Too Close for Comfort

Tennessee won the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday night, but the Volunteers may have lost a chance at the national title.

Peyton Manning passed for 373 yards and four touchdowns to lead the No. 3-ranked Volunteers to a 30-29 victory over No. 11 Auburn. But it wasn’t pretty.

Tennessee (11-1) had to overcome a sloppy performance--six turnovers and at least a half-dozen dropped passes--to earn its first SEC title since 1990.

In the precarious world of college football polls, Tennessee may have lost by barely beating Auburn (9-3). The closeness of the win could cost the Volunteers when the final regular-season polls are compiled today.

Tennessee, favored by a touchdown, needs to maintain its lead over No. 4 Florida State (10-1) in the rankings in order to secure an invitation to the Orange Bowl against No. 2 Nebraska, the closest thing to a national title game for the bowl alliance with No. 1 Michigan set to play in the Rose.

The Volunteers weren’t worried about voting matters Saturday. An SEC championship was enough on this night.

“I can’t describe it. It’s unbelievable,” said Manning, who passed up the NFL to return to the Volunteers for his senior season. “I love Tennessee. SEC champs. Sounds good, doesn’t it?”

Manning, making a final bid for the Heisman Trophy, threw his fourth touchdown pass with 11:14 remaining to give Tennessee the victory. The pass play to Marcus Nash covered 73 yards.

On second and 10 at the Volunteer 27 and Auburn ahead 29-23, Manning threw a short pass to Nash, who cut around cornerback Jayson Bray and raced down the sideline for a touchdown. Jeff Hall’s extra point provided the winning margin.

Manning’s Heisman Trophy stock had dropped in the closing weeks of the season, but he may have helped himself with voters who waited until the last minute to cast their ballots. He certainly didn’t get much help from his teammates.

The Volunteers lost four fumbles, including one that was returned for a touchdown. Manning threw two interceptions, the second returned 77 yards to set up another Auburn touchdown. Auburn also blocked an extra point and returned it to the other end zone for two-point conversion.