College fans across the country will be glued to their televisions tonight as LSU takes on Alabama in the BCS Title Game. Although Tennessee spent the bowl season at home, the Volunteers were the first ever BCS National Champions since its inception in 1998. The Vols completed the perfect season by winning the 1999 Fiesta Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles.
The 1998-1999 season truly was a perfect one for Volunteer nation. The Vols may have finished the season undefeated, but they had their fair share of obstacles along the way. The season kicked off in dramatic fashion as Tennessee needed a field goal as time expired to win at Syracuse during week one. In their second game, the Volunteers defeated rival Florida by a score of 20-17 in overtime under the lights at Neyland Stadium. The Vols headed into the homestretch with a 7-0 record and some key victories over Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and Syracuse.
Tennessee’s biggest scare of the season came in mid-November at home against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Down 24-22 late in the 4th Quarter, Tennessee’s hopes of a dream season were quickly fading. That was until Arkansas quarterback Clint Stoerner stumbled and fumbled the football with 1:45 remaining in the game. Following the turnover, Tennessee drove down the field as Travis Henry punched the ball in the endzone to secure the 28-24 victory. That would be Tennessee’s last tough test before the SEC Championship in Atlanta.
Tennessee wrapped up the regular season with an 11-0 record and number one in the nation. The only roadblock left was the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Tennessee did not take control of the SEC Championship Game until the 4th Quarter, as the Vols prevailed with a 24-14 victory.
Tee Martin and the Vols were one win away from a 13-0 season and a national championship. The Volunteers flexed their muscles late in the game and were victorious in the 23-16 victory over the Florida State Seminoles. It was Phillip Fulmer’s first and only national championship as head coach. Below is the YouTube highlights from the 1999 Fiesta Bowl.
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