Here's what Butch Jones said after Tennessee's 45-38 loss at Texas A&M
Texas A&M defeated Tennessee, 45-38, in overtime Saturday. The Vols managed to stay in the game despite facing a 28-7 deficit in the third quarter, experiencing numerous injuries and turning over the football seven times, including five fumbles.
Tennessee’s final turnover came on its second possession of overtime as Armani Watts picked off Joshua Dobbs to seal the victory. Dobbs finished with 398 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 28 of 47 passing and rushed for 57 yards on 17 attempts.
Tailback Alvin Kamara led the Vols with 127 rushing yards on 18 attempts and 161 receiving yards on eight catches. Kamara finished with three total touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving).
Tennessee senior defensive tackle Danny O’Brien was carted off the field during the fourth quarter, but was moving “all four extremities,” according to the university.
Here’s what Butch Jones said after Tennessee’s first loss of the season:
Jones: “Very, very proud of our kids…but you can’t have the turnovers/penalties that we did"
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) October 9, 2016
Butch on the turnovers: "I'm dumbfounded" because we spend so much time on ball security.
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) October 9, 2016
Butch Jones singles out Alvin Kamara, the O-line, but says the small details ultimately cost Tennessee in this one.
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) October 9, 2016
Butch: 'John (Kelly) gave us another spark.'
— Austin Bornheim (@ABornheim) October 9, 2016
Butch: 'Proud of the resolve but the turnovers didn't give us an opportunity.'
— Austin Bornheim (@ABornheim) October 9, 2016
"We talk about Maxim 1 all the time and we know this was Maxim 1 game." Butch
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) October 9, 2016
Jones on all the backups that came in: “They didn’t blink, they didn’t flinch”
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) October 9, 2016
Butch: there's not many teams that could overcome those turnovers, the penalties and the big plays
— WBIR Sports (@WBIRSports) October 9, 2016
"They're very, very disappointed but we'll get back to work. We can't (sulk) because Alabama is next. That's life in the SEC." – Butch
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) October 9, 2016
"I don't remember a game like this in 30+ years (of coaching)." Butch
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) October 9, 2016
"From here on out there will be no more talk of injuries. Done" Butch
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) October 9, 2016