1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team
Encyclopedia
The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee
in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season
. Tennessee entered the 1998 season coming off an 11–2 record (7–1 SEC) in 1997
. The Volunteers were given a preseason ranking of #10 in the AP Poll
.
The Vols won their sixth national title after defeating Florida State
in the Fiesta Bowl
, the first BCS National Championship Game
. The '98 Vols beat eight bowl teams, including six January bowl teams, four top ten teams, and three BCS bowl-bound teams. The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers are ranked as the #3 college football team of all time by the Billingsley Report computer ratings.
Tennessee was expected to have a slight fall off after their conference championship the previous season. They had lost quarterback
Peyton Manning
, wide receiver
Marcus Nash
, and linebacker
Leonard Little
to the NFL
. Manning was the first pick overall in the 1998 NFL Draft
. Tennessee was also coming off a difficult 42–17 loss to Nebraska
in the Orange Bowl
, and were in the midst of a five game losing streak to the rival Florida Gators. Nonetheless, the Volunteers ended their season in Tempe
, undefeated, becoming only the fourth school in modern college football history to complete a 13–0 season.
's Eastern Division at SEC Media Days (behind Florida). The 1998 season marked the first year that the NCAA introduced the Bowl Championship Series
to determine a national champion for Division I-A football.
Tennessee was led by future NFL players Al Wilson
, Raynoch Thompson
, Jamal Lewis
, Peerless Price
, Cedrick Wilson
, David Martin
, Shaun Ellis
, Tee Martin
, Travis Henry
, Travis Stephens
, Dwayne Goodrich
, Shawn Bryson
, Darwin Walker
, Eric Westmoreland
, Chad Clifton
and Deon Grant
and CFL
All-Star
Jeremaine Copeland
.
went only 9-of-26 for 143 yards, but led the Vols into field goal range for the final kick. HB Jamal Lewis
led the Vols with 140 yards rushing and a touchdown. WR Peerless Price
had two touchdown receptions.
QB Donovan McNabb
gave the Volunteer defense fits, putting up 300 yards with a 22-for-28 day
that saw the goalposts and CBS cameras disappear.
The Vols won despite racking up only 235 yards of total offense. The difference was turnovers. The Florida Gators lost 4 fumbles, 3 caused by hits by Al Wilson
. K Jeff Hall made his field goal in the first overtime, setting the stage for the Florida miss and the Vols win.
The Vols also held the Gators to −13 net rushing on 30 attempts. FB Shawn Bryson
scored on a 57 yard run.
added 135 yards rushing and 1 touchdown, leading the Vols to 334 rushing yards and 589 total yards.
The Vols defense held Houston to 239 total yards and recorded 3 sacks with 8 tackles for loss.
. However, following a season ending ACL injury, Lewis left the game and the Tennessee Defense held on for the 17–9 win.
In a rematch of the high scoring 1997 SEC Championship Game
, the Defense needed a score by DE Shaun Ellis
and a 4 play goal line stand from inside the 1 yard line to secure the win. They did so without senior captain Al Wilson
, who missed the game with a shoulder injury.
and Travis Stephens, and a strong defensive effort, the Vols dominated the Bulldogs.
Georgia was limited to only 254 total yards and the Vols defense held their opponent without a touchdown for the second straight game.
rivalry game.
This time, the Vols Offense relied on Travis Henry
who rushed for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. The play that broke the game open for the Vols was a 100 yard kickoff return by Peerless Price
in the 3rd quarter that answered an Alabama touchdown and two point conversion.
set an NCAA record for consecutive completions with 24, leading the Vols to a 49–14 victory. Martin completed his first 23 passes (with one from the previous game) to set the record. He also recorded his first 300 yard passing game by going 23-for-24 for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Vol Defense held South Carolina scoreless until the 4th quarter, when they had a 42–0 lead.
The Vols racked up 447 total yards, led by the rushing of Travis Henry
and the passing of Tee Martin
. WR Peerless Price
also added 103 yards receiving.
touchdown run in the final seconds.
Henry had 197 yards rushing and the deciding touchdown. The key play of the game and possibly the season occurred in the 4th quarter. Arkansas was nursing a 24–22 lead late in the game and was attempting to run out the clock. DT Billy Ratliff pushed Arkansas G Brandon Burlsworth
into QB Clint Stoerner
, causing him to stumble and fumble. Ratliff recovered the ball and allowed Tennessee the chance to drive the field and score the game winning touchdown.
Kentucky QB Tim Couch
passed for 337 yards and 2 TD's, but Kentucky never threatened after the 1st quarter.
Tee Martin had 241 yards passing and 1 TD, while Travis Henry led the team in rushing with 136 yards and a touchdown. Peerless Price added 181 yards receiving and a touchdown.
. This win secured a birth into the National Championship game for the Vols.
. The Vols limited Warrick to 1 catch for 7 yards and scored on long passes to Peerless Price and an interception return by CB Dwayne Goodrich
, who was the defensive MVP of the game. Price had 199 yards receiving on 4 catches and scored the deciding TD in the 4th quarter.
LB Al Wilson
led the defense with 9 tackles.
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season
1998 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season was the first of the Bowl Championship Series, which saw Tennessee win the national championship, one year after star quarterback Peyton Manning left for the NFL...
. Tennessee entered the 1998 season coming off an 11–2 record (7–1 SEC) in 1997
1997 Tennessee Volunteers football team
The 1997 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee during the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. Quarterback Peyton Manning had already completed his degree in three years, and had been projected to be the top overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, but returned...
. The Volunteers were given a preseason ranking of #10 in the AP Poll
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
.
The Vols won their sixth national title after defeating Florida State
1998 Florida State Seminoles football team
The 1998 Florida State Seminoles football team represented the Florida State University in the college football season of 1998. The team was coached by Bobby Bowden and played their home games in Doak Campbell Stadium.-Schedule:...
in the Fiesta Bowl
1999 Fiesta Bowl
The 1999 Fiesta Bowl, the designated BCS National Championship Game for the 1998 season, was played on January 4, 1999, in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium. The teams were the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida State Seminoles...
, the first BCS National Championship Game
BCS National Championship Game
The BCS National Championship Game, or BCS National Championship, is the final bowl game of the annual Bowl Championship Series and is intended by the organizers of the BCS to determine the U.S. national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision...
. The '98 Vols beat eight bowl teams, including six January bowl teams, four top ten teams, and three BCS bowl-bound teams. The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers are ranked as the #3 college football team of all time by the Billingsley Report computer ratings.
Tennessee was expected to have a slight fall off after their conference championship the previous season. They had lost quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
, wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
Marcus Nash
Marcus Nash
Marcus DeLando Nash is free agent wide receiver, formerly of the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 30th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
, and linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Leonard Little
Leonard Little
Leonard Antonio Little is a former American football defensive end. He was originally drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee.-Early years:...
to the NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. Manning was the first pick overall in the 1998 NFL Draft
1998 NFL Draft
The 1998 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 18-19, 1998...
. Tennessee was also coming off a difficult 42–17 loss to Nebraska
1998 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
The 1998 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Frank Solich and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.-Schedule:...
in the Orange Bowl
1998 Orange Bowl
The 1998 Orange Bowl a 1997-1998 Bowl Alliance game was played on January 2, 1998. This 64th edition to the Orange Bowl featured the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee came into the game with an 11-1 record and #3 AP ranking, whereas Nebraska came into the game with a...
, and were in the midst of a five game losing streak to the rival Florida Gators. Nonetheless, the Volunteers ended their season in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2010 population of 161,719. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale...
, undefeated, becoming only the fourth school in modern college football history to complete a 13–0 season.
Preseason
The Volunteers were picked by the media as a preseason second place in the SECSoutheastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
's Eastern Division at SEC Media Days (behind Florida). The 1998 season marked the first year that the NCAA introduced the Bowl Championship Series
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
to determine a national champion for Division I-A football.
Tennessee was led by future NFL players Al Wilson
Al Wilson
Aldra Kauwa Wilson is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 31st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
, Raynoch Thompson
Raynoch Thompson
Raynoch Thompson Ray "Knock Your Head Off" Thompson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. He spent 5 years for the Cardinals, until they released...
, Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
, Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
, Cedrick Wilson
Cedrick Wilson
Cedrick Wilson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, David Martin
David Martin (American football)
David Earl Martin is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, Shaun Ellis
Shaun Ellis
MeShaunda "Shaun" Pizarrur Ellis is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . Ellis was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee...
, Tee Martin
Tee Martin
Tamaurice Nigel "Tee" Martin is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and Canadian Football League...
, Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, Travis Stephens
Travis Stephens
Travis Tremaine Stephens is a former running back in the NFL. He played one season in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being drafted by the team in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee where he is the single season record holder for rushing yards...
, Dwayne Goodrich
Dwayne Goodrich
Dwayne Lewis Goodrich is a former American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League...
, Shawn Bryson
Shawn Bryson
Adrian Shawn Bryson is an American football running back in the NFL who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Tennessee and was one of the four team Captains on the 1998 National Championship team. Shawn was later drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third...
, Darwin Walker
Darwin Walker
Darwin Jamar Walker is an American football defensive tackle in National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
, Eric Westmoreland
Eric Westmoreland
Eric Westmoreland is a former linebacker in the NFL who played from 2001–2004 for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns....
, Chad Clifton
Chad Clifton
Jeffrey Chad Clifton is an American football offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
and Deon Grant
Deon Grant
Deon D'Marquis Grant is an American football safety for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
and CFL
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
All-Star
All-star
All-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
Jeremaine Copeland
Jeremaine Copeland
Jeremaine Copeland is a Canadian Football League wide receiver playing for the Toronto Argonauts. He has also played with the Montreal Alouettes and the Calgary Stampeders, as well as in the XFL and NFL Europe football player.-College career:Copeland attended the University of Tennessee...
.
Schedule
| Date | Time | Opponent# | UT Rank# | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 5, 1998* | 12:30 PM | @ #17 | #10 | Carrier Dome Carrier Dome The Carrier Dome is a 49,250-seat domed sports stadium located on the campus of Syracuse University in the University Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, USA. It is home to the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. High school football championships are also held in "The... · Syracuse, NY |
ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming.... |
W 34–33 | |
| September 19, 1998 | 8:00 PM | #2 Florida | #6 | Neyland Stadium Neyland Stadium Neyland Stadium is a sports stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. It serves primarily as the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, but is also used to host large conventions and has been a site for several NFL exhibition games. The stadium's official capacity is 102,455... · Knoxville, TN |
CBS CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of... |
W 20–17 (OT) | |
| September 26, 1998* | 7:00 PM | #4 | Neyland Stadium · Knoxville, TN | Videoseat PPV | W 42–7 | |
|
| October 3, 1998 | 3:30 PM | @ Auburn 1998 Auburn Tigers football team The 1998 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season.After using six different centers on the offensive line due to injury, Auburn finished the season with a 3–8 record. The Tigers began the season coached by Terry Bowden, who led the team... |
#3 | Jordan-Hare Stadium Jordan-Hare Stadium Jordan–Hare Stadium is the playing venue for Auburn University's football team located on campus in Auburn, Alabama, USA. The stadium is named for Ralph "Shug" Jordan, the University's winningest football coach, and Cliff Hare, a member of Auburn's first football team as well as Dean of the Auburn... · Auburn, AL |
CBS | W 17–9 | |
| October 10, 1998 | 3;30 PM | @ #7 Georgia | #4 | Sanford Stadium Sanford Stadium Sanford Stadium is the on-campus playing venue for football at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, United States. The 92,746-seat stadium is the seventh largest stadium in the NCAA. Architecturally, the stadium is known for the fact that its numerous expansions over the years have been... · Athens, GA |
CBS | W 22–3 | |
| October 24, 1998 | 3:30 PM | Alabama 1998 Alabama Crimson Tide football team The 1998 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the college football season of 1998–99. The team's head coach was Mike DuBose, who was entering his second year at Alabama. They played their home games at both Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and Legion Field... |
#3 | Neyland Stadium · Knoxville, TN | CBS | W 35–18 | |
| October 31, 1998 | 12:30 PM | @ South Carolina 1998 South Carolina Gamecocks football team The 1998 South Carolina Gamecocks football team represented the University of South Carolina in the Southeastern Conference during the college football season of 1998-1999. The Gamecocks were led by head coach Brad Scott and played their home games in Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South... |
#3 | Williams-Brice Stadium Williams-Brice Stadium Williams-Brice Stadium is the home football stadium for the South Carolina Gamecocks, the college football team representing the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina... · Columbia, SC |
JP Sports | W 49–14 | |
| November 7, 1998*† | 1:00 PM | UAB 1998 UAB Blazers football team The 1998 UAB Blazers football team represented the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the college football season of 1998, and was the eighth team fielded by the school. The team's head coach was Watson Brown, who was entering his fourth season as the program's head coach... |
#2 | Neyland Stadium · Knoxville, TN | Videoseat PPV | W 37–13 | |
| November 14, 1998 | 3:30 PM | #10 Arkansas | #1 | Neyland Stadium · Knoxville, TN | CBS | W 28–24 | |
| November 21, 1998 | 3:30 PM | Kentucky 1998 Kentucky Wildcats football team The 1998 Kentucky Wildcats football team represented the University of Kentucky in the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. Quarterback Tim Couch was the first pick overall in the 1999 NFL Draft.-Season:... |
#1 | Neyland Stadium · Knoxville, TN | CBS | W 59–21 | |
| November 28, 1998 | 5:30 PM | @ | #1 | Vanderbilt Stadium Vanderbilt Stadium Vanderbilt Stadium at Dudley Field is a football stadium located in Nashville, Tennessee. Completed in 1922 as the first stadium in the South to be used exclusively for college football, it is the home of the Vanderbilt University football team... · Nashville, TN |
ESPN2 ESPN2 ESPN2 is an American sports cable television network owned by ESPN. The channel debuted on October 1, 1993.Originally nicknamed "the deuce," ESPN2 was initially branded as a network for a younger generation of sports fans featuring edgier graphics as well as extreme sports like motocross,... |
W 41–0 | |
| December 5, 1998 | 7:30 PM | SEC Championship Game 1998 SEC Championship Game The 1998 SEC Championship Game was won by the Tennessee Volunteers 24-14 over the . The game was played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia on December 5, 1998 and was televised to a national audience on ABC.... vs. #23 |
#1 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... · Atlanta, GA |
ABC American Broadcasting Company The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948... |
W 24–14 | |
| January 4, 1999 | 7:30 PM | Fiesta Bowl 1999 Fiesta Bowl The 1999 Fiesta Bowl, the designated BCS National Championship Game for the 1998 season, was played on January 4, 1999, in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium. The teams were the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida State Seminoles... vs. #2 Florida State 1998 Florida State Seminoles football team The 1998 Florida State Seminoles football team represented the Florida State University in the college football season of 1998. The team was coached by Bobby Bowden and played their home games in Doak Campbell Stadium.-Schedule:... |
#1 | Sun Devil Stadium Sun Devil Stadium Sun Devil Stadium is an outdoor football stadium, located on the campus of Arizona State University, in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The stadium's current seating capacity is 71,706 and the playing surface is natural grass... · Tempe, AZ |
ABC | W 23–16 | |
| *Non-Conference Game †Homecoming #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times Eastern North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... (UTC-5) and subject to change. |
|||||||
Syracuse
K Jeff Hall hit a 27 Yard field goal as time expired to give the Vols a key road win. This was the second game winning kick of Hall's career (Georgia 1995). In his first game as a starter QB Tee MartinTee Martin
Tamaurice Nigel "Tee" Martin is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and Canadian Football League...
went only 9-of-26 for 143 yards, but led the Vols into field goal range for the final kick. HB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
led the Vols with 140 yards rushing and a touchdown. WR Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
had two touchdown receptions.
QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
gave the Volunteer defense fits, putting up 300 yards with a 22-for-28 day
Florida
Tennessee broke a 5 game losing streak against the Gators. Florida K Collins Cooper missed a FG in overtime and set off a wild celebration at Neyland StadiumNeyland Stadium
Neyland Stadium is a sports stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. It serves primarily as the home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, but is also used to host large conventions and has been a site for several NFL exhibition games. The stadium's official capacity is 102,455...
that saw the goalposts and CBS cameras disappear.
The Vols won despite racking up only 235 yards of total offense. The difference was turnovers. The Florida Gators lost 4 fumbles, 3 caused by hits by Al Wilson
Al Wilson
Aldra Kauwa Wilson is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 31st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
. K Jeff Hall made his field goal in the first overtime, setting the stage for the Florida miss and the Vols win.
The Vols also held the Gators to −13 net rushing on 30 attempts. FB Shawn Bryson
Shawn Bryson
Adrian Shawn Bryson is an American football running back in the NFL who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Tennessee and was one of the four team Captains on the 1998 National Championship team. Shawn was later drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third...
scored on a 57 yard run.
Houston
Junior QB Tee Martin had his coming-out party against the Houston Cougars, throwing for 4 touchdowns and 234 yards en route to the Vols win. Jamal LewisJamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
added 135 yards rushing and 1 touchdown, leading the Vols to 334 rushing yards and 589 total yards.
The Vols defense held Houston to 239 total yards and recorded 3 sacks with 8 tackles for loss.
Auburn
The Vols jumped out to an early lead behind the running of Jamal LewisJamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
. However, following a season ending ACL injury, Lewis left the game and the Tennessee Defense held on for the 17–9 win.
In a rematch of the high scoring 1997 SEC Championship Game
SEC Championship Game
The SEC Championship Game refers to the game determining the Southeastern Conference's football season champion. The championship game pits the SEC Western Division representative against the Eastern Division representative in a game held after the regular season has been completed. Thus far, nine...
, the Defense needed a score by DE Shaun Ellis
Shaun Ellis
MeShaunda "Shaun" Pizarrur Ellis is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . Ellis was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee...
and a 4 play goal line stand from inside the 1 yard line to secure the win. They did so without senior captain Al Wilson
Al Wilson
Aldra Kauwa Wilson is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 31st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
, who missed the game with a shoulder injury.
Georgia
Tennessee entered their 3rd game in the 1998 SEC season as underdogs. However, behind the running of substitute HB's Travis HenryTravis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
and Travis Stephens, and a strong defensive effort, the Vols dominated the Bulldogs.
Georgia was limited to only 254 total yards and the Vols defense held their opponent without a touchdown for the second straight game.
Alabama
The Vols pushed their winning streak over Alabama to 4 games with a 35–18 victory. The win gave Tennessee a 6–0 record for the first time since 1969, and also extended a streak for the Vols in the Third Saturday in OctoberThird Saturday in October
The Third Saturday in October, also known as the Alabama–Tennessee football rivalry, is an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Alabama Crimson Tide football team of the University of Alabama and the Tennessee Volunteers football team of the University of Tennessee...
rivalry game.
This time, the Vols Offense relied on Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
who rushed for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. The play that broke the game open for the Vols was a 100 yard kickoff return by Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
in the 3rd quarter that answered an Alabama touchdown and two point conversion.
South Carolina
Tee MartinTee Martin
Tamaurice Nigel "Tee" Martin is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and Canadian Football League...
set an NCAA record for consecutive completions with 24, leading the Vols to a 49–14 victory. Martin completed his first 23 passes (with one from the previous game) to set the record. He also recorded his first 300 yard passing game by going 23-for-24 for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Vol Defense held South Carolina scoreless until the 4th quarter, when they had a 42–0 lead.
UAB
Tennessee took care of the Blazers to win their homecoming contest and move their record to 8–0. It was their first 8–0 start since 1956.The Vols racked up 447 total yards, led by the rushing of Travis Henry
Travis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
and the passing of Tee Martin
Tee Martin
Tamaurice Nigel "Tee" Martin is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and Canadian Football League...
. WR Peerless Price
Peerless Price
Peerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
also added 103 yards receiving.
Arkansas
Tennessee fell behind 21–3 in the first half, but capped off a season-saving comeback with a Travis HenryTravis Henry
Travis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
touchdown run in the final seconds.
Henry had 197 yards rushing and the deciding touchdown. The key play of the game and possibly the season occurred in the 4th quarter. Arkansas was nursing a 24–22 lead late in the game and was attempting to run out the clock. DT Billy Ratliff pushed Arkansas G Brandon Burlsworth
Brandon burlsworth
Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1996-1998...
into QB Clint Stoerner
Clint Stoerner
Clinton Jacob Stoerner is an American football quarterback. He is currently a free agent.-High school years:...
, causing him to stumble and fumble. Ratliff recovered the ball and allowed Tennessee the chance to drive the field and score the game winning touchdown.
Kentucky
Kentucky struggled after one of their players died and another was injured in an automoblie accident early that week, as Tennessee picked up an easy 59–21 win. This game marked the end of the Battle of the Beer Barrel, due to the alcohol related death that week.Kentucky QB Tim Couch
Tim Couch
Timothy Scott "Tim" Couch is a former American football quarterback. He played college football at the University of Kentucky...
passed for 337 yards and 2 TD's, but Kentucky never threatened after the 1st quarter.
Vanderbilt
The Vols clinched their second consecutive SEC East Division title with a win in Nashville. Tennessee dominated once again, holding the Commodores scoreless and limiting them to 174 total yards.Tee Martin had 241 yards passing and 1 TD, while Travis Henry led the team in rushing with 136 yards and a touchdown. Peerless Price added 181 yards receiving and a touchdown.
SEC Championship Game: Mississippi State
Tennessee won its second SEC title, in a defensive struggle. The vols were held to 249 total yards and scored 3 TD's. They were down late in the 4th quarter 14–10, but scored two touchdowns within 32 seconds of each other on passes by Tee MartinTee Martin
Tamaurice Nigel "Tee" Martin is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and Canadian Football League...
. This win secured a birth into the National Championship game for the Vols.
Fiesta Bowl: Florida State
Tennessee won its first consensus National Championship since 1951 and the first ever BCS title game by defeating the Seminoles 23–16. The second ranked Seminoles were favored and boasted superstar WR Peter WarrickPeter Warrick
Peter Warrick is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals fourth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
. The Vols limited Warrick to 1 catch for 7 yards and scored on long passes to Peerless Price and an interception return by CB Dwayne Goodrich
Dwayne Goodrich
Dwayne Lewis Goodrich is a former American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League...
, who was the defensive MVP of the game. Price had 199 yards receiving on 4 catches and scored the deciding TD in the 4th quarter.
LB Al Wilson
Al Wilson
Aldra Kauwa Wilson is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 31st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
led the defense with 9 tackles.
Statistics
- QB Tee MartinTee MartinTamaurice Nigel "Tee" Martin is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League and Canadian Football League...
: 164/285 (57.5%) for 2,442 yards (8.57) with 21 TD vs. 8 INT (2.81%). 113 carries for 306 yards (2.71) and 7 TD. - RB Travis HenryTravis HenryTravis Deion Henry is a former American football running back for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. He was drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
: 195 carries for 998 yards (5.12) and 7 TD. 5 catches for 40 yards and 0 TD. - RB Travis Stephens: 120 carries for 537 yards (4.48) and 4 TD.
- RB/FB Shawn BrysonShawn BrysonAdrian Shawn Bryson is an American football running back in the NFL who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Tennessee and was one of the four team Captains on the 1998 National Championship team. Shawn was later drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third...
: 24 carries for 207 yards (8.63) and 4 TD. 22 catches for 201 yards and 2 TD. - RB Jamal LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
: 73 carries for 497 yards (6.81) and 3 TD. - WR Peerless PricePeerless PricePeerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
: 65 catches for 1,119 yards (17.22) and 11 TD. - WR Cedrick WilsonCedrick WilsonCedrick Wilson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
: 34 catches for 565 yards (16.62) and 6 TD. - WR Jeremaine Copeland: 29 catches for 455 yards (15.69) and 1 TD.
Honors
- Phillip FulmerPhillip FulmerPhillip Fulmer is a TV college football analyst and the former head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who compiled a 152–52 record from 1992–2008 as head coach, but was fired during a 5–7 season in 2008...
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- Eddie Robinson AwardFootball Writers Association of AmericaThe Football Writers Association of America is one of the organizations whose College Football All-America Team is recognized by the NCAA...
- The Home Depot Coach of the Year AwardThe Home Depot Coach of the Year AwardThe Home Depot Coach of the Year Award is given annually to college football's top head coach. The award for the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision is selected by ESPN and ABC college football analysts. No coach has ever won the award twice.-Winners:...
- SEC Coach of the Year
- Eddie Robinson Award
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- David CutcliffeDavid CutcliffeDavid Cutcliffe is the head football coach of the Duke University Blue Devils. He is best known for coaching Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning at the University of Tennessee, and Manning's younger brother and fellow Super Bowl Champion Eli at the University of Mississippi...
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- Broyles AwardBroyles AwardThe Broyles Award is an annual award given to honor the best assistant coach in college football. First awarded in 1996, it was named after former University of Arkansas men's athletic director Frank Broyles...
- Broyles Award
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- Al WilsonAl WilsonAldra Kauwa Wilson is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos 31st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
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- Birmingham Quarterback Club – Most Outstanding SEC Lineman
- APAssociated PressThe Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
, AFCAAFCAAFCA can refer to:* AFC Ajax* A.F.C. Aldermaston* Air Force Communications Agency* American Football Coaches Association* American Foundation for Children with AIDS* Antique Fan Collectors Association* Australian Film Critics Association...
, and FWAA 1st team All American - 'Football News', AP and Coaches 1st team All SEC
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- Raynoch ThompsonRaynoch ThompsonRaynoch Thompson Ray "Knock Your Head Off" Thompson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2nd round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. He spent 5 years for the Cardinals, until they released...
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- AP 3rd team All American
- 'Football News', AP and Coaches 1st team All SEC
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- Chad CliftonChad CliftonJeffrey Chad Clifton is an American football offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
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- 'Football News' 1st team All SEC
- AP and Coaches 2nd team All SEC
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- Cosey ColemanCosey ColemanCosey Casey Coleman is a former offensive guard for the Cleveland Browns, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Coleman now is a licensed Sandwich Artist at a greater Tampa Subway shop...
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- AP 1st team All SEC
- Coaches 2nd team All SEC
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- Dwayne GoodrichDwayne GoodrichDwayne Lewis Goodrich is a former American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League...
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- AP and Coaches 2nd team All SEC
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- Jeff Hall
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- 'Football News', AP and Coaches 1st team All SEC
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- Peerless PricePeerless PricePeerless Jilo Price is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
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- AP and Coaches 2nd team All SEC
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- Darwin WalkerDarwin WalkerDarwin Jamar Walker is an American football defensive tackle in National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
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- AP 1st team All SEC
- Coaches 2nd team All SEC
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