Four quarterbacks have started an SEC championship game for Tennessee.
Two came away from the Georgia Dome victorious.
And while brothers Casey and Rick Clausen are the most recent quarterbacks to travel to Atlanta with a title on the line, UT fans prefer to remember the winners, which came in a two-year period when the Vols fought through tough games to secure their place in the record books.
The first quarterback to do so was Peyton Manning in 1997, beating Auburn 30-29. The next was Tee Martin in 1998, defeating Mississippi State 21-14 before moving onto the national championship game.
Since Martin’s departure, the Vols are 0-4 in the Georgia Dome, including two Chick-fil-A Bowl losses and two missed SEC title shots.
Here, Martin looks back on his big day in the dome.
Q: What do you remember about that day?
A: Very vivid. Doesn’t seem like it was (almost) 10 years ago.
I just remember thinking that we didn’t want to lose that game, come all the way 11-0 and lose in the SEC championship. We were just ready to play. It was a great atmosphere in Atlanta. Our fans travel well. And we put on a show for them.
Early on, they (Mississippi State) did a few things that tested our system and protections. Once we figured it out at halftime and later on in the third quarter what they were trying to do to us, we scored fast. We scored two touchdowns in 21 seconds to go ahead and win the game.
Q: What do you remember about the long touchdown pass to receiver Peerless Price that he hauled in just before falling out of the back of the end zone?
A: We practiced the deep ball. That was something we did a good job of, was practicing the deep ball.
We knew we had some receivers that could get down field, especially in Peerless Price. He is a guy who liked to go down field. He did great versus man coverage.
They were blitzing. They were playing zero (safety) blitz. I knew I could take a shot. So I told Peerless, I’m going to put this one up there.
In the huddle I told him I was going to put this up early so go get it. They brought the blitz, took a shot, put the ball up and the rest is history.
Q: With so much on the line, was there any nerves playing in the SEC championship game?
A: Nah, it didn’t overwhelm us. We started our season out in a hostile environment in the Carrier Dome (against Syracuse).
Having big games against Florida, big games against an undefeated Arkansas team, playing against Tim Couch and Kentucky, we had been in a lot of challenges throughout the year.
Just to cap it off with the SEC Championship game, it just kind of fell in line with the other ones. All of them were big games to us. We were undefeated and trying to protect that and we were on our way to the national championship.
Q: How much did it help being in on the sideline in the 1997 SEC championship game?
A: That (1997) Auburn football team wasn’t as prolific as we were. They had a good defense, not so good on offense, but they were still good.
Going into the Mississippi State game (in 1998), it was the same type situation. Great defense, not very flashy on offense, but they are a very good football team because they are in the championship game.
It did a lot for me just in terms of my mental preparation and not overlooking guys and not allowing our football team to be complacent and relieved that we are just in the championship game
Q: The 1998 team saw themselves as underdogs. That’s also been the case this season. How does that help a team?
A: A lot of people outside don’t understand what your process is and a lot of people don’t see what the team and the staff sees in that football team. To go out and prove yourself to the country, there is nothing better than that. It just reaffirms what you guys already feel. It makes guys believe.
Q: What’s your prediction for Saturday’s game?
A: I am picking Tennessee in a shootout. I like Tennessee just for the fact that LSU’s defense has given up over 1,110 yards the past two games; over 500 of those have been rushing yards.
We are a pretty good team running the ball and when we have balance and we are a better football team. (Quarterback) Erik Ainge is coming off of a record setting game, only being sacked three times on the whole season.
LSU’s defense hadn’t been able to get to the quarterback as of late. Nobody knows how (LSU defensive tackle) Glenn Dorsey is going to play. So I think Tennessee is going to be able to protect the quarterback and I think that LSU is going to try to keep the ball from the Tennessee offense.
It looks like a shootout and in a shootout I am taking Ainge over (LSU quarterback Matt) Flynn.
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Comments » 39
ORANGEASIAN writes:
Great quarterback, big heart thanks Tee for 98 National Championship!!
bigbluevol writes:
Tee is the man!
navyvolinva writes:
One of the most underappreciated players in UT history. Thanks for the memories Tee!
kjneel#238751 writes:
Tee has always been my favorite VOL. Always smiling and played hard.
cltvol writes:
Heart like a lion and a champion. I remember the FL game in 99 when he darn near broke his jaw cause the gator moron holding the first down marker wouldn't get out of the way. Tee came back in after one play, and 90% of the qb's in the league would have sat at least the half out. 99 was a disappointing year, but 98 is the one we i choose to remember tee by. Hope he is doing well in all things.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Thanks, Tee -- always a Vol and one of the best.
King30 writes:
Great Great Great to hear from Tee. What I remember most about Tee is that he ALWAYS put the team first. Every interview I ever saw with him was filled with "we" and "us". I never recall Tee using "I" when referring to that team's success.
We love ya, Tee. Thanks for the great memories and bringing the big one home.
Hope you're doing well.
And I still say you shoulda started for the Steelers :)
GerryOP writes:
The Tee-man! Probably did not matter what the coaches said or did, Tee led the Vols to victory. Great on-the-field-leadership -- the big difference between then and now!
Greg18 writes:
I think Tee Martin was underrated as a Vol and nationally as a great college QB. I remember the many times in 98 he used his legs to get first downs in clutch situations. He threw the deep ball as good as anyone.
A great leader who never lost his composure. We owe Tee for the NC. Al Wilson and the D get much of the credit, but I don't think we win SEC without Tee Martin, one of the greatest Vols of all-time.
Greg18 writes:
Tee threw 23 straight completions against SC in 1998
dfreeman writes:
We miss you Tee Martin!!!!!
Greg18 writes:
Tee was 22-3 as starter and undefeated at Neyland (13-0) over two seasons.
navyvolinva writes:
Undefeated?! I didnt know that. What were his three losses? who was our fullback then?
FireJohnAdams writes:
A great friend of mine who lives in Kansas, likes the Vols but doesn't keep up with them daily, .....asked me after Peyton's last season "what're the Vols gona do next year, rebuild".....and I remember smiling at him and saying "man...we've got TEE MARTIN"! What a great player and Volunteer!
Sammy_Burklow_IsAMoron writes:
Ugh, check your facts KNS ... the final score in 1998 was 24-14 Tennessee.
Sammy_Burklow_IsAMoron writes:
NavyVol: Tee's only losses were in 1999: at Florida (23-21), at Arkansas in Fayetteville (28-24), and the Fiesta Bowl vs. Nebraska (31-21). I believe the FB was #45 Will Barthalomew (sp?).
Thanks for the memories Tee Martin, loved watching you QB the Vols.
stroker writes:
Gregg 18 I seem to remember the streak of completions started in the previous game. Is that possible?
Sammy_Burklow_IsAMoron writes:
stroker: yes, Martin completed his last pass of the Alabama game, then his first 22 against USC.
stroker writes:
Gregg 18: You are an encylopedia and my memory is exonerated.
gohawks1 writes:
Yeah, I was gonna say that he had one other pass the previous week, and then 22 against the Gamechickens. Does anyone know if that record of 23 straight completions is still Tee's, or did someone break it since then?
stroker writes:
Gregg 18: In the 99 loss to LSU did Tee throw 3 times into the end zone near the end, from the 10 yard line, without trying to run, when the run was open and a TD would have won the game?
Sammy_Burklow_IsAMoron writes:
stroker: we didn't play LSU in 99. I think you might be thinking of the Arkansas game.
IPOrange: I know that Aaron Rodergs (Cal) tied the record in 2004, by throwing 23 straight in a game against Southern Cal. I do not know if anyone has broken it since then.
GO VOLS!
gohawks1 writes:
I thought I remembered something like that. We still have the NC, though!
GO VOLS! THIS IS IT! TAKE 'EM DOWN!
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
Tee, I hope you tae the time to read this.
I'll always remember that NEARLY PERFECT game against South Carolina where you threw 23/24 passes for the highest completion percentage and consecutive completions in a game (NCAA RECORD)
You are a true Volunteer Tee and will always be beloved in Rocky Top!
Southland writes:
Love Tee Martin What is he doing now? Should be making a living working for UT after what he did for us. Wish he could have played another year for us and I sure wish he had made it in the pros. The only reason I know there is pro football is that I check on former UT players.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Ahhhh...what a year. Fun times. Go Vols, beat LSU!!
rsarazen#221200 writes:
Shawn Bryson was the fullback when Tee Martin was playing in his prime. Bryson was the greatest fullback ever to wear the Orange and White.
Sammy_Burklow_IsAMoron writes:
rsarazen: can't believe I forgot about #24 Shawn Bryson (and that HUGE run against Florida in 1998)! Bartholomew was the starting FB in 1999.
navyvolinva writes:
Shawn Bryson ....was a hybrid! Could block but out run most linebackers.
miff1 writes:
I always wanted the opportunity to say thank you to Tee for his team's gift of the NC to TN. I sure hope he realizes he has a ton of TN fans still around here. We need you back, Tee, to help on the coaching staff!
rbatten9#231828 writes:
Tee you were why I became a UT fan. Gosh I remember that 98 UF game when I was a little boy.
daddyaxe writes:
remember the great S.C. game Tee had i think it was around 20 straight completed passes. You are the most under-rated player to ever wear the orange..and you wore it proudly...the way it's supposed to be worn
68Vol writes:
Ever since 1969, I too have always wanted to extend a huge personal "thank you" to Tee for his remarkable and under-appreciated contribution, not only to the national championship, but to Tennessee football in general. What a terrific athlete, leader, and seemingly humble person. I sure hope he gets to read these comments of appreciation and tribute.
slabhand writes:
TM is still my favorite Vol QB. Sorry Dewey.
FWBVol writes:
68Vol, I think you must mean 1999...or else you have ESP to know that far into the future. If that's the case could you slip me some Lotto numbers, or better yet, give us all the score of today's game?
Great Q&A with Tee. Of course where else could a player with the name of Tee attend but the original UT?
Go BIG ORANGE!!!!
utclassof1992 writes:
My favorite UT QBs:
1. Peyton Manning
2. Tee Martin
3. Jimmy Streater
4. Alan Cockrell
5. Andy Kelly
utclassof1992 writes:
I remember Tee in the 98 Syracuse game. Saved that one for us with a long run.
sgtvols writes:
thanks Tee. I waited 42 years for a nat. champ. looks like i'll have to wait another 42 years for the next one. i am big peyton fan but you are the one who delivered where he couldn't.
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
An argument could be made that Tee Martin is the VOL that all others should model themselves after. He is an articulate, well-spoken, humble, team player who gave his personal best every game. No whining, no drama--just got in there and got the job done.
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