs 2nd Bruno Pauletto Strength coach 6thReference:1985 University of Tennessee Football Guide http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=738&pg=33 1985 The University of Tennessee 30–37 March 26, 2013 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205552/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=738&pg=33 dead Schedule The Vols opened the 1985 campaign hosting #10 UCLA, which was coming off a 9–3 season in 1984, and had defeated defending national champion BYU in their first game of the 1985 season. Bruins coach Terry Donahue entered the game needing one win to become UCLA's all-time winningest football coach."UCLA Coach Terry Donahue https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084007/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=234&pg=68 March 4, 2016 ", Tennessee Versus UCLA Official Program, University of Tennessee, September 1985, p. 65. The Bruins' offense featured running back Gaston Green, two future NFL receivers, Willie "Flipper" Anderson and Mike Sherrard, and All-American kicker John Lee. Matt Stevens and David Norrie were vying for time at quarterback.Gibson Smith, "1985 UCLA Bruins Scouting Report https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084025/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=234&pg=18 March 4, 2016 ", Tennessee Versus UCLA Official Program, University of Tennessee, 1985, pp. 14–15. Following a bye week, the Vols hosted the Auburn Tigers, who entered the game ranked #1 in the nation, and had defeated the Vols in the teams' previous three meetings. The Tigers' offense was led by eventual Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson, who had averaged 247.5 yards per game and nearly 10 yards per carry in his first two games of the season. Auburn struggled with uncertainty at quarterback, however, with Jeff Burger, Bobby Walden, and Pat Washington all vying for the starting position.Gibson Smith, "1985 Auburn Tigers Scouting Report https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001720/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=235&pg=18 March 4, 2016 ", Tennessee Versus Auburn Official Program, University of Tennessee, 1985, pp. 14–15. After hosting Wake Forest, the Vols traveled to Gainesville to play the Florida Gators. Florida coach Galen Hall entered the game with an 11–0–1 record, having shut out LSU the previous week. Florida's offense featured the school's all-time leading rusher Neal Anderson and John L. Williams in the backfield, quarterback Kerwin Bell, and future NFL receiver Ricky Nattiel. Many Gator fans saw this game as an opportunity for revenge, as they blamed Tennessee for leading the movement to strip the Gators of their 1984 SEC Championship for rules violations committed under Hall's predecessor, Charley Pell.Sharon Robb, "Gators Drop Tennessee Volunteers https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192712/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1985-10-13/sports/8502150086_1_florida-defensive-line-gators-tony-robinson October 29, 2013 ", Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel, October 13, 1985. Retrieved: March 27, 2013. In the fifth game of the season, the Vols visited Alabama for the "Third Saturday in October" rivalry. The Tide entered the game 4–1 following a 19–17 loss to Penn State in the previous week. The Vols had won the teams' previous three meetings, and desperately needed a win to stay in contention for the SEC Championship. The Tide was led by quarterback Mike Shula (the son of NFL coach Don Shula) and future All-American running back Bobby Humphrey on offense, and All-American linebacker Cornelius Bennett on defense."Vols Stop Tide, Lose Robinson", Los Angeles Times, October 20, 1985. Retrieved: March 27, 2013. Tennessee hosted Georgia Tech for its sixth game of the season. The Yellow Jackets entered the game 4–2 following a narrow loss to Auburn in the previous week. The Vols had edged Georgia Tech 24–21 the previous year, but were playing without star quarterback Tony Robinson, who had suffered a season-ending knee injury against Alabama. The Yellow Jackets' offense was led by All-ACC quarterback John Dewberry and receiver Gary Lee, though leading rushers Cory Collier and Jerry Mays were out with injuries.Gibson Smith, "Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Scouting Report https://web.archive.org/web/20161022080537/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=237&pg=18 October 22, 2016 ", Tennessee Versus Georgia Tech Official Program, 1985, pp. 14–15. Linebacker Ted Roof and lineman Pat Swilling led the Jackets' elite "Black Watch" unit on defense.Luciana Chavez, "Duke's Faith in Roof Far From Blind", The News & Observer, November 24, 2006. Retrieved at archive.org, March 27, 2013. After playing Rutgers in Knoxville and visiting Memphis State, the Vols began their final conference stretch by hosting Ole Miss. A tie between Alabama and LSU the previous week had left Tennessee and Florida tied for first place in the conference, and with Florida ineligible, the Vols needed only to win their final three games to win the SEC Championship. The Rebels were led by freshman quarterback Chris Osgood (starting in place of the injured Kent Austin), running back Nathan Wonsley, and receiver J.R. Ambrose.Gibson Smith, "Mississippi Rebels Scouting Report https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204938/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=239&pg=18 October 29, 2013 ", Tennessee Versus Mississippi Official Program, 1985, pp. 14–15. In the next-to-last game of the regular season, the Vols traveled to Lexington to play Kentucky in the annual Battle for the Barrel. Kentucky entered the game 5–5 under fourth-year head coach Jerry Claiborne, and had won the teams' previous meeting in Knoxville, 17–12. In the final game of the regular season, the Vols played host to Vanderbilt, which entered the game 3–6–1. As SEC champions, Tennessee received an automatic berth in the 1986 Sugar Bowl, played on New Year's Day in New Orleans. Their opponent, Miami, entered the game with a 10-game winning streak, which was capped by a 58–7 blowout of Notre Dame. Ranked #2 in the nation, Miami needed a win over Tennessee and a loss by Penn State in the Orange Bowl to lay claim to the national title.Austin Wilson, "National Title Could Hinge on Miami-Tennessee Fray https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075144/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=147&pg=12 March 4, 2016 ", The Fifty-Second Sugar Bowl Official Program, 1986, p. 11. Under second-year coach Jimmy Johnson, the Hurricanes featured numerous future NFL players, including quarterback Vinny Testaverde, running backs Alonzo Highsmith, Warren Williams, and Mel Bratton, receivers Michael Irvin and Brian Blades, All-American tight end Willie Smith, and a defense led by linemen Jerome Brown and Kevin Fagan, linebacker Winston Moss, and defensive back Bennie Blades. The Vols would go on to destroy the overconfident Miami Hurricanes 35–7. 1985 AP September 14 t y UCLA 10 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN ABC 26–26 94,370 Dodds Tracy 1985-09-15 UCLA's Comeback Kids Are at It Again, 26-26 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-09-15-sp-23235-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210514053716/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-09-15-sp-23235-story.html May 14, 2021 2025-04-11 Los Angeles Times September 28 w Auburn 1 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN rivalry ABC 38–20 94,358 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-tennessee-pulls-a/134625857/ The Commercial Appeal Tennessee pulls a stunner September 29, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104205400/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-tennessee-pulls-a/134625857/ live October 5 w y 16 Wake Forest Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN 31–29 93,345 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-deacons-push-tenn/134632062/ The Charlotte Observer Deacons push Tennessee to the limit October 6, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104224937/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-deacons-push-tenn/134632062/ live October 12 l y 14 Florida 7 Florida Field Gainesville, FL rivalry 10–17 74,432 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-gators-defeat-vols/134631214/ The Leaf-Chronicle Gators defeat Vols October 13, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com October 19 w y 20 Alabama 15 Legion Field Birmingham, AL Third Saturday in October TBS 16–14 75,808 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71559343/ground-kicking-games-propel-vols-past/ The Montgomery Advertiser Ground, kicking games propel Vols past Tide October 20, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com October 26 t y 16 Georgia Tech Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN rivalry ESPN 6–6 94,575 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-vols-get-a-kick/134632261/ The Atlanta Journal & Constitution Vols get a kick, Jackets get a 6–6 tie October 27, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104224938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-vols-get-a-kick/134632261/ live November 2 w y y 19 Rutgers Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN 40–0 92,188 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-tenness/134632357/ The Central New Jersey Home News Tennessee rolls over Rutgers, 40–0 November 3, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104224937/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news-tenness/134632357/ live November 9 w y y 19 Memphis State Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Memphis, TN 17–7 49,617 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-tigers-growlbut-vols/134632475/ The Leaf-Chronicle Tigers growl, but Vols hang on for victory, 17–7 November 10, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104224937/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-tigers-growlbut-vols/134632475/ live November 16 w 18 Ole Miss rivalry Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN TBS 34–14 92,482 https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-vols-stuff-ole-miss/134624232/ Kingsport Times-News Vols stuff Ole Miss, 34–14 November 17, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104201751/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-news-vols-stuff-ole-miss/134624232/ live November 23 w y 16 Kentucky Commonwealth Stadium Lexington, KY rivalry TBS 42–0 57,160 Vols' delayed fuse blasts Cats 42–0 Lexington Herald-Leader Jerry Tipton November 24, 1985 C1, C7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86574561/vols-delayed-fuse-blasts-cats-42-0/ Newspapers.com October 6, 2021 October 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006013645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86574561/vols-delayed-fuse-blasts-cats-42-0/ live November 30 w 10 Vanderbilt Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN rivalry TBS 30–0 97,372 https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-so-sweet-vols-b/134623333/ Asheville Citizen-Times So sweet, Vols blank Vandy to win SEC title December 1, 1985 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104200151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-so-sweet-vols-b/134623333/ live January 1, 1986 w y y 8 Miami (FL) 2 Louisiana Superdome New Orleans, LA Sugar Bowl ABC 35–7 77,432 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-shreveport-journal-orange-crush-but/134632734/ The Shreveport Journal Orange crush, but Tennessee, not Miami, does the damage January 2, 1986 November 4, 2023 Newspapers.com November 4, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231104224939/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-shreveport-journal-orange-crush-but/134632734/ live http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/fball-history/1980-89.html Tennessee Football History and Records: Tennessee Results 1980–89 University of Tennessee Athletics March 12, 2012 September 21, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130921145533/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/fball-history/1980-89.html dead Game summaries UCLA 1985 UCLA Bruins football team #10 UCLA (1–0) at Tennessee (0–0) UCLA 10 0 0 16 Tennessee 0 13 7 6 September 14, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 94,370 1st Quarter UCLA – Gaston Green 72-yard run (John Lee kick) UCLA – Lee 39-yard field goal 2nd Quarter TENN – Carlos Reveiz 49-yard field goal TENN – Tim Hendrix 4-yard pass from Tony Robinson (Reveiz kick) TENN – Reveiz 33-yard field goal 3rd Quarter TENN – Joey Clinkscales 68-yard pass from Robinson (Reveiz kick) 4th Quarter TENN – Reveiz 31-yard field goal TENN – Reveiz 40-yard field goal UCLA – Al Wilson 8-yard pass from David Norrie (Jeff Nowinski pass from Norrie) UCLA – Willie Anderson 25-yard pass from Norrie (Green run) Passing UCLA – Norrie 10/15, 138, 2 TD, 1 INT TENN – Robinson 23/35, 387, 2 TD Rushing UCLA – Green 24–194–1 TENN – Wilson 12–45 Receiving UCLA – Sherrard 7–120 TENN – McGee 5–142; Clinkscales 4–106–1 Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Frank Broyles (color), Tim Brant (sideline) ABC "Last Season https://web.archive.org/web/20140202133837/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=748&pg=103 February 2, 2014 ", 1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide (University of Tennessee, 1986), pp. 100–104.UCLA Bruins at Tennessee Volunteers (September 14, 1985) https://web.archive.org/web/20120213165918/http://collegefootballbelt.com/1985/1985%20Game%20Summaries/UCLA%20at%20Tennessee.htm February 13, 2012 , College Football Belt. Retrieved: April 1, 2013. Auburn 1985 Auburn Tigers football team #1 Auburn (2–0) at Tennessee (0–0–1) Auburn 0 0 0 20 Tennessee 14 10 0 14 September 28, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 94,358 1st Quarter TENN – Charles Wilson 6-yard run (Carlos Reveiz kick) TENN – Tim McGee 37-yard pass from Tony Robinson (Reveiz kick) 2nd Quarter TENN – Vince Carter 4-yard pass from Robinson (Reveiz kick) TENN – Reveiz 27-yard field goal 4th Quarter AUB – Tommie Agee 1-yard run (2pt conversion failed) TENN – Joey Clinkscales 10-yard pass from Robinson (Reveiz kick) AUB – Brent Fullwood 7-yard run (2pt conversion failed) TENN – Eric Swanson 30-yard pass from Robinson (Reveiz kick) AUB – Kyle Collins 4-yard pass from Bobby Walden (Curtis Stewart run) Passing AUB – Walden 6/18, 71, 1 TD, 3 INT TENN – Robinson 17/30, 259, 4 TD, 3 INT Rushing AUB – Fullwood 15–96–1, Jackson 17–80 TENN – Davis 13–102; Robinson 6–33 Receiving AUB – Gainous 1–17 TENN – McGee 6–163–1 Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Frank Broyles (color), Tim Brant (sideline) ABC Pacific Stars and Strips, September 30, 1985, p. 22. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com, April 10, 2013. Wake Forest Wake Forest Demon Deacons football, 1980–89 Wake Forest (3–1) at #16 Tennessee (1–0–1) Wake Forest 7 0 7 15 Tennessee 14 0 10 7 October 5, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 93,345 1st Quarter TENN – Pete Panuska 1-yard run (Carlos Reveiz kick) WAKE – Michael Ramseur 5-yard run (Jeff Miller kick) TENN – Tony Robinson 1-yard run (Reveiz kick) 3rd Quarter TENN – Keith Davis 22-yard run (Reveiz kick) WAKE – Topper Clemons 4-yard pass from Foy White (Miller kick) TENN – Reveiz 52-yard field goal 4th Quarter TENN – Joey Clinkscales 9-yard pass from Robinson (Reveiz kick) WAKE – James Brim 7-yard pass from White (Ramseur run) WAKE – Greg Scales 18-yard pass from White (Miller kick) Passing WAKE – White 24/39, 270, 3 TD, 1 INT TENN – Robinson 13/23, 170, 1 TD, 1 INT Rushing WAKE – Clemons 18–111; Ramseur 19–92–1 TENN – Davis 21–102–1 Receiving WAKE – Scales 5–41–1; Brim 3–21–1 TENN – McGee 4–82; Clinkscales 2–52–1 Pacific Stars and Stripes, October 7, 1985, p. 24. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 14, 2013. Florida Florida Gators football, 1980–89 #14 Tennessee (2–0–1) at #7 Florida (3–0–1) Tennessee 0 3 0 7 Florida 0 3 14 0 October 12, 1985 Florida Field, Gainesville, Florida 74,432 2nd Quarter FLOR – Jeff Dawson 42-yard field goal TENN – Carlos Reveiz 33-yard field goal 3rd Quarter FLOR – Neal Anderson 9-yard run (Dawson kick) FLOR – Anderson 1-yard run (Dawson kick) 4th Quarter TENN – Tim McGee 20-yard pass from Tony Robinson (Reveiz kick) Passing TENN – Robinson 26/36, 300, 1 TD, 2 INT FLOR – Bell 12/17, 143, 1 INT Rushing TENN – Davis 10–46; Henderson 4–19 FLOR – Anderson 29–160–2; Williams 13–39 Receiving TENN – Clinkscales 7–101; McGee 6–91–1 FLOR – Williams 5–47 Santa Ana-Orange County Register, October 13, 1985, p. 112. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 11, 2013. Alabama 1985 Alabama Crimson Tide football team #20 Tennessee (2–1–1) at #15 Alabama (4–1) Tennessee 0 10 3 3 Alabama 0 7 0 7 October 19, 1985 Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama 75,808 2nd Quarter TENN – Charles Wilson 1-yard run (Carlos Reveiz kick) ALA – Craig Turner 1-yard run (Van Tiffin kick) TENN – Reveiz 38-yard field goal 3rd Quarter TENN – Reveiz 48-yard field goal 4th Quarter TENN – Reveiz 28-yard field goal ALA – Bobby Humphrey 19-yard pass from Mike Shula (Tiffin kick) Passing TENN – Robinson 10/19, 130, 1 INT; Dickey 1/5, 2 ALA – Shula 16/29, 216, 1 TD, 2 INT Rushing TENN – Davis 27–141 ALA – Humphrey 14–59 Receiving TENN – Wilson 5–42 ALA – Turner 8–45 Bob Neal (play-by-play), Tim Foley (color) TBS Salina Journal, October 20, 1985, p. 24. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 11, 2013. Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football Georgia Tech (4–2) at #16 Tennessee (3–1–1) Georgia Tech 3 0 0 3 Tennessee 0 0 0 6 October 26, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 94,575 1st Quarter TECH – Thomas Palmer 22-yard field goal 4th Quarter TECH – David Bell 28-yard field goal TENN – Carlos Reveiz 55-yard field goal TENN – Reveiz 51-yard field goal Passing TECH – Dewberry 12/18, 113, 1 INT TENN – Dickey 16/22, 153, 1 INT Rushing TECH – King 25–65; Mack 7–23 TENN – Davis 19–56; Howard 5–21 Receiving TECH – Manion 2–35; Lee 2–35 TENN – McGee 4–41; Davis 6–32 Jim Simpson (play-by-play), Paul Maguire (color) ESPN Southeast Roundup : Florida Has Thoughts About Auburn, Beats Virginia Tech, 35–18 https://web.archive.org/web/20231015181507/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-27-sp-12860-story.html October 15, 2023 ", Los Angeles Times, October 27, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.Salina Journal, October 27, 1985, p. 10. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 11, 2013. Rutgers Rutgers Scarlet Knights football Rutgers (1–5–1) at #19 Tennessee (3–1–2) Rutgers 0 0 0 0 Tennessee 14 10 6 10 November 2, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 92,188 1st Quarter TENN – Keith Davis 7-yard pass from Daryl Dickey (Carlos Reveiz kick) TENN – Chris White 55-yard interception return (Reveiz kick) 2nd Quarter TENN – Davis 1-yard run (Reveiz kick) TENN – Reveiz 44-yard field goal 3rd Quarter TENN – Reveiz 48-yard field goal TENN – Reveiz 34-yard field goal 4th Quarter TENN – Reveiz 44-yard field goal TENN – Pete Panuska 57-yard run (Reveiz kick) Passing RUT – Hochberg 16/32, 99, 2 INT TENN – Dickey 16/21, 194, 1 TD Rushing RUT – Henderson 8–45 TENN – Panuska 4–69–1; Davis 17–68–1 Receiving RUT – A. Smith 6–27 TENN – McGee 5–105; J. Smith 3–69 Salina Journal, November 3, 1985, p. 34. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com. Memphis State Memphis Tigers football #19 Tennessee (4–1–2) at Memphis State (2–5–2) Tennessee 3 14 0 0 Memphis State 7 0 0 0 November 9, 1985 Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tennessee 49,617 1st Quarter TENN – Carlos Reveiz 23-yard field goal MSU – Dan Harkins 24-yard blocked punt return (Thomas Ingles kick) 2nd Quarter TENN – Tim McGee 19-yard pass from Daryl Dickey (Reveiz kick) TENN – Eric Swanson 9-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick) Passing TENN – Dickey 8/17, 128, 2 TD MSU – Sparkman 14/21, 147, 2 INT Rushing TENN – Powell 12–47; Henderson 9–31 MSU – Womack 22–110 Receiving TENN – J. Smith 2–56; Howard 2–22 MSU – J. Harris 3–55 "Southeast Roundup : Alabama Salvages Tie When LSU Misses on a Late Field-Goal Try https://web.archive.org/web/20210127094407/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-11-10-sp-3493-story.html January 27, 2021 ", Los Angeles Times, November 10, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.Pacific Stars and Stripes, November 10, 1985, p. 22. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 13, 2013. Ole Miss Ole Miss Rebels football Ole Miss (3–5–1) at #18 Tennessee (5–1–2) Ole Miss 0 7 0 7 Tennessee 7 10 7 10 November 16, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 92,482 1st Quarter TENN – Sam Henderson 2-yard run (Carlos Reveiz kick) 2nd Quarter MISS – Shawn Sykes 1-yard run (Bryan Owen kick) TENN – Reveiz 43-yard field goal TENN – Tim Hendrix 11-yard pass from Jeff Francis (Reveiz kick) 3rd Quarter TENN – Henderson 2-yard run (Reveiz kick) 4th Quarter TENN – Tim McGee 19-yard pass from Daryl Dickey (Reveiz kick) TENN – Reveiz 36-yard field goal MISS – J. R. Ambrose 19-yard pass from Mark Young (Owen kick) Passing MISS – Osgood 4/20, 49, 2 INT TENN – Dickey 11/17, 203, 1 TD; Francis 5/8 44, 1 TD, 1 INT Rushing MISS – Wonsley 21–65; Sykes 9–37–1 TENN – Henderson 15–45–2 Receiving MISS – Perry 2–14; Ambrose 1–19 TENN – McGee 7–117–1; J. Smith 2–74 Bob Neal (play-by-play), Tim Foley (color) TBS "Southeast Roundup: Tennessee Moves Into the Driver's Seat, 34–14", Los Angeles Times, November 17, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.Ole Miss Rebels – 1985 Stats https://web.archive.org/web/20121105211614/http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/ole/graphics/oldstats/1985-football-stats.pdf November 5, 2012 , p. 72. Retrieved: April 9, 2013.Aiken Standard, November 17, 1985, p. 18. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 12, 2013. Kentucky Kentucky Wildcats football #16 Tennessee (6–1–2) at Kentucky (5–5) Tennessee 3 3 22 14 Kentucky 0 0 0 0 November 23, 1985 Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky 57,160 1st Quarter TENN – Carlos Reveiz 42-yard field goal 2nd Quarter TENN – Reveiz 49-yard field goal 3rd Quarter TENN – Tim McGee 37-yard pass from Daryl Dickey (Jeff Smith pass from Dickey) TENN – McGee 12-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick) TENN – Joey Clinkscales 19-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick) 4th Quarter TENN – Dickey 1-yard run (Reveiz kick) TENN – Pete Panuska 8-yard run (Reveiz kick) Passing TENN – Dickey 11/17, 182, 3 TD KENT – Ransdell 11/19, 74 Rushing TENN – Powell 16–88; Davis 11–79 KENT – Logan 10–72 Receiving TENN – McGee 5–108–2 KENT – Logan 4–21 Bob Neal (play-by-play), Tim Foley (color) TBS "Southeast Roundup: Tennessee Gets Its Offense Going and Beats Kentucky", Los Angeles Times, November 24, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013.Salina Journal, November 24, 1985, p. 26. Accessed at Newspaperarchive.com April 12, 2013. Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Commodores football Vanderbilt (3–6–1) at #10 Tennessee (7–1–2) Vanderbilt 0 0 0 0 Tennessee 10 17 3 0 November 30, 1985 Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee 97,372 1st Quarter TENN – Tim McGee 6-yard pass from Daryl Dickey (Carlos Reveiz kick) TENN – Reveiz 23-yard field goal 2nd Quarter TENN – Eric Swanson 43-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick) TENN – Swanson 24-yard pass from Dickey (Reveiz kick) TENN – Reveiz 29-yard field goal 3rd Quarter TENN – Reveiz 24-yard field goal TBS "Tennessee's 30–0 Victory Takes the Cake: Volunteers Rout Vanderbilt on Way to the Sugar Bowl", Los Angeles Times, December 1, 1985. Retrieved: April 2, 2013. vs. No. 2 Miami (Sugar Bowl) 1986 Sugar Bowl 1985 Miami Hurricanes football team Sugar Bowl: #2 Miami (10–1) vs. #8 Tennessee (8–1–2) Miami 7 0 0 0 Tennessee 0 14 14 7 January 1, 1986 Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana 77,432 1st Quarter MIA – Michael Irvin 18-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde (Greg Cox kick) 2nd Quarter TENN – Jeff Smith 6-yard pass from Daryl Dickey (Carlos Reveiz kick) TENN – Tim McGee fumble recovery in end zone (Reveiz kick) 3rd Quarter TENN – Sam Henderson 1-yard run (Reveiz kick) TENN – Jeff Powell 60-yard run (Reveiz kick) 4th Quarter TENN – Charles Wilson 6-yard run (Reveiz kick) Passing MIA – Testaverde 20/36, 217, 1 TD, 3 INT TENN – Dickey 15/25, 131, 1 TD, 1 INT Rushing MIA – Williams 8–45 TENN – Powell 11–104–1 Receiving MIA – Irvin 5–91–1; Perriman 5–41 TENN – McGee 7–94 Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Frank Broyles (color), Tim Brant (sideline) ABC Marty Mulé, "52nd Annual Sugar Bowl Classic https://web.archive.org/web/20130307174040/http://allstatesugarbowl.org/site106.php March 7, 2013 ", Allstate Sugar Bowl official site. Originally published in Sugar Bowl Classic: A History (2008). Retrieved: April 2, 2013. End of season Statistical leaders (regular season) Passing: Tony Robinson 91/143, 1246, 8 TD, 7 INT; Daryl Dickey 85/131, 1161, 10 TD, 1 INT; Jeff Francis 14/20, 172, 1 TD, 1 INT Receiving: Tim McGee 50–947–7; Joey Clinkscales 22–434–4; Jeff Smith 20–397; Eric Swanson 24–300–4 Rushing: Keith Davis 141–684–2; Jeff Powell 55–235; Sam Henderson 53–175–2; Pete Panuska 39–196–3; Tony Robinson 44–201–1 Tackles: Kelly Ziegler 101 (83 solo), Darrin Miller 94 (67), Dale Jones 82 (59), Tommy Sims 62 (42), Chris White 62 (34) Tackles for loss: Dale Jones 9 Sacks: Mark Hovanic 8, Dale Jones 5, Richard Cooper 5 Interceptions: Chris White 9, Charles Davis 3 Passes broken-up: Andre Creamer 6, Tommy Sims 5, Richard Cooper 5 Forced fumbles: Dale Jones 5, Darrin Miller 4 Fumbles recovered: Chris White 3 Kicking: Carlos Reveiz 24/28 field goals, 30/30 PAT Punting: Bob Garmon 39.1 yards/punt Source:1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205337/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=748&pg=106 October 29, 2013 (University of Tennessee, 1986), pp. 105–106. Honors Tim McGee (WR): First-team All-American, All-SEC Chris White (DB): First-team All-American, All-SEC Dale Jones (LB): All-SEC Carlos Reveiz (PK): All-SEC Bruce Wilkerson (OL): All-SEC Daryl Dickey (QB): Sugar Bowl Most Valuable Player Troy Hale (WR): Academic All-SEC Randy Sanders (QB): Academic All-SEC Johnny Majors (HC): SEC Coach of the Year Ken Donahue (DC): SEC Assistant Coach of the Year Source:1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204738/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=748&pg=110 October 29, 2013 (University of Tennessee, 1986), p. 108. New school records Most passing yards in a game: 387, Tony Robinson (vs. UCLA) Most touchdown passes in a game: 4 (tie), Tony Robinson (vs. Auburn) Most interceptions in a game: 3 (tie), Chris White (vs. UCLA)* Consecutive passes without an interception: 106, Daryl Dickey Highest single-season completion percentage (min. 100 attempts): 64.9%, Daryl Dickey* Highest career completion percentage (min. 100 attempts): 63%, Daryl Dickey (1981–1985)* Lowest career interception percentage: 1.2%, Daryl Dickey (1981–1985) Most single-season receiving yards: 947, Tim McGee Most single-season touchdown receptions: 7 (tie), Tim McGee Most career receptions: 123, Tim McGee (1982–1985) Most career receiving yards: 2,042, Tim McGee (1982–1985) Most career touchdown receptions: 16, Tim McGee (1982–1985) Most single-season points by kicking: 102, Carlos Reveiz Fewest team fumbles lost: 5 * Indicates record still stands as of the 2012 season Source:1986 University of Tennessee Football Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203733/http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/fbpro/main.php?bid=748&pg=118 October 29, 2013 (University of Tennessee, 1986), pp. 116–117.Records https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113625/http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/guides/2012/records.pdf March 4, 2016 . UTSports.com. Retrieved: April 10, 2013. Team players drafted into the NFL Tennessee Volunteers Player Position Round Pick NFL club Tim McGee Wide receiver1 21 Cincinnati Bengals Jeff Powell Running back 6 166 Chicago Bears Eric Swanson Wide receiver 7 170 St. Louis Cardinals Tommy Sims Defensive back 7 190 Indianapolis Colts David Douglas Guard8204 Cincinnati Bengals Reference:https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1986/draft.htm?redir 1986 NFL Draft Pro-Football-Reference.com March 12, 2012 April 14, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120414175828/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1986/draft.htm?redir live References External links Season summary at Sports Reference Tennessee Category:Tennessee Volunteers football seasons Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons Category:Sugar Bowl champion seasons Tennessee Volunteers football