MSU had just made it 20-14, but in a very small victory for the D, we actually held them to a FG and not a TD. The obvious thought is that if the Vols get the ball and drive for a TD, the momentum shifts in a big way. We had been moving the ball well, so I suspect almost everyone watching the game had the same thought.
It obviously occured to Mullen, because I think this is why he tried the kick. Of which, it was Rivera who just watched the ball bounce in front of him and then went to block someone.
In fairness, he and and the rest of the ko team that was deep had a lot of ground to cover to get to the kick, but he could have at least TRIED.
Frankly I don't think we ever quite recovered from that. Very frustrating.
