The spotlight matchup of Week 3 in the college football season didn’t disappoint, as 101,915 fans packed into Neyland Stadium on Saturday. Knoxville was electric for the SEC opener, with the No. 15-ranked Tennessee Volunteers welcoming the No. 6-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in an SEC rivalry that lived up to the hype.
When the dust settled, it was Georgia that escaped with a thrilling 44-41 overtime road win that quieted some of the doubt about the Dawgs being overrated. But the real story was how it got there.
With seven seconds left and the game tied at 38, Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert had a chance to play hero. But a five-yard false start penalty turned his try into a 43-yarder. The kick missed wide, which sent the game to overtime, where Georgia running back Josh McCray sealed it from one yard out.
As always, the spotlight landed on the kicker. Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore from Memphis, bore the blame as Tennessee’s bid to beat Georgia for the first time since 2016 slipped away.
But in a surprising turn, Tennessee fans filled the comment section of Gilbert’s most recent Instagram post with messages of support. For a program that’s been through plenty of heartbreak, it was a different kind of response. Instead of piling on, many chose to back their kicker.
SEC fans showing some grace toward their college kicker is not something you see every day. In a time where criticism often comes quickly, it is nice to see a little perspective prevail and show the true character of Volunteer supporters.
In Week 2, Gilbert was three-for-three on field goals, and he nailed one from 53 yards out. He was interviewed after the 72-17 win over East Tennessee State, which was the focal point of his Sept. 6 post that Vols fans commented on.
“Your last kick was good. Keep that one in your mind. You are an incredible kicker and will be the reason we win many games. 🧡” added another, refering Gilbert’s kick he connected on in overtime to give Tennessee the lead.
“Hey Max, much love to you man. I’m sorry the kick didn’t go your way tonight, but know the real VFL’s are still here and supporting you! Don’t take it too hard and get em on the next one. Long season to go!” added another.
“You da man, Max! Keep your head up kid! This team needs you!” said a fan.
“Max, chin up. Keep grinding. We got your back!! GBO! 🍊🇺🇸” another commented.
“Gilbert! 🧡🤍 I’m behind you! Real fans are!” one more said.
Even a Georgia fan chimed in:
“From a Georgia Bulldogs fan, this is just the beginning of your career. You’re gonna have mishaps but that’s ok. You have a bright future ahead. Good game ❤️” said a UGA fan.
In the SEC, the slogan “It Just Means More” has become synonymous with the passion and intensity surrounding college football. That’s why the flood of supportive messages directed toward a Tennessee sophomore kicker came as a surprise to many. For a fan base as passionate and at times critical as Vol Nation, the outpouring of encouragement was both unexpected and refreshing. In today’s sports culture, where negativity can dominate, kindness like this stands out.