Tennessee Football's Narrow Escape: DeSean Bishop's OT TD Saves the Day

Key Moments from Tennessee vs. Mississippi State

In a thrilling overtime showdown, DeSean Bishop made the difference for the Tennessee Volunteers (Vols) as he scored on a 25-yard touchdown run to secure a 41-34 victory over Mississippi State on September 27. This win was crucial for the No. 15 Vols (4-1, 1-1 SEC), who had previously lost to Georgia in overtime earlier this season.

The game took place at Davis Wade Stadium, where the Bulldogs’ iconic cowbells echoed throughout the venue. Despite challenges on the road, Tennessee showcased confidence and leaned on their high-scoring offense, averaging 53.5 points per game in the SEC.

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar faced some struggles, throwing two interceptions that led to scoring opportunities for the Bulldogs. The first interception came when a pass intended for tight end Miles Kitselman bounced off his hands and into the air for an easy catch by Mississippi State. The second interception gave the Bulldogs the ball at the Tennessee 17, leading to a go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown.

Mississippi State capitalized on short fields, scoring touchdowns on drives of 20, 26, and 27 yards. On the other hand, Tennessee managed two defensive touchdowns. Cornerback Colton Hood intercepted a pass and returned it 23 yards for a first-quarter touchdown. Later in the game, pass rusher Joshua Josephs scooped up a fumble forced by defensive end Tyre West and ran it back for a 41-yard touchdown to put Tennessee ahead 27-24 in the fourth quarter.

Game Highlights and Turning Points

As the game progressed, both teams traded leads. After a fourth-quarter interception by Aguilar, Mississippi State took a 34-27 lead. However, the Vols responded with a 6-yard touchdown run by Aguilar, tying the game at 34-34 with 1:55 remaining.

Mississippi State tied the game at 27-27 with a 28-yard field goal, following a 49-yard pass that set up the drive. Tennessee then took a 27-24 lead after a defensive touchdown by Josephs, who returned a fumble for a 41-yard score. The Bulldogs later retook the lead with a touchdown after an interception set up a drive that ended with a 5-yard rushing touchdown.

A missed 42-yard field goal by Mississippi State’s Kyle Ferrie preserved Tennessee’s 20-17 lead. Later, Max Gilbert hit a 27-yard field goal to give the Vols a 20-17 advantage early in the second half. However, a failed 47-yard attempt by Gilbert left the game tied at halftime.

Tennessee's offense found its rhythm with a 27-yard gain and a 15-yard touchdown pass from Aguilar to Chris Brazzell II, tying the game at 17-17. A 51-yard field goal by Ferrie gave Mississippi State a 17-10 lead, but the Vols countered with a 38-yard field goal by Gilbert to make it 7-3. A muffed punt allowed Mississippi State to take a 7-0 lead, but Colton Hood returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown, putting Tennessee ahead 10-3.

Player Updates and Team News

Tennessee wore orange jerseys for the game, while Mississippi State donned all-white attire for a white-out event. Defensive tackle Jaxson Moi returned to action for the first time since being injured against Syracuse. Meanwhile, five-star freshman David Sanders made his long-awaited debut for the Vols.

On the injury front, several players were sidelined for Tennessee, including Jermod McCoy, Rickey Gibson, Daevin Hobbs, Mariyon Dye, Radarious Jackson, Ethan Davis, Daune Morris, and Hunter Barnes. For Mississippi State, Derion Gullette, Will Whitson, and Blake Steen were out.

Upcoming Schedule and Predictions

Looking ahead, the Vols will face Arkansas on October 11, followed by a challenging matchup against Alabama on October 18. The team will also travel to Kentucky, Oklahoma, New Mexico State, Florida, and Vanderbilt in the coming weeks.

Before the game, many predicted a high-scoring affair due to the fast-paced offenses of both teams. With Tennessee's strong offensive output and Mississippi State's up-tempo style, fans anticipated an exciting start to the game. The Vols ultimately emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

How to Watch the Game

The game took place on Saturday, September 27, at 4:15 p.m. ET at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi. It was broadcast on the SEC Network and available for streaming on ESPN+. Fans could watch the game live through various online platforms.