Tennessee's Kicker Is The Most Heartbroken Man In Football Today

Fans attack Gilbert on social media

Gilbert's kick in the final seconds drew a number of reactions from fans across the CFB landscape; and not many of them had very nice things to say.

"Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert will not be making it back to his dorm room tonight," a user said.

"Now Tennessee has learned what I've said for years: YOU CAN NEVER TRUST KICKERS, WHO DON'T EVEN PLAY FOOTBALL," Skip Bayless exclaimed. "I just watched a bunch of football players battle their guts out until a few seconds remained - and a kicker missed an extremely make-able field goal to win it."

"Max Gilbert you had one job. Get ready to door dash buddy," another posted.

"lol everyone knew max Gilbert was missing that s—t lol," a fan laughed.

"Max Gilbert had every chance to be possibly the most loved player in 30+ years. But his head got to him," another person replied. "F—k me. I hate college football."

What Josh Heupel said to Gilbert after missed FG

Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel shared with reporters what he said to Gilbert after his missed kick in the fourth quarter.

"I told the team it is a series of one plays that make the difference," Heupel explained (via the Knoxville News Sentinel). "As a specialist sometimes your life gets showcased in a way where you get every limited opportunities  … I love the fact he came back in overtime and drains it."

"He had his head high," the Vols HC continued. "That is the life of being a kicker. I loved the way he responded. He will continue to grow. We’ve got great trust in him.”

This is definitely going to be a tough one for Gilbert to live down, but his team is going to need him in more big spots this year and he has to do his best to put it past him.

Tennessee stays at home for a game against UAB next week before traveling to Starkville to take on Jeff Lebby and the 2-0 Mississippi State Bulldogs on Sept. 27.