Tennessee had two opponents to play on Saturday in Neyland: LSU and the elements. The Vols struggled against both.
It started off early, with two muffed punts by wide receiver Marquez Callaway. LSU recovered both fumbles and turned them into 10 points.
Callaway bounced back in a major way, however. With less than two minutes in the first half, Guarantano hit the wide receiver on two straight plays, going 72 yards for the score. At half, Vols kept things close, trailing 17-10.
But then, came the rain.
The heaviest rain and strongest winds will be moving into Downtown Knoxville within about 30 minutes. Be prepared to take shelter if needed if you are at or around the game! pic.twitter.com/m9WXsxRsUp
— WBIR Weather (@WBIRWeather) November 19, 2017
Mother Nature is unhappy with the results of tonight’s #Grumors pic.twitter.com/ynxDyV2roJ
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) November 19, 2017
Rain attacked the folks at Neyland Stadium in sheets, with the win as loud as a sold out crowd on the Third Saturday in October. Tennessee struggled to deal with the weather, nearly fumbling away the second half opening kickoff. LSU, with its ground and pound style of offense, thrived in the conditions. Running backs Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams combined for three touchdowns with their legs.
Tennessee came into this game knowing they would be in tough shape on the offensive line, four freshmen/redshirt freshmen would be starting. It didn't get any better during the game. Jashon Robertson, the only veteran, was hurt in the second half and had to exit the contest.
With one game left in the season and a bowl trip out of the picture, Tennessee will be playing for pride next week against Vanderbilt. The Vols have never gone winless in the SEC in a season. On top of that, UT has never lost 8 games in a season, the only other team that can say that in the country is Ohio State.
Both Tennessee and Vandy are winless in conference this season.