On a day that was marked with high emotion, the Vols put those feelings onto the field, erupting for 21 second-half points on their way to a 28-10 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats.

Wide receiver Gerald Jones led the way for Tennessee, racking up 135 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown.

The emotions that are usually reserved for "Senior Day" were multiplied as the university designated it "Phillip Fulmer Appreciation Day," after Fulmer "accepted the university's decision" on Nov. 3 to step down at season's end.

"This has been a really tough year and a particularly tough month," Fulmer said after the game. "This group of kids is special. Every group I've had for my 17 years has been special. They have their own uniqueness about them. I don't want to sit here and rattle on.

"We've had a great run. I wasn't really ready for it to end, but it probably ended about as well as it could. With the emotions, to get the 'W,' we finished up in a really positive way."

The Vols rushed for 210 yards, making it the second straight game, and third this season, that they have ran for more than 200 yards. The defense held Kentucky to just 193 yards of total offense, Tennessee's third lowest this year.

"Our defense is obviously incredible," Fulmer said. "They've played awfully well all year long. It's been great to see the last couple of weeks to see our offense do some things."

Defensive end Robert Ayers pointed out that the win was a result of the entire team.

"I think we played a good game offensively, defensively and on special teams," Ayers said.  We didn't make many mistakes. We came out and did a good job executing.

"I'm proud of this team and the coaching staff for sending Coach Fulmer out with a win."

An overlooked facet of the game was Kentucky quarterback Randall Cobb. Cobb played high school football 20 minutes away from Neyland Stadium at Alcoa High School. He chose the Wildcats over the Vols during his recruiting process.

"This group of kids is special. Every group I've had for my 17 years has been special." Head coach Phillip Fulmer

The Vols defense held him to 22 yards on eleven rushes. His passing line finished at 4-of-7 for 23 yards.

"They had eight or nine guys in the box, and there's not much you can do with that but throw the ball, and we didn't accomplish that tonight," Cobb said. "...We didn't get anything done that we usually do."

The Vols finish their season at 5-7, avoiding the first eight-loss season in program history. Fulmer refused to let this day be about him, constantly saying it's about his players. He expressed how grateful he was towards the fans and his team.

"Obviously, I'm just really, really thrilled and pleased with the team, with the coaching staff that stuck together through this tough month," Fulmer said. "Certainly, I'm very, very appreciative of the fans.

"The Vol Walk was incredible and the stadium. That at the end of the game [being carried off the field by his players] was something you never forget."