Top 10 Epic Moments in the Ole Miss vs Tennessee Football Rivalry

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ole miss vs tennessee
Image: Ole Miss vs Tennessee 1969 (4233310964).jpg by RebelNation1947 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Ole Miss Rebels and Tennessee Volunteers have battled on the gridiron for decades, creating one of the SEC's most entertaining rivalries. From stunning upsets to championship implications, these two programs have delivered countless memorable moments that have defined both schools' football legacies.

  1. 1. The 2016 Halloween Upset in Knoxville

    Ole Miss shocked the college football world by defeating #9 Tennessee 34-30 on Halloween night in Neyland Stadium. The Rebels overcame a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, effectively ending Tennessee's College Football Playoff hopes and highlighting the unpredictable nature of this rivalry.

  2. 2. Manning Bowl: Eli vs. The Vols (2003)

    Eli Manning's final home game against Tennessee was pure magic, as the Ole Miss quarterback threw for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 31-23 victory. This win not only secured Manning's legacy in Oxford but also demonstrated Ole Miss's ability to rise up against SEC East powerhouses.

  3. 3. Tennessee's 1998 National Championship Run

    The Volunteers' narrow 17-14 victory over Ole Miss in 1998 was crucial to their perfect season and national title. This defensive slugfest showcased the grit and determination that would carry Tennessee to college football's ultimate prize.

  5. 4. The 2015 Fourth Quarter Thriller

    Ole Miss escaped with a dramatic 27-23 victory after Tennessee mounted a furious comeback attempt in the final quarter. The game featured multiple lead changes and showcased both teams' offensive firepower in a contest that had SEC West championship implications.

  6. 5. Archie Manning's Heroics (1969-1970)

    The elder Manning's performances against Tennessee helped establish the quarterback legacy at Ole Miss. His dual-threat ability and clutch plays in tight games against the Volunteers became the stuff of SEC legend and set the standard for future Rebel quarterbacks.

  7. 6. The Battle of Coaching Legends

    The matchups between coaching greats like Johnny Vaught for Ole Miss and various Tennessee legends created strategic chess matches that elevated both programs. These sideline battles often proved as entertaining as the on-field action, with game plans and adjustments becoming part of SEC folklore.

  8. 7. Ole Miss's Upset in the Hugh Freeze Era

    Under Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss consistently competed with and often defeated higher-ranked Tennessee teams, proving the Rebels belonged among the SEC elite. These victories during Ole Miss's resurgent years in the early 2010s helped establish the program's modern identity.

  10. 8. Tennessee's Defensive Dominance Years

    During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tennessee's suffocating defense often frustrated Ole Miss's offensive attacks, creating low-scoring, hard-fought battles. These defensive showcases highlighted the physical nature of SEC football and the respect these programs had for each other.

  11. 9. The Grove vs. Neyland Atmosphere

    The contrasting game-day experiences have added unique flavor to this rivalry, with Ole Miss's elegant tailgating tradition clashing beautifully with Tennessee's raucous stadium environment. Both venues have provided unforgettable backdrops for this SEC showdown.

  12. 10. Future Stars on Display

    This rivalry has consistently featured future NFL talents on both sides, from the Manning quarterbacks to Tennessee's numerous draft picks. These games often served as showcases for college football's brightest stars before they reached the professional level.

The Ole Miss vs Tennessee rivalry continues to produce compelling football and memorable moments that resonate throughout the SEC. While both programs have experienced ups and downs, their meetings consistently deliver the passion, drama, and unpredictability that make college football special. As these storied programs continue to evolve, fans can expect this rivalry to keep producing the kind of moments that will be remembered for generations to come.