The University of Virginia's outstanding comeback to win the Music City Bowl in Nashville was possible because of Chattanooga's Kurt Smith. A pro football prospect, Kurt saved the game by making three key tackles on kickoff returns.
Smith, a star athlete who played soccer and football at Baylor School, isn't supposed to have to make tackles. He showed his heart by taking on the Golden Gophers and shoving their kick returner into his gopher hole not once but three times.
Twice Kurt's kicks were so deep in the end zone the Gophers didn't even try to return the ball.
Marques Hagans was named MVP.
However, he never would have had the chance to lead Virginia back to victory if Kurt hadn't stopped the kickoff returns three times on his own.
Bill Chapin
w_h_chapin@seerockcity.com