When the Kick Goes Wide: Lessons for Investors from the Vols Loss

There’s an old country song by Guy Mitchell called Heartaches by the Number which opens with this line: “Heartaches by the number, troubles by the score.” Last Saturday night for Tennessee football fans that number was 43 yards and a score of 41 to 44.

I walked out of Neyland Stadium on Saturday night sick to my stomach. Tennessee had Georgia right where they wanted them. A 21–7 lead, Vol Nation behind them, and for once the Bulldogs didn’t look unbeatable. Even when Georgia counterpunched, the Vols clawed back in front and gave themselves a shot to win. Then came the 43-yard kick, pushed wide right, and another heartbreaker—the ninth in a row. What made it hurt so much wasn’t just losing. It was the swing of emotions: the thrill of early hope, the gut-punch of momentum shifting, and the crushing finality of a missed chance.

Investing can feel the same way:

• A strong start doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. Just as an early lead on the football field can disappear, markets run in cycles. A hot streak or good quarter doesn’t remove the possibility of downturns. Momentum can shift when you least expect it.
• Big moments require more than luck. Whether it’s selling a business, navigating a personal loss, or stepping into retirement, financial decisions often come at moments that feel larger than life. Those are the times when preparation matters most.
• You need a trusted team beside you. When emotions run high, perspective narrows. A coach and a team can see what you can’t in the moment.

At Rather & Kittrell, we don’t just call plays from the sideline—we work with you so you’re ready when your big moments arrive.

Darrien Reasonover is an Associate Advisor with Rather & Kittrell.