Cowboys Still Dominate Buccaneers, 14-10 : NFC: Rookie running back Emmitt Smith gains 121 yards and scores the go-ahead touchdown as Dallas stays unbeaten against Tampa Bay.

After missing all of training camp in a contract dispute and achieving only moderate success in his first few games, rookie running back Emmitt Smith showed why the Dallas Cowboys made him their top pick in last year’s draft.

Smith rushed for 121 yards in 23 carries and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 14-yard run Sunday in the Cowboys’ 14-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith’s yardage was the most by a Dallas running back since Herschel Walker gained 134 yards against Cleveland on Dec. 4. 1988.

“I showed myself a little today,” said Smith, who played at Florida. “But I didn’t get an opportunity to shake-and-bake like I like to do. I think I can do much better.”

Smith, the first rookie to start at halfback for the Cowboys since Ron Springs started the season opener in 1979, had gained 104 yards in 37 carries entering the game against the Buccaneers.

His best previous game was 63 yards in 17 carries against Washington.

“It shows what Emmitt can do if he just has a little bit of room to run,” said Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman, who completed 17 of 24 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.

Dallas (2-3) broke a three-game losing streak and stayed unbeaten against the Buccaneers who they have played seven times.

It is the first time the Cowboys have won two home games in a season since 1987.

“Emmitt’s a big-time back, and he showed it today,” Dallas Coach Jimmy Johnson said. “It was special. I thought he was ready to break loose for a big game.”

Paul Palmer, who gained 110 yards last season against Washington, was the only Dallas running back to rush for more than 100 yards in a game in 1989.

The Cowboys’ go-ahead 73-yard drive early in the fourth quarter was set in motion by a seven-yard, third-down scramble by Aikman that gave the Cowboys a first down at midfield.

Aikman then completed a 30-yard screen play to fullback Tommie Agee before Smith ran the ball in from 14 yards out to provide the final margin.

“The blocking was outstanding because it allowed me to get inside then I could bounce to the outside,” Smith said. “That’s how you get into the end zone.”

Tampa Bay Coach Ray Perkins said he was shocked by the Cowboys.

“I didn’t think they had that good of a running team,” Perkins said. “I’m not trying to take anything away from them, but let’s face it, they haven’t been running that well.”

Vinny Testaverde, the NFL’s most proficient passer, couldn’t bring the Buccaneers back.

Testaverde completed 13 of 19 passes for 194 yards, but was sacked three times by an aggressive Dallas defense.

Tampa Bay took a 10-7 lead in the third quarter when Testaverde connected with Gary Anderson on a 58-yard touchdown pass play.

Anderson’s touchdown made up for a costly fumble earlier in the quarter. Tampa Bay had driven 87 yards when Anderson’s fumble was recovered by Daniel Stubbs at the Dallas seven.

The Cowboys had a 7-3 halftime lead on Aikman’s 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jay Novacek in the first quarter.