Trailing for most of the second half, the Wildcats had one last shot at a come-from behind victory. Pounding the ball into the heart of the Tennessee defense, Kentucky had two plays to get one yard.
Chris Rodriguez was stuffed at the two-yard line. On the final play, Lynn Bowden had the option to toss it to Rodriguez or keep it. Bowden went for the win and was gobbled up by two Tennessee defenders.
The Wildcats dominated the Volunteers in the first quarter, bolting out to a 13-0 lead thanks to a 17-play scoring drive on the opening offensive possession that lasted 10:18, the longest drive of the Mark Stoops era.