Jim McElwain: “Down deep, you just don’t lose to Tennessee. And they didn’t”

GAINESVILLE — It looked like the streak was going to end.

But the Gators found a way to keep their winning streak against Tennessee alive with a dramatic 28-27 comeback win over the Volunteers on Saturday in front of an announced crowd of 90,527 at the Swamp. Florida (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) has now won 11 straight against Tennessee (2-2, 0-1).

After falling behind 27-14 with 10:19 left in the contest, Florida scored 14 unanswered points to complete the rally.

The game-winning touchdown came on fourth down, as quarterback Will Grier found an open Antonio Callaway and the freshman did the rest. The Miami-Washington product used his speed to run past the Tennessee defense for a 63-yard touchdown with 1:26 left on the clock.

The Volunteers attempted a 55-yard field goal to win the game, but kicker Aaron Medley missed it as time expired. Medley actually missed it twice, as Florida called timeout before his first kick went wide right by a large margin. His second attempt was closer to the upright, but still wide right, setting off a huge celebration for Florida and its fans.

Here’s what Jim McElwain had to say after the game:

McElwain: "It was a lot of fun."

— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 26, 2015

Jim McElwain: "Give credit to those people who stayed here to root on the Gators."

— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) September 26, 2015

McElwain on fourth quarter comeback — "they didn't panic" #Gators

— Kevin Brockway (@gatorhoops) September 26, 2015

"They played their hearts out. They played their hearts out for the fans, for all the Gators before them. They know you don't lose to Tenn"

— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) September 26, 2015

McElwain — "Don't know if we deserved it (the win) or not, but I'd take it rather than the other side" #Gators

— Kevin Brockway (@gatorhoops) September 26, 2015

Jim McElwain on #Gators beating #Vols: "Down deep, you just don't lose to Tennessee. And they didn't."

— Only Gators .com (@onlygators) September 26, 2015

McElwain: "I'm glad we're not in Canada. You don't get four downs in Canada."

— Nick de la Torre (@NickdelaTorreGC) September 26, 2015

McElwain said he called timeout on first Vols missed FG because he thought he had 12 guys on the field.

— Kevin Brockway (@gatorhoops) September 26, 2015

“You’re playing in the SEC. You’re going to get sore. I loved his courage.’’ — McElwain on Grier

— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 26, 2015

McElwain — Bullard had a quad injury, Calllaway cramped up, Hargreaves a tight back.

— Kevin Brockway (@gatorhoops) September 26, 2015

"I like him a whole bunch. I'm glad he's a Gator" -McElwain on Callaway

— Landon Watnick (@LandonWatnick) September 26, 2015

McElwain on Antonio Callaway: "When knew there was something special with this kid when we were recruiting him."

— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 26, 2015

“It was pretty special. And they deserve it.’’ — Mac on locker room excitement of players

— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 26, 2015

McElwain on #Gators: "More than anything, I feel so good for these guys because they really have invested in this team."

— Only Gators .com (@onlygators) September 26, 2015

McElwain says #Gators now get to test themselves against "a team (Ole Miss) that should probably come in here and beat the heck out of us."

— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 26, 2015

McElwain says #Gators have repped that 4th-down scoring play in practice. "I haven't seen it go for a touchdown, but I'm sure glad it did."

— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 26, 2015

“I thought he actually looked pretty steady in the pocket on those two drives, and that was good to see.’’ — McElwain on Grier

— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 26, 2015

McElwain: "Antonio told me before the game he was going to score."

— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 26, 2015