Tennessee vs The Maxims vs Kentucky

Tennessee vs The Maxims vs Kentucky

On 28 December 1972, a North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance plane from the USS Enterprise was shot down by a North Vietnamese Air Force MiG. The RA-5 looked much like a fighter. It was big and fast like the F-4 fighter but not very maneuverable. The pilot, Lt. Commander A. H. Agnew, ejected and was captured and ended up a POW. The navigator, Lt. M. F. Halfey, was killed.

One interesting aspect of the “Viggie” was its origin as a nuclear attack plane designated the A-5. The bombs were held in a tunnel-shaped bomb bay between the engines. Over the target, unlike other bombers where the bombs drop vertically from the bomb bay, on the Vigilante a door at the rear of the tunnel would open and the plane would – well – sort of poop the infernal weapons. Upon its conversion to the recon role, the redundant bomb bay would be filled with drums of fuel for additional range. Occasionally, the stress of a catapult launch would cause that rear-facing bomb bay door to open and the big North American bird would find itself being chased down the carrier deck by bouncing drums of jet fuel, to the intense discomfort of all and sundry.

In any event, the unfortunate crew of this particular RA-5C also have the distinction of being the last Americans to be shot down in air-to-air combat.

Yes, you read that right. Since 28 December 1972, NOT ONE American plane has been shot down by an enemy fighter in something over one hundred engagements. Of course, there have been combat losses since then, but all have been from ground-based artillery or missiles.

In fact, since 1982, not one American-built fighter has been shot down in air-to-air combat. The mighty F-15 Eagle, in particular, has a “kill-ratio” of well over 100:0.

That, Vol fans, is dominance.

In 1984, Tennessee lost to Kentucky in Knoxville 17-12. In the 25 years since, despite some thrillingly close calls, Tennessee has prevailed. Further, the Vols have not lost in Lexington since 1981.

That, Vol fans, is dominance.

So how did the team do compared to the Maxims?

1. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win.
Tennessee played well within its capabilities. Kentucky bet the whole ball of wax on Randall Cobb. Once the defensive staff figured out how to corral him, the Kats were done. One statistic that stands out is that Tennessee has not given up a fumble in over 250 rushing attempts.

2. Play for and make the breaks. When one comes your way … SCORE!
When Lane Kiffin showed up on campus he brought a new determination to capitalize on opportunities. Last week, it was that final 35-second touchdown drive to end the first half. This week, it was an 20-yard scamper by Hardesty in overtime. Methinks the previous staff would have played for the field-goal.

3. If at first the game – or the breaks – go against you, don’t let up … PUT ON MORE STEAM!
Early on, in fact on Tennessee's first drive, the usually accurate Jon Crompton misjudged a pass and gave up an interception for a touchdown. However, the coaching staff came right back to that pattern on the next series and he completed that throw and never looked back.

4. Protect our kickers, our quarterback, our lead and our ballgame.
New kicker Devon Mathis is nearly perfect. Chad Cunningham played through an injury to twice pin the Kats inside their 10. Crompton was hurried a couple of times but overall had time to get the job done.

5. Ball! Oskie! Cover, block, cut and slice, pursue and gang tackle … THIS IS THE WINNING EDGE.
Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty again proved to be the embodiment of this Maxim. His workday consisted of 39 carries for 179 yards and three touchdowns. It was just another day at the office for #2.

6. Press the kicking game. Here is where the breaks are made.
Yet again, the Vols faced a talented kick-return guy who liked put up some gaudy numbers but once again, they held him in check for the most part.

7. Carry the fight to Kentucky and keep it there for sixty minutes.
Final score: Tennessee 30, Kentucky 24, in OVERTIME.

In 1984, the Soviets and their allies retaliated for America's non-participation in the Moscow Olympics and boycotted the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Nobody noticed.

Victory is a concept. Domination is a way of life.

Earlier in the day, according to Bob Kesling, the always quotable Gus Manning was having lunch at a restaurant in Lexington. After the meal, the waiter took note of Uncle Gus' orange jacket and said, “I'll tell you one thing, the streak ends this year. We're going to win today.” Gus calmly replied, “You know, your Grandpa told me the same thing.”

MAXOMG

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