Tennessee beat Tulsa, 27-6, in the Bluebonnet Bowl on Dec. 18, 1965, in the team's only game on this date.Â
Tennessee made its first bowl appearance since the Gator Bowl victory over Texas A & M in 1957 and made it a successful return by taking the measure of the Tulsa Hurricanes 27-6 in a swampy Rice Stadium.
The game was played in the wettest weather that ever confronted a Tennessee team, a steady downpour that that did not cease until long after the game was over.
The Vols took care of business quickly, moving to a 20-6 halftime lead by taking advantage of Tulsa turnovers and some brilliant work on the kicking game.
Tulsa fumbles led to the Vol touchdowns by Hal Wantland and Dewey Warren and Jerry Smith's 45-yard punt return led to the third, another score by Warren. Glenn Gray's pass interception led to the final Vol score, an 11-yard burst by fullback Stan Mitchell.
Tulsa gained 250 yards through the air despite the wet conditions, but three fumbles and four Vol interceptions turned the game Tennessee's way.
