1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team

American college football season February 2026 January 2019 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football Tennessee Volunteers logo.svg 125 Southeastern Conference Eastern Division SEC 1 1 13–0 8–0 Phillip Fulmer 6th David Cutcliffe 6th Pro-style John Chavis 4th Multiple 4–3 Shawn Bryson Jeff Hall Mercedes Hamilton Al Wilson Neyland Stadium Consensus national championSEC championSEC Eastern Division championFiesta Bowl champion SEC Championship Game W Won 24–14 vs. Mississippi State Fiesta Bowl (BCS NCG) W Won 23–16 vs. Florida State The 1998 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee as a member of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during the 1998 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Phillip Fulmer, the Volunteers compiled an overall record of 13–0 with a mark of 8–0, winning the SEC's Eastern Division title. Tennessee advanced to the SEC Championship Game, where the Volunteers defeated Mississippi State to secure the conference championship. Tennessee was then invited to the Fiesta Bowl, the inaugural BCS National Championship Game, where the Volunteers defeated Florida State to the program's second undisputed national title, and sixth overall. The team played home games at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. 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 National Football League (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 beat eight bowl teams, including six January bowl teams, four top-ten teams, and three Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl-bound teams, and completed the program's first undefeated season in 60 years. Schedule 1998 AP Eastern September 5, 1998 12:00 pm w y y 10 Syracuse 17 Carrier Dome Syracuse, NY ESPN 34–33 49,550 Stevens Kevin September 6, 1998 Vols thwat Orange's rally https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-and-sun-bulletin-vols-thwat-orang/157264533/ October 16, 2024 Press & Sun-Bulletin Newspapers.com September 19, 1998 8:00 pm w 6 Florida 2 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN CBS rivalry 20–17 OT 107,653 Cash Rana L. September 20, 1998 Errors finally sink UF https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-errors-finally-sink-uf/157265166/ October 16, 2024 The Miami Herald Newspapers.com September 26, 1998 7:00 pm w y 4 Houston Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN PPV 42–7 106,417 Harding Thomas September 27, 1998 Vols answer questions with win over Houston https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-vols-answer-questi/157265297/ October 16, 2024 The Commercial Appeal Newspapers.com October 3 3:30 pm w y 3 Auburn Jordan-Hare Stadium Auburn, AL rivalry CBS 17–9 85,214 Halvatgis Jenna October 4, 1998 Auburn squanders opportunities https://www.newspapers.com/article/pensacola-news-journal-auburn-squanders/157265416/ October 16, 2024 Pensacola News Journal Newspapers.com Associated Press October 10 3:30 pm w y 4 Georgia 7 Sanford Stadium Athens, GA rivalry, College GameDay CBS 22–3 86,117 Bagnato Andrew October 11, 1998 For Vols, there's no hedging https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-for-vols-theres-no-hed/157265515/ October 16, 2024 Chicago Tribune Newspapers.com October 24 3:30 pm w 3 Alabama Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN Third Saturday in October CBS 35–18 107,289 Morris Dan October 25, 1998 Rolled tide https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71635998/rolled-tide/ October 16, 2024 The Jackson Sun Newspapers.com October 31 12:30 pm w y 3 South Carolina Williams–Brice Stadium Columbia, SC JPS 49–14 69,523 Iacobelli Pete November 1, 1998 Vols Tee-off on USC https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-and-democrat-vols-tee-off-on-u/157265707/ October 16, 2024 The Times and Democrat Newspapers.com November 7 4:00 pm w y y 2 UAB Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN PPV 37–13 106,508 Avento Joe November 8, 1998 Scenario may suit 8–0 Vols https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90485854/scenario-may-suit-80-vols/ December 12, 2021 Johnson City Press Newspapers.com November 14 3:30 pm w 1 Arkansas 10 Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN CBS 28–24 106,365 Sharp Tom November 15, 1998 Friendly fumble; Late turnover brings UT back from brink https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-friendly-fumble-late/157265925/ October 16, 2024 The Leaf-Chronicle Newspapers.com November 21, 1998 3:30 pm w 1 Kentucky Neyland Stadium Knoxville, TN rivalry CBS 59–21 107,252 Rosenblatt Richard November 22, 1998 Top-ranked Vols wallop flat Wildcats https://www.newspapers.com/article/messenger-inquirer-top-ranked-vols-wallo/157266046/ October 16, 2024 Messenger-Inquirer Newspapers.com Associated Press November 28, 1998 3:30 pm w y 1 Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Stadium Nashville, TN rivalry ESPN2JPS 41–0 41,600 November 29, 1998 Tennessee tops Vandy to stay undefeated https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-salt-lake-tribune-tennessee-tops-van/157266164/ October 16, 2024 The Salt Lake Tribune Newspapers.com Associated Press December 5, 1998 8:00 pm w y y 1 Mississippi State 23 Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA ABC SEC Championship Game 24–14 74,795 Newberry Paul December 6, 1998 Tennessee overtakes Mississippi State 24–14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-tennessee-overtakes/157266262/ October 16, 2024 The Courier-Journal Newspapers.com Associated Press January 4, 1999 8:00 pm w y y 1 Florida State 2 Sun Devil Stadium Tempe, AZ Fiesta Bowl ABC 23–16 80,470 Schmadtke Alan January 5, 1999 Vols top 'Noles for national title https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-vols-top-noles-for/157266434/ October 16, 2024 The Orlando Sentinel Newspapers.com Rankings 1998 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP 0 15 10 8 6 4 (2) 3 (2) 4 3 (3) 3 (3) 3 (3) 2 (3) 1 (46) 1 (37) 1 (42) 1 (41) 1 (70) 1 (70) Coaches Poll 0 15 10 7 6 4 5 5 4 4 4 (1) 3 (2) 1T (25) 2 (18½) 2 (22½) 2 (24½) 1 (60) 1 (62) BCS 8 14 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 Game summaries at No. 17 Syracuse 1998 Syracuse Orangemen football team #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1;text-align:center autocollapse Game One – No. 10 Tennessee Volunteers (0–0) at No. 17 Syracuse Orangemen (0–0) – Game summary September 5, 1998 12 Noon EDT No. 10 Volunteers 7 7 10 10 No. 17 Orangemen 0 10 3 20 Carrier Dome • Syracuse, New York 49,550 Steve Shaw (SEC) ESPN Dave Barnett (play-by-play), Bill Curry (color commentator) and Dave Ryan (sideline reporter) First Quarter (06:38) TENN – Second quarter (09:49) SYR – (00:53) TENN – (00:00) SYR – Third quarter (08:29) SYR – (05:28) TENN – (03:15) TENN – Fourth quarter (12:13) SYR – (09:49) SYR – (08:29) TENN – (06:39) SYR – (02:38) SYR – (00:00) TENN – Statistics TENNSYR First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Syracuse Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee kicker Jeff Hall converted a 27-yard field goal as time expired to give the Vols a key road win.Venkataraman Karthik 1998 Vols kicker Jeff Hall drew a picture when he was nine years old of him kicking a game-winning field goal for Tennessee wbir.com 2023-09-08 https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/9-year-old-jeff-hall-drew-picture-of-him-kicking-game-winning-field-goal-tennessee-vols-1998/51-b2789158-3e13-42fa-b3fd-c2e8535a929b 2024-12-03 This was the second game winning kick of Hall's career, the first coming against Georgia in the 1995 season..Associated Press COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Tennessee Draws a Blank, Kicks Georgia in End : SEC: Hall's mind was clear before game-winning field goal, which makes Manning's 349 yards and two touchdowns passing stand up. Los Angeles Times 1995-09-10 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-10-sp-44336-story.html 2025-01-12 In his first game as a starter, replacing Peyton Manning, quarterback Tee Martin went only 9-of-26 for 143 yards, but led the Vols into field goal range for the game-winning kick. Running back Jamal Lewis led the Vols with 140 yards rushing and a touchdown. Wide receiver Peerless Price had two touchdown receptions. Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb gave the Volunteer defense fits, putting up 300 yards with a 22-for-28 day.Croyle Johnathan 'Exactly what we needed': Syracuse overcomes storm, crowd to beat Michigan in 1998 syracuse 2018-09-12 https://www.syracuse.com/vintage/2018/09/exactly_what_we_needed_syracuse_overcomes_storm_crowd_to_beat_michigan_in_1998.html 2024-12-13 No. 2 Florida 1998 Florida Gators football team #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1; text-align:center; autocollapse Game Two – No. 2 Florida Gators (2–0) vs No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (1–0) September 19, 1998 8:00 p.m. EDT No. 2 Gators 3 7 7 0 0 No. 6 Volunteers 7 3 7 0 3 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee 107,653 Bill Goss (SEC) CBS Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Terry Donahue (color commentator) and Mike Mayock (sideline reporter) First Quarter (05:54) FLA – (04:52) TENN – Second Quarter (07:12) TENN – (00:20) FLA – Third Quarter (07:36) TENN – (05:18) FLA – Fourth Quarter No scoring plays Overtime (00:00) TENN – Statistics FLATENN First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player Statistics Florida Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee broke a five-game losing streak against the Gators.Football History vs University of Florida University of Tennessee Athletics https://utsports.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-florida/19 2025-04-11 Florida kicker Collins Cooper missed a potential game-tying field in overtime and set off a wild celebration at Neyland Stadium that saw the goalposts and CBS cameras disappear. The Vols won despite racking up only 235 yards of total offense and going 2 for 13 on third down conversions. The difference was turnovers. The Florida Gators lost four fumbles, and one interception, with three of the fumbles caused by Al Wilson. 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. Fullback Shawn Bryson scored on a 57-yard run.Goalposts Torn Down After Vols Top No. 2 Florida in Overtime University of Tennessee Athletics 1998-09-19 https://utsports.com/news/1998/9/19/football-goalposts-torn-down-after-vols-top-no-2-florida-in-overtime.aspx 2024-12-13 Houston 1998 Houston Cougars football team #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1; text-align:center; autocollapse Game Three – Houston Cougars (0–3) vs No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers (2–0) September 26, 1998 7:00 p.m. EDT Cougars 0 0 7 0 No. 4 Volunteers 7 14 7 14 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee 106,417 Al Ford (SEC) PPV Bob Bell (play-by-play) and Tim Priest (color commentator) First Quarter (09:33) TENN – Second Quarter (14:52) TENN – (10:09) TENN – Third Quarter (11:05) HOU – (07:36) TENN – Fourth Quarter (10:56) TENN – (06:35) TENN – Statistics HOUTENN First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player Statistics Houston Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Junior quarterback Tee Martin threw for four touchdowns and 234 yards en route to the Vols win over the Houston Cougars. Jamal Lewis recorded 135 rushing yards and one touchdown.Martin's Four TD Passes Key as Vols Fly Past Houston University of Tennessee Athletics 1998-09-26 https://utsports.com/news/1998/9/26/football-martins-four-td-passes-key-as-vols-fly-past-houston.aspx 2025-04-11 The Vols recorded 334 rushing yards and 589 total yards as a team. The Vols defense held Houston to 239 total yards and recorded three sacks with eight tackles for loss. Auburn No. 3 Tennessee 17 0 0 0 17 Auburn 0 3 3 3 9 The Vols jumped out to an early lead behind the running of Jamal Lewis. However, following a season ending ACL injury, Lewis left the game and the Tennessee defense held on for the 17–9 win.Tennessee's Lewis Out For Season CBS News 1998-10-05 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tennessees-lewis-out-for-season/ 2024-12-13 In a rematch of the high scoring 1997 SEC Championship Game, the defense needed a score by defensive end Shaun Ellis and a four-play goal line stand from inside the one-yard line to secure the win.No. 3 Vols Avoid Upset, Beat Tigers CBS News 1998-10-03 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-3-vols-avoid-upset-beat-tigers/ 2024-12-13 They did so without senior captain Al Wilson, who missed the game with a shoulder injury.Early Blitz Critical to Tennessee Triumph at Auburn University of Tennessee Athletics 1998-10-03 https://utsports.com/news/1998/10/3/football-early-blitz-critical-to-tennessee-triumph-at-auburn.aspx 2025-04-11 Georgia No. 4 Tennessee 3 6 13 0 22 No. 7 Georgia 3 0 0 0 3 Tennessee entered their third game in the 1998 SEC season as underdogs. However, behind the running of Travis Henry and Travis Stephens, and a strong defensive effort, the Vols dominated the Bulldogs.Lay Ken A look back at Tennessee's victory at Georgia in 1998 Vols Wire USA Today 2024-11-12 https://volswire.usatoday.com/2024/11/12/tennessee-vols-georgia-bulldogs-football-1998/#:~:text=Vols%20Wire%20highlights%20Tennessee's%2C%2022,in%20the%201999%20Fiesta%20Bowl. 2024-12-13 Georgia was limited to only 254 total yards and the Vols defense held their opponent without a touchdown for the second straight game. Alabama Alabama 3 0 8 7 18 No. 3 Tennessee 7 7 7 14 35 The Vols pushed their winning streak over Alabama in the Third Saturday in October to four games with a 35–18 victory.Football History vs University of Alabama University of Tennessee Athletics https://utsports.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-alabama/3 2025-04-11 The win gave Tennessee a 6–0 record for the first time since 1969.Carr Annie 1998 National Champions: Vols roll over the Crimson Tide WBIR.com 2018-08-15 https://www.wbir.com/article/sports/1998-national-champions-vols-roll-over-the-crimson-tide/51-584426120 2025-04-11 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. South Carolina No. 3 Tennessee 7 14 21 7 49 South Carolina 0 0 0 14 14 Tee Martin set an NCAA record for consecutive completions with 24, leading the Vols to a 49–14 victory.No. 3 Vols, Martin Blast S.C. CBS News 1998-10-31 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-3-vols-martin-blast-sc/ 2024-12-13 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 UAB 0 3 3 7 13 No. 2 Tennessee 10 14 10 3 37 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.Homecoming a Happy Affair as Vols Down UAB, 37-13 University of Tennessee Athletics 1998-11-07 https://utsports.com/news/1998/11/7/football-homecoming-a-happy-affair-as-vols-down-uab-37-13.aspx 2024-12-13 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. Arkansas No. 10 Arkansas 7 14 3 0 24 No. 1 Tennessee 0 10 10 8 28 Tennessee fell behind 21–3 in the first half, but capped off a season-saving comeback with a Travis Henry 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 fourth quarter. Arkansas was nursing a 24–22 lead late in the game and was attempting to run out the clock. Defensive tackle Billy Ratliff pushed Arkansas guard Brandon Burlsworth into quarterback Clint Stoerner, causing him to stumble and fumble.Ramey Grant Throwback Thursday: Clint Stoerner stumbles and fumbles 247Sports 2020-11-05 https://247sports.com/college/tennessee/article/tennessee-football-vols-arkansas-stoerner-stumble-fumble-1998-154229278/ 2025-04-11 Ratliff recovered the ball and allowed Tennessee the chance to drive the field and score the game-winning touchdown.Broussard Chris 1998-11-15 College Football; Tennessee's Title Drive Stays Alive, Just Barely https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/15/sports/college-football-tennessee-s-title-drive-stays-alive-just-barely.html?pagewanted=2 2025-04-11 The New York Times vs. Kentucky 1998 Kentucky Wildcats football team Kentucky–Tennessee football rivalry #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1; text-align:center; autocollapse Game Ten – Kentucky Wildcats (7–3) vs No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers (9–0) November 21, 1998 3:30 p.m. EST Wildcats 7 0 7 7 No. 1 Volunteers 14 24 14 7 Neyland Stadium • Knoxville, Tennessee 107,252 Aster Sizemore (SEC) CBS Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Terry Donahue (color commentator) and Mike Mayock (sideline reporter) First Quarter (11:05) TENN – (07:09) TENN – (04:56) UK – (01:09) TENN – Second Quarter (12:11) TENN – (09:28) TENN – (06:16) TENN – (00:16) TENN – Third Quarter (10:02) UK – (07:03) TENN – (00:00) TENN – Fourth Quarter (08:41) TENN – (04:16) UK – Statistics UKTENN First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player Statistics Kentucky Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Kentucky struggled after one of their players died and another was injured in an automobile 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 passed for 337 yards and 2 touchdowns, but Kentucky never threatened after the 1st quarter at Vanderbilt 1998 Vanderbilt Commodores football team Tennessee–Vanderbilt football rivalry #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1;text-align:center autocollapse Game Eleven – No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers (10–0) at Vanderbilt Commodores (2–8) – Game summary November 28, 1998 3:30 p.m. EST No. 1 Volunteers 3 17 7 14 Commodores 0 0 0 0 Vanderbilt Stadium • Nashville, Tennessee 41,600 Rom Gilbert (SEC) ESPN2 – National / JP Sports – Regional Rich Waltz (play-by-play, ESPN2) and Rod Gilmore (color commentator, ESPN2) / Bob Kesling (play-by-play, JP Sports), Dave Rowe (color commentator, JP Sports) and David Logan (sideline reporter, JP Sports) First Quarter (06:56) TENN – Second Quarter (09:08) TENN – (03:57) TENN – (00:55) TENN – Third Quarter (14:04) TENN – Fourth Quarter (09:34) TENN – (06:34) TENN – Statistics TENNVAN First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsTennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Vanderbilt Passing Rushing Receiving 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 one touchdown, while Travis Henry led the team in rushing with 136 yards and a touchdown. Peerless Price added 181 yards receiving and a touchdown.Football vs Vanderbilt on 11/28/1998 - Box Score https://utsports.com/sports/football/stats/1998/vanderbilt/boxscore/3255 2025-04-11 University of Tennessee Athletics en vs. No. 23 Mississippi State (SEC Championship Game) 1998 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1; text-align:center; autocollapse 1998 SEC Championship GameNo. 23 Mississippi State Bulldogs (8–3) vs. No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers (11–0) – Game summary December 5, 1998 8:00 p.m. EST No. 23 Bulldogs 7 0 0 7 No. 1 Volunteers 0 10 0 14 Georgia Dome • Atlanta, Georgia 74,795 Steve Shaw (SEC) ABC Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Bob Griese (color commentator) and Lynn Swann (sideline reporter) First Quarter (00:05) MSU – Second Quarter (09:32) TENN – (05:09) TENN – Third Quarter No scoring plays Fourth Quarter (08:43) MSU – (06:15) TENN – (05:47) TENN – Statistics MSUTENN First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player Statistics Mississippi State Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee won its second SEC title, in a defensive struggle. The Vols were held to 249 total yards and scored 3 touchdowns. They were down late in the 4th quarter 14–10, but scored two touchdowns within 32 seconds of each other on passes by Tee Martin.Thomsen Ian Price Is Rising Tennessee's standout wideout, Peerless Price, has a singular ability to live up to his one-of-a-kind name when the game is on the line Sports Illustrated Vault 1998-12-14 https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/12/14/price-is-rising-tennessees-standout-wideout-peerless-price-has-a-singular-ability-to-live-up-to-his-one-of-a-kind-name-when-the-game-is-on-the-line https://web.archive.org/web/20210623174939/https://vault.si.com/vault/1998/12/14/price-is-rising-tennessees-standout-wideout-peerless-price-has-a-singular-ability-to-live-up-to-his-one-of-a-kind-name-when-the-game-is-on-the-line dead June 23, 2021 2024-12-03 This win secured a berth into the National Championship game for the Vols.Florida State Meets Tennessee for Title The New York Times 1998-12-07 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/07/sports/florida-state-meets-tennessee-for-title.html 2024-12-03 vs. No. 2 Florida State (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl) 1998 Florida State Seminoles season #fff #eee Tennessee Volunteers 1998 1; text-align:center; autocollapse 1999 Tostitos Fiesta BowlNo. 2 Florida State Seminoles (11–1) vs. No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers (12–0) – Game summary January 4, 1999 8:00 p.m. EST No. 2 Seminoles 0 9 0 7 No. 1 Volunteers 0 14 0 9 Sun Devil Stadium • Tempe, Arizona 80,470 Bill Richardson (PAC-10) ABC Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Bob Griese (color commentator) and Lynn Swann (sideline reporter) First Quarter No scoring plays Second Quarter (14:05) TENN – (13:40) TENN – (08:59) FSU – (01:17) FSU – Third Quarter No scoring plays Fourth Quarter (09:17) TENN – (06:01) TENN – (03:42) FSU – Statistics FSUTENN First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Passing: Comp–Att–Int Time of possession Team Category Player Statistics Florida State Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee Passing Rushing Receiving Tennessee won its first consensus national championship since 1951 and the first ever BCS title game by defeating the Seminoles 23–16.Drape Joe No Poll Needed: Tennessee Locks Up No. 1 The New York Times 1999-01-05 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/05/sports/college-football-no-poll-needed-tennessee-locks-up-no-1.html 2024-11-12 The second ranked Seminoles were favored and boasted superstar WR Peter Warrick. 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.Shapiro Leonard 1999-01-05 TENNESSEE GOES OUT ON TOP https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1999/01/05/tennessee-goes-out-on-top/49a81f98-103c-4444-941d-1d3346c9120d/ 2024-12-03 Washington Post28th Annual Game, 1999 Fiesta Bowl 2019-11-27 https://www.fiestabowl.org/sports/vrbofb/roster/28th-annual-game--1999/59 2024-12-03 Price had 199 yards receiving on 4 catches and scored the deciding touchdown in the 4th quarter.Harig Bob UT proves Warrick isn't Peerless Tampa Bay Times 2005-09-28 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1999/01/05/ut-proves-warrick-isn-t-peerless/ 2024-12-03 LB Al Wilson led the defense with 9 tackles. Roster 1998 Tennessee Volunteers y 28 Sr Myles Atherton RB n 45 Fr Will Bartholomew RB y 47 Fr Kurston Biggers RB n 24 Sr Shawn Bryson RB y 53 So Toby Champion OG n 67 Jr Chad Clifton OT y 52 So Cosey Coleman OT y 71 Fr Reggie Coleman OT n 6 Sr Jeremaine Copeland QB y 21 Jr Phil Crosby RB y Phil Crosby (American football) 82 Jr Eric Diogu TE n 33 Jr Derrick Edmonds RB n 96 Fr John Finlayson TE n 74 So Bernard Gooden OG n 11 Fr Bobby Graham WR n 83 So Tyrone Graham WR n 20 So Travis Henry RB y 84 So Neil Johnson TE n 88 Fr Jermaine Kent WR n 19 Sr Mark Levine RB n 31 So Jamal Lewis RB y Jamal Lewis (American football) 87 So David Martin WR y David Martin (tight end) 17 Jr Tee Martin QB y 69 So Ethan Massa OG n 8 Fr Joey Mathews QB n 80 Fr Eric Parker WR y Eric Parker (American football) 9 So Josh Plemons QB n 37 Sr Peerless Price WR y 72 Gr Jarvis Reado OT n 54 Sr Diron Robinson OG n 25 So Travis Stephens RB y 28 So Dominique Stevenson RB y 9 Fr Kevin Taylor WR n 77 Jr Josh Tucker OT n 5 Fr Burney Veazey QB n 14 So Cedrick Wilson Sr. WR y 2 So Tom Windle QB n 38 Jr Roger Alexander LB n 29 Jr Mikki Allen DB n 47 Jr Matt Blankenship LB n 21 Sr Travis Brown DB n 94 Fr Ed Butler DE n 63 Jr Josh Campbell DS n 92 Sr Jeff Coleman DE n 93 Jr Shaun Ellis DE y 36 Fr Maurice Fitzgerald DB n 60 Sr Matt Goodin DT n 23 Jr Dwayne Goodrich DB y 7 So Deon Grant DB y 55 Sr Ron Green DT n 52 Jr Kevin Gregory DS n 18 Jr Gerald Griffin DB n 99 Sr Mercedes Hamilton DT n 48 So Jerrod Hayden LB n 56 Fr Bernard Jackson LB y Bernard Jackson (arena football) 39 Fr Andre James LB n 35 Jr Shawn Johnson LB n 34 Gr Steve Johnson DB n 44 So Austin Kemp LB n 99 So DeAngelo Lloyd DE n 30 So Andre Lott DB y 98 Sr Antron Peebles LB n 41 So Chris Ramseur LB n 40 Jr Billy Ratliff DE n 97 Fr Joe Reid DE n 68 Jr Spencer Riley DT n 76 Fr Justin Satterfield DE n 15 Sr Tim Sewell DB n 89 So Kenny Smith DT n 56 Fr Thomas Stallworth LB n 45 Jr Jonathan Sweet LB n 22 Sr Corey Terry DE y 46 Jr Raynoch Thompson LB y 58 Jr Darwin Walker DE y 95 Fr Fred Weary DT y Fred Weary (offensive lineman) 42 So Eric Westmoreland LB y 2 Jr Fred White DB n 27 Sr Al Wilson LB y 4 Sr Jeff Hall Jeff Hall (American football) PK y 38 Sr Bill Hurst P n 43 So David Leaverton P n 31 Jr Robert Loudermilk PK n 10 Sr Benson Scott H n Phillip Fulmer David Cutcliffe – Offensive coordinator/assistant head coach/quarterbacks Randy Sanders – Running backs/recruiting coordinator Pat Washington – Wide receivers Mark Bradley – Tight ends/assistant offensive line Mike Barry – Offensive line John Chavis – Defensive coordinator/linebackers Dan Brooks – Defensive line Kevin Ramsey – Defensive backs Steve Caldwell – Special teams/defensive ends Kurt Roper – Graduate assistant 1998 Football Roster University of Tennessee Athletics 2022-08-03 https://utsports.com/sports/football/roster/1998 2024-12-13Farner Keith WATCH: Tennessee honors 1998 national title team before Florida game Saturday Down South 2018-09-22 https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/tennessee-football/watch-tennessee-honors-1998-national-title-team-before-florida-game/ 2024-12-13 Local radio + Vol NetworkFlagship Station Play-by-play Color commentator Sideline reporter Studio host Studio analystWNOX–AM 990WVIK-FM 107.7 John Ward Bill Anderson – – – Statistics QB Tee Martin: 164/285 (57.5%) for 2,442 yards (8.57) with 21 touchdowns vs. 8 interceptions (2.81%). 113 carries for 306 yards (2.71) and 7 touchdowns. RB Travis Henry: 195 carries for 998 yards (5.12) and 7 touchdowns. 5 catches for 40 yards and no touchdowns. RB Travis Stephens: 120 carries for 537 yards (4.48) and 4 touchdowns. RB/FB Shawn Bryson: 24 carries for 207 yards (8.63) and 4 touchdowns. 22 catches for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. RB Jamal Lewis: 73 carries for 497 yards (6.81) and 3 touchdowns. WR Peerless Price: 65 catches for 1,119 yards (17.22) and 11 touchdowns. WR Cedrick Wilson: 34 catches for 565 yards (16.62) and 6 touchdowns. WR Jeremaine Copeland: 29 catches for 455 yards (15.69) and 1 touchdown. Honors right|thumb|200px|SEC and National Championship rings for the 1998 Tennessee Vols Phillip Fulmer: Eddie Robinson AwardEddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award Winners https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/robinson.html 2024-11-12 College Football at Sports-Reference.com en The Home Depot Coach of the Year AwardHome Depot Coach of the Year Award Winners https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/home-depot-coy.html 2024-12-03 College Football at Sports-Reference.com en SEC Coach of the YearSEC Coach of the Year Winners https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/sec-coy.html 2024-12-03 College Football at Sports-Reference.com en AFCA Coach of the YearAFCA Coach of the Year Award Winners https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/afca-coy.html 2024-12-03 College Football at Sports-Reference.com en David Cutcliffe: Broyles AwardSparks Adam Alex Golesh is Tennessee's first Broyles Award finalist since David Cutcliffe Knoxville News Sentinel 2022-11-28 https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2022/11/28/alex-golesh-tennessee-footballs-broyles-award-finalist-david-cutcliffe/69683061007/ 2024-11-12 Al Wilson: Birmingham Quarterback Club – Most Outstanding SEC Lineman AP, AFCA, and FWAA 1st team All American 'Football News', AP and Coaches 1st team All SEC Raynoch Thompson: AP 3rd team All American 'Football News', AP and Coaches 1st team All SEC Chad Clifton: 'Football News' 1st team All SEC AP and Coaches 2nd team All SEC Cosey Coleman AP 1st team All SEC Coaches 2nd team All SEC Dwayne Goodrich AP and Coaches 2nd team All SEC Jeff Hall 'Football News', AP and Coaches 1st team All SEC Peerless Price AP and Coaches 2nd team All SEC Darwin Walker AP 1st team All SEC Coaches 2nd team All SEC Team players drafted into the NFL The Tennessee Volunteers had six players selected in the 1999 NFL draft.1999 NFL Draft Listing https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1999/draft.htm 2024-11-12 Pro-Football-Reference.com enSaunders Patrick Broncos pick Al Wilson, Tennessee LB, with '99 1st-round pick The Denver Post 2016-02-25 https://www.denverpost.com/2016/02/25/broncos-pick-al-wilson-tennessee-lb-with-99-1st-round-pick/ 2024-12-13Backus Will Tennessee Vols football: Why Peerless Price returned to get his degree Knoxville News Sentinel 2020-05-18 https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2020/05/18/peerless-price-degree-graduation-tennessee-vols-football/5209097002/ 2024-12-13 Tennessee Volunteers Player Position Round Pick NFL club Al Wilson Linebacker 1 31 Denver Broncos Peerless Price Wide receiver 2 53 Buffalo Bills Shawn Bryson Running back 3 86 Buffalo Bills Steve Johnson Cornerback 6 170 Seattle Seahawks Jeff Hall Kicker 6 181 Washington Redskins Corey Terry Defensive end 7 250 Indianapolis Colts References External links Season summary at Sports Reference Tennessee Category:Tennessee Volunteers football seasons Category:BCS National Champions Category:Southeastern Conference football champion seasons Category:Fiesta Bowl champion seasons Category:College football undefeated seasons Tennessee Volunteers football