COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Tennessee Emphatic but Not Artful in Shutout
Even though it was less than artful, Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer won’t argue with Saturday’s 42-0 victory over Southern Mississippi.
“Offensively we didn’t ever get all the way into gear, but I’m proud of their effort and what we were able to get done. Southern Mississippi isn’t at all a bad defensive team,” Fulmer said. “Our defense was really good.”
That is an understatement. The Volunteers forced five turnovers, three setting up touchdowns, and Ray Austin blocked a punt for a touchdown.
Southern Mississippi (4-5) managed only 10 first downs and got no closer than the Tennessee 38. The Golden Eagles had 142 yards on offense, including only three yards rushing in 26 tries.
The fifth-ranked Volunteers (8-1) were lackluster on offense, with usually reliable receivers dropping nine balls.
Peyton Manning, however, completed 20 of 39 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a touchdown.
Jay Graham had 108 yards and two touchdowns in 26 carries.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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