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Peyton Manning’s Five Greatest College Performances With Tennessee Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Feb 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning waves to the crowd during the Super Bowl 50 championship parade at Civic Center Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning waves to the crowd during the Super Bowl 50 championship parade at Civic Center Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; A general view of Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium before the match between the Orlando City SC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Orlando Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; A general view of Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium before the match between the Orlando City SC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Orlando Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. 1997 Citrus Bowl

Tennessee Beats Northwestern 48-28

Peyton Manning’s Stats: 27-of-39, 408 Yards, 4 Touchdowns (1 Rushing Touchdown)

Arguably the greatest individual performance in bowl game history, Peyton Manning and the Tennessee Vols had completed a 9-2 season that was, believe it or not, disappointing. In a year in which they had expected to compete for a national championship, the Vols had lost to the Florida Gators again and then suffered a sickening loss to the Memphis Tigers.

As a result, they were stuck going to the Citrus Bowl to face the Big Ten Champion Northwestern Wildcats, the same bowl game they were in a year ago in a more disappointing season with much higher expectations.

But Manning was not about to let his team lose focus as a result of apathy in this game. With his favorite receiver in Joey Kent playing his final game, he lead an onslaught.

From the outset, Manning made sure to have a memorable performance. Northwestern’s defense was based on outsmarting quarterbacks. They failed miserably against Manning, as he threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to spot his Vols a 21-0 lead early.

And every time Northwestern fought back, Manning had a response, throwing for two more touchdowns on the day to total five touchdowns. It was possibly the greatest performance in bowl game history and set a bowl game record for passing yards at the time, and despite a disappointing season, Manning made sure that the Vols would have another year with double-digit wins and a Top 10 finish.

Next: #3: 1997 Tennessee-Kentucky

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