The Buckeyes won their first 11 games of the regular season and running back Eddie George captured the Heisman Trophy. But OSU lost the Big Ten title in a shocking 31-23 upset at Michigan. A driving rain storm at the Citrus Bowl was like a hangover of that disappointment.

Ohio State took an early 7-0 lead on George’s short TD plunge, but Tennessee tailback Jay Graham ripped off a 69-yard scoring burst just before the half to tie the game. Volunteers’ quarterback Peyton Manning then fired a 47-yard jump ball pass to Joey Kent for a 14-7 lead. The Buckeyes tied the game on a 32-yard Bob Hoying to Rickey Dudley TD pass in the fourth quarter, but two Tennessee field goals by Jeff Hall closed the scoring.

OSU’s final threat was thwarted when an ill-advised option pitch led to a fumble on the Buckeyes final possession.

Ohio State finished the season ranked No. 6 in the AP poll, while Tennessee was No. 3.