Jan 2, 2005 3 min read

DALLAS (AP) – The stands were filled with Texas A&M fans going bonkers when their beloved Aggies were on defense. They were so loud Tennessee quarterback Rick Clausen went up and down the line screaming out signals to make sure everyone heard him. At least, that’s what it was like early, before the Volunteers gave the fans no reason to hurt their throats.

Looking nothing like the third-stringer he was most of the season, Clausen led No. 15 Tennessee to five touchdowns in just 21/2 quarters and the defense had its way with the 22nd-ranked Aggies in a 38-7 victory in the Cotton Bowl on Saturday.

Winning was nice enough for the Vols after losing their last two bowl games and four of the last five. Winning big was especially sweet after losing those last two by a total of 40 points and never leading in either game.

“Probably our best effort of the year,” coach Phillip Fulmer called it.

It also was the most lopsided victory in the school’s 45-game bowl history. The Volunteers (10-3) came within 5:13 of their first bowl shutout since the last time they played the Aggies, way back in the 1957 Gator Bowl.

The rout began when C.J. Fayton turned a short pass into a 57-yard touchdown on the game’s seventh play. Tennessee surprised A&M by continuing to pass and the Vols defense stunned the Aggies (7-5) by producing five turnovers. A&M had just eight all season.

“Go figure,” coach Dennis Franchione said.

The Aggies were looking for a great ending to their big turnaround from last season’s 4-8. Instead, they got a reminder of last season – their worst performance since a 77-0 loss to Oklahoma. It also was their fifth straight loss in the Cotton Bowl.

“We just had too many mistakes,” said quarterback Reggie McNeal, who was 23-of-38 for 241 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception, just his fourth of the season, and was involved in two fumbles – a lost option pitch and a drop when hit by three defenders, one of whom ripped off McNeal’s helmet.

Aggressive defense was part of Tennessee’s game plan. The Vols were aiming for four turnovers and to be stingier than their last three games, when they allowed between 31 and 38 points each time.

“We were talking the whole bowl preparation about a comeback, playing better, not giving up plays that would end up being the difference,” Fulmer said. “I’m really proud of that.”

The Aggies expected the Vols to pound away with running backs Gerald Riggs Jr. and Cedric Houston. Instead, they turned to Clausen’s arm and added to the confusion by using him in a variety of formations.