Through almost three quarters plus a lightning delay, Bowling Green refused to leave Tennessee alone. When the Vols built a 21-3 lead, the Falcons answered with 17 straight. When Tennessee scored twice more before halftime, Bowling Green opened the third quarter with an answer. And when Tennessee missed a field goal leading 42-30 with a minute to play in the third quarter, things were getting very anxious.
The Vol defense made a rare stop, forcing the Falcons to punt it away with UT taking over at their own 44 yard line, time enough for one more snap in the third quarter.