University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Pitch Shutout Against Vanderbilt, 38-0
November 24, 2001 | Football
Nov 24, 2001
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Official Photo Gallery |
Associated Press Photo Gallery
By ELIZABETH A. DAVIS
AP Sports Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Now Tennessee can think about its season finale at third-ranked Florida.
First the No. 7 Volunteers (9-1, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) had to get past in-state rival Vanderbilt (2-8, 0-7) on Saturday after having to rally last week to beat Kentucky.
"We wanted to make a fast start and not play around with them. We wanted to prove we are a contender," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said after a 38-0 win over Vanderbilt. "Last week, we didn't look like one."
Donte Stallworth put some pizzazz in the Volunteers' scoring ability.
He has fully recovered from a broken wrist earlier this season and been on a tear in the last three games, scoring eight touchdowns.
Stallworth returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown and turned a short pass from Casey Clausen into an 80-yard score.
"They've been trying to stop (tailback) Travis (Stephens), so we've been going to the air more," Stallworth said.
Clausen also threw a touchdown pass to Kelley Washington in the first half. Clausen completed 20 of 29 passes for 278 yards and no interceptions.
Tennessee's game with Florida was postponed to Dec. 1 because of the terrorist attacks. Fulmer, Florida coach Steve Spurrier and fans have been pushing for many years to get the game moved to the end of the season.
The winner almost always plays in the SEC championship game.
"Write your congressman. I've done all I can do," Fulmer said about changing the game permanently. "But let's enjoy this (win.)"
If the Vols had played on Sept. 15, Stallworth would have still been injured.
"I'm glad I have the opportunity," Stallworth said about his second chance against the Gators.
In coach Woody Widenhofer's next-to-last game, Vanderbilt couldn't get much offense going. Widenhofer will resign after the Commodores' final game next weekend at Mississippi.
Vanderbilt quarterback Greg Zolman was sacked five times and intercepted twice, each time setting up Tennessee scores.
The Vols' quick start had to wait until the second half.
Stallworth scored his second touchdown on the first play of the third quarter. He caught a short pass from Clausen, cut to the middle of the field and ran untouched 80 yards to the end zone for a 28-0 lead 31 seconds into the second half.
Stallworth gave Tennessee a 21-0 lead when he cut through Vanderbilt's punt coverage team and returned the kick 55 yards for a touchdown with 6:54 to go before halftime.
Rashad Baker intercepted Zolman's pass on Vanderbilt's next possession and returned it 41 yards to the Commodores 30. Walls kicked a 42-yard field goal on fourth down for a 31-0 lead with 11:27 to go in the third quarter.
As rain fell in the fourth quarter, Tennessee scored one last time on freshman Cedric Houston's 20-yard run with 1:34 remaining.
Walls kicked field goals of 27 and 37 yards to cap the Vols' first two possessions.
An interception by Mark Jones set up Tennessee's first touchdown of the game. Jones returned it 27 yards to the Vanderbilt 24, and five plays later, Clausen found Washington in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown with 9:07 left in the first half. Stallworth caught a pass for the 2-point conversion to make it 14-0.
Tennessee defensive tackle John Henderson didn't play on senior day. He sprained his ankle in September and continues to be bothered by it.
Offensive lineman Reggie Coleman, cornerback Andre Lott and linebacker Kevin Burnett were three other starters who didn't play because of nagging injuries.
The Vols had not shut out an opponent since beating Auburn 24-0 in 1999.
