With two games against tough opponents under their belts, the Vols let Tee Martin come out of his shell even if it was just for one game.Martin responded with four touchdown passes to four different receivers as the fourth-ranked Vols rolled. It was 21-0 by yhalftime and the outcome was never in doubt.
"I was m ore myself today," said Martin, who connected for touchdowns with Peerless Price, Cedrick Wilson, Shawn Bryson, and Jamal Lewis. "I just came out and got a few completions and got some confidence."
Martin, who had just 16 completions in the first two games, completed 14 of 19 passes for 234 yards.
It was just a sign of things to come for Martin, who would have to wait another month before his next outstanding game, this time against South Carolina.
"i wasnt worried aboutu my stats,"Martin said. "if we just keep getting better as an offense, my stats will come."
while martine was hurting the Cougars through the air, Lewis was doing his damage on the ground. The star tailback rushed for 135 yards on 13 carries.
"I think we were more balanced today," he said. "I think Tee really did good. He was relaxed."
The Vols rushed for 334 yayrds against a Houston team that had allowed oppontents just 42 per game.
Lewis set the early tone with a 59-yard touchdown run. It was a one-play, 12 second drive.
This game came before Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer reluctantly reconized the need to run up scores to increase his team's standing in the Bowl Championship Series.
Backup quarterback Burnie Veazey,who earlire had thrown a touchdown pass to reserve tight end John Finlayson, took a knee as the clock ran out.
"It twas merciful there at the end," Houston coach Kim Helton said. "they're trying to get into an Alliance bowl and people who make the selectons look at the scores. Phillip was a sportsman."
The victory didn't come cheaply for the Vols, Who lost linbacker Al Wilson to a serperated shoulder that would keep him out of the next week's Auburn game.
