Cobb Leads Vols’ Upset of Auburn

Junior tailback Reggie Cobb rushed for 225 yards in 22 carries, including a 79-yard touchdown run, to lead 12th-ranked Tennessee to a 21-14 upset victory over fourth-ranked Auburn Saturday in a rainy Southeastern Conference game.

“I don’t think people are yet giving us credit for being a good team, but each game we should be convincing them,” Cobb said.

Cobb became the first back to reach the 100-mark on Auburn’s defense in 25 regular-season games.

It was the ninth victory in a row for the Volunteers (4-0) in the SEC opener for both teams.

Auburn (2-1) entered the game as the nation’s leader in rushing defense, having allowed only 56 yards on the ground in victories over Pacific and Southern Mississippi.

The Volunteers took advantage of two safeties on high center snaps to build an 11-0 lead.

Tennessee took a 2-0 lead with 1:14 left in the first quarter when Ron Burchfield’s snap sailed over the head of punter Chris Dickinson and out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Auburn had more trouble with the wet ball less than two minutes after Cobb scored on his 79-yard run early in the second quarter. This time it was Travis Galloway who snapped it 37 yards to the end zone over the head of Dickinson, who retrieved the ball and took the safety.

The teams then swapped field goals before halftime, Win Lyle kicking a 29-yarder for Auburn and Greg Burke a 21-yarder for Tennessee three seconds before halftime.

Auburn got within striking range on an 83-yard touchdown pass play from Reggie Slack to Alexander Wright, who made the reception behind the defense at the Tennessee 32. Stacy Danley ran for the two-point conversion, cutting the lead to 14-11 with 11:15 left.

The Volunteers scored again on an eight-yard run by Chuck Webb five plays after Shazzon Bradley’s interception at the Auburn 42.