Vols’ game day: This day in Tennessee history

How the Vols have fared on Dec. 19.

When Tennessee hosts Texas A&M on the gridiron today at Neyland Stadium, it will mark two firsts in the history of the Big Orange’s tradition-rich football program.

Today’s game, which will telecast on ESPN at noon EST, will mark the first time that the Volunteers are playing a game on Dec. 19.

It will also be the Aggies’ first trip to Knoxville for a game.

The Vols have played Texas A&M three times throughout history and Tennessee has a 2-1 lead in the all-time series.

UT last played the Aggies in 2016 in College Station and Texas A&M left the field with a 45-38 overtime victory.

The two teams first met in the 1957 Gator Bowl with the Vols claiming a 3-0 victory. The Aggies were coached by Bear Bryant and the Vols’ head coach was former Tennessee legend Bowden Wyatt.

Tennessee and Texas A&M also played in the 2005 Cotton Bowl with the Vols winning, 38-7.

That game culminated a 2004 season that saw the Vols play for a Southeastern Conference championship and finish 10-3.

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