Looking back, the period between December and May was one of major disrespect for Peyton Manning. He first lost out on the Heisman to Charles Woodson, and then Tennessee football fans had to deal with the Manning vs. Ryan Leaf debate in the NFL Draft. That’s a debate that seems laughable right now.
However, before that debate but after the Heisman ceremony, which is now more insulting to fans on Rocky Top, Leaf and Woodson actually met in the Rose Bowl, as the Washington State Cougars faced the Michigan Wolverines. In that moment, Vol fans cheered on Leaf.