Tennessee seemed defeated all night long, but the Volunteers came back to beat Georgia Tech 42-41 in two overtimes, stopping a 2point conversion by the Yellow Jackets for the victory.

Running back John Kelly was the star of the game for Tennessee, rushing for 128 yards and 4 touchdowns including the game-winner, as the Volunteers started the season with a win. Wide receiver Marquez Callaway caught 4 passes for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns, helping Tennessee come back from a 28-14 deficit in the fourth quarter.

Georgia Tech, running the triple option offense, ran all over Tennessee, rushing for 535 total yards. Quarterback TaQuon Marshall rushed for 249 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Georgia Tech seemed to be driving to clinch the game, but a fumble by J.J. Green caused by Rashaan Gaulden set up the Volunteers for a chance to tie the game. Tennessee went 93 yards on 7 plays, ending with a 11-yard touchdown run by Kelly to even the score.

The Yellow Jackets quickly drove down the field, but with Georgia Tech going for a game-winning field goal in regulation, Tennessee’s Paul Bain rose up and blocked the attempt by Shawn Davis, sending the game into overtime.

Tennessee quarterback Quinten Dormady finished the game 20 of 37 passing for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns.