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On This Day in SEC History, October 31: Tee Martin has historic game against South Carolina
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The 1998 season was a special one for Tennessee fans, with the program winning a national title that year.
One of the stops along the way was a road trip to South Carolina. The No. 3 Vols had a dominant 49-14 win over the Gamecocks to move to 7-0.
Quarterback Tee Martin went 23-of-34 for 315 yards passing with 4 touchdowns that day. Longtime head coach Phillip Fulmer broke down one of Martin’s touchdown passes to Jermaine Copeland.
The Vols moved Copeland in motion on a play action pass for six, with legendary radio voice John Ward on the call.
“Here you just see a good play action pass. The motion helped us find what kind of coverage they were in,” said Fulmer. “You can see the cornerback going with Jermaine. Jermaine squares up right there, sees him playing inside, so he’s got the corner route and gives him a little post look. Perfect throw from Tee Martin.”
#98REplays | Ep. 6
• Oct. 31, 1998
• No. 3 #Vols at South CarolinaA then-NCAA record 23 consecutive completions from Tee Martin—who finished the game 23-of-24 for 315 yards and 4 TDs—sends Tennessee to a 49-14 victory and a 7-0 start to the season. pic.twitter.com/SRRcxUwjgQ
— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) October 18, 2018
Fulmer explained how there were a lot of moving parts to making the play work. The running backs, offensive line, receiver, and quarterback all had a part.
“You think of all that goes into making that work. A great job of faking by the backs to make them drop the linebackers, great job by the offensive front, and then the great route and throw,” said Fulmer. “It takes everybody to be successful.”
Martin had 2,164 yards passing with 26 total touchdowns and 7 interceptions that year. The Vols beat Florida State in the national championship that year and finished 13-0.
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
