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MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL Tennessee's James Wilhoit celebrates after kicking the game-winning, 50-yard field goal in the Vols' 30-28 win at Neyland Stadium against Florida on Sept. 18, 2004, the last time Tennessee has beaten the Gators.
Photo by Michael Patrick // Buy this photo
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge makes calls from the line against Florida on Sept. 18, 2004, the last time the Vols knocked off the Gators.
Photo by Michael Patrick // Buy this photo
Tennessee's Jayson Swain dodges Florida defenders while headed for the goal line to score Tennessee's fourth touchdown that pulled the Vols within 28-27 of Florida on Sept. 18, 2004, at Neyland Stadium.
The last time Tennessee beat Florida, 109,061 fans went from delight to shock to elation in an unbelievable and exhilarating five-minute span.
James Wilhoit, steely eyed and focused after missing an extra point just minutes earlier that would have tied the game 28-28, kicked a 50-yard field goal, sending his teammates into a frenzy and the Vols to a 30-28 victory over the Gators on Sept. 18, 2004.
The Vols haven't won a game in the series since.
"I can't believe it's been that long," Wilhoit said.
The streak has pervaded talk of Saturday's game between No. 23 Tennessee (2-0) and No. 18 Florida (2-0) at Neyland Stadium (TV: ESPN, 6 p.m.).
UT coach Derek Dooley said the seven consecutive losses hold little relevance to players on today's teams. UT quarterback Tyler Bray was in middle school in California watching Pac-10 football when Knoxville erupted eight years ago.
But players from that 2004 team are convinced that Bray and the current Vols are ready to finally put the streak to bed.
"I think this year is different," said receiver Jayson Swain. "I know a lot of people talk about the mental block, but I think for the first time in a long time, Tennessee goes into this game a better team. When I look at the matchups, they favor Tennessee, and they haven't favored Tennessee in a long time."
The miss
Wilhoit had never missed an extra point in his college career when he botched the PAT that would have tied the game. Swain, who had caught a 13-yard pass from Erik Ainge to cut Florida's
lead to 28-27 with 3:25 left, said he was in shock.
"I remember the stadium turning inside out," said punter Dustin Colquitt. "We didn't know what was going on."
Wilhoit hardly remembered what it felt like to miss a kick that had become so routine.
"I wasn't nervous, but I was complacent," he said. "You look at the score and that extra point is the difference. From then on, I was rooting on the defense and just begging for another opportunity."
Colquitt, then a senior, gathered the special-teamers in a huddle. Senior punter/holder John Henderson poked his head in to offer encouragement
"We just said, 'Hey James, keep your head in the game. You're going to win this with a field goal,' " Colquitt said.
The look in Wilhoit's eyes gave Colquitt confidence.
"I remember everybody just thinking, 'Oh my gosh,' but to see him, it was like (the missed extra point) didn't happen," Colquitt said. "We were all on the sidelines, and he was very composed. You never know if you're going to get another chance. But he was ready."
Redemption
To get another chance, the Vols would have to force a three-and-out on defense.
The Gators faced a third-and-3 from their own 38 with about a minute left when perhaps the second biggest play of the game occurred.
Florida receiver Dallas Baker was flagged for shoving UT cornerback Jonathan Wade after the whistle, costing the Gators 15 yards and a loss of down.
After a Florida punt, Tennessee had great field position. Wilhoit told then-offensive coordinator Randy Sanders that he was prepared to kick from almost any length.
"I said, 'Get me across midfield,' " Wilhoit said. "I wasn't being overconfident. But I was just determined that I wasn't going to be the guy who lost to Florida."
The Vols called on Wilhoit once they reached the 33, a 50-yard attempt. Swain said some teammates couldn't bear to watch.
"You saw some guys kind of turn their head and just wait for other people's reaction. I sat there with some other guys watching it," he said. "I had faith in Wilhoit that he would make the kick."
When the ball sailed through the uprights with six seconds to play, pandemonium broke out on the Tennessee sidelines. The Vols were even penalized for excessive celebration. They didn't care.
"It was the defining moment of my career, and one of the biggest moments of my life," said Wilhoit.
Pieces in place
Can the 2012 Vols recapture the magic of 2004? Wilhoit, Colquitt and Swain are predicting a Tennessee win.
"I think everything is set up for a Tennessee win," Swain said. "(Tim) Tebow's not there. Urban Meyer's not there. (Tennessee) has earned the right to be on this stage. It wasn't given them.
"Now they just have to earn the right to stay on the stage."
Evan Woodbery covers Tennessee football. Follow him at www.Twitter.com/TennesseeBeat.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 37
tovolny writes:
Get Wilhoit in an orange coaching shirt ASAP.
Our kickers actually have talent, just don't know how to perfect it. Help us out Wilhoit.
ok_with_failure writes:
LOL, do you guys really have to resort to articles about memories from your last win against Florida? That is embarrassing for the program.
ok_with_failure writes:
This.
Fryinpansvols writes:
That was a great game with an even better result. Funny thing, we haven't had a good kicker since James Wilhoit from Hendersonville,Tn. I hope this game doesn't come down to a 50 yard field goal, I hope its in hand way before that. BTW, John Henderson wasn't a DT on the 2004 team. His last season was in 2001 and was drafted in 2002 by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 9th pick in the 1st round. GBO!
teedub writes:
"The've earned the right to be on this stage. It wasn't given to them."
Awesome quote.
eb502us#225637 writes:
Wilhoit was almost as bad as Palardy during his career. Making one important kick doesn't make him qualified for anything.
Fuad Reveiz lives in Knoxville and he'd be more qualified than anyone.
laraccoon writes:
i never got the moral .
FWBVol writes:
As the story said, the John Henderson mentioned was a backup punter and the holder on place kicks. It never said it was Big John that played DT and won the Outland Trophy.
Fryinpansvols writes:
I read the story thoroughly and before they re-edited the story for Fridays paper it said "Defensive Tackle John Henderson". GBO!
VOLinAthensGA writes:
Wilhoit was a VOL who beat Flor-i-duh, the Jorts Capital of the South, and that is all that matters! GO VOLS!
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
Just....one.....more....day! Can't stand it!
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
NOthing like a little troll love.....you guys planning a trip to Niagra Falls after the game?
TheCopper writes:
Wow that was so funny! How do you come up with this great material? You know I used to think you were on a kindergarten level with your quotes and humor, but lately you have really progressed to about a fourth grade level. How is it that you aren't doing some writing for some Nickelodean shows? Their ratings would really skyrocket with your talent. Keep up the good work. All the 8-10 year olds in the world will benefit from your incredible wit.
TheCopper writes:
Do you really have to resort to coming on another team's site to post childish comments when you have time off from Waffle House? That must be so embarrassing for your parents, but I guess you must be used to that.
SevenT writes:
"....everything is set up for a Tennessee win, Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer are not there."
The only thing missing in that statement is Derrick Dooley IS coaching Tennessee and will be there. Dooley's coaching decisions are probably worth at least -7 points.
GreeneVol writes:
I guess Brodus is the man this year if it comes down to it. Now wouldn't that make a story if he came through in the clutch...
Optimism and excitement in K-Town again...it's a good thing.
AthensVolGirl writes:
I would LOVE to see Wilhoit on the sidelines coaching the Vols. Based on his facebook posts, he's still very determined and motivated in the game.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
I think they even have vibrating beds...remember seeing that in one of the Superman movies.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
Do teams normally have a kicking coach?
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
Uwe Von Schamann....just because he has a cool name.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
ok_with_failure....account name created 9/14/11....really, you've GOT to get a hobby.
TheCopper writes:
Yea you are right. I wish UT would come to their senses and hire you to be the head coach. I'm sure we would be national champs every year. Sorry, folks. Try to overlook this jealous little punk. You just can't fix stupid.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
I'm not saying they're going to, but the Vols could win the NC, and these clowns would still find a way to deny Dooley any credit.
TheCopper writes:
I'm sure it's just little Jeffy again. The screen name fits him well, though. He and his wife are both quite content with him being such a loser.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
Yes, apparently his wife is okay with failure....but at what, I wonder.
SpecialTeams writes:
Most teams have a head coach that allows their position coach's to do the job they were hired and trained for. If Dooley lets go of some of the control Tenn. has a chance to be a power again.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
I'm just curious...it seems like a lot of $$ devoted to just coaching one position...at the same time, I don't expect Dooley to devote a lot of energy to the kicking game.
TheCopper writes:
True. I've said that same thing myself. Any real Vol fan will support whoever the head coach is.
usnavyvolfan__now_proud_navy_dad writes:
Yeah, I mean you're always going to have doubts about someone just coming in, but geeez, some of these guys NEVER gave Dooley a chance!
tacgle7 writes:
Memorable night for both sides.
It's not too much a stretch to say that game affected both sides for years to come.
If Florida wins that game, the Gators would have still been in 1st place in the SEC after their loss to MSU, Foley would have retained Zook until the Gators were out of the SEC east race.
Instead, he fired Zook following the loss at MSU in October, and secretly courted Urban Meyer throughout November, which led to him coming to Florida instead of Notre Dame, which waited till the end of the season to fire their coach.
Snapshot writes:
Hey, it is the Green Bay fan, you know the REAL title town,right troll.
Got ahead and flap your gater jaws, this is your last day!
Vols 31
lizards 13
givehim6 writes:
Remember that far back? You must be 12 or some thing. You got a lot of good Vol memories in frount of you son. Tomorrow will be one, yes the Vols and UF were like Bama and LSU.
Snapshot writes:
You have no freaking idea what you are talking about. Wilhoit was an outstanding kicker.
givehim6 writes:
Do not feed the trolls. But you can play with them, there harmles really.
Snapshot writes:
O.K. seventeen, get it out of your system like the rest of the trolls, after tomorrow you can just STFU!!!
Vols31
lizards 13
BigBadVol writes:
So many trolls. A little worried? This was an excellent article. Immaturity reigns with the Gator faithful.
Olddogsrule writes:
I can remember far enough back to when Florida was the doormat for every, and I mean every, team in the SEC. It took a coach from Tennessee, whose winning tradition goes back farther than I can remember to change that. And when he became AD he brought in another Tennessean that took them on up to the top. The wheel turns. Florida had two great coaches, but both left Gainesville of their own accord, at the top of their game. Now they both are doing well at other programs. With all you lizzard trolls on this site, I'm beginning to understand why they couldn't take the, ... shall we say 'ambiance' in Florida any longer.
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