 Backup quarterback Todd Helton was hurt in the fourth game of the season, a loss to Mississippi State.In response to the poor start, Fulmer overhauled his defense and coped with the loss of his first- and second-string quarterbacks by bringing in acclaimed freshman Peyton Manning, son of National Football League star Archie Manning.Manning's first start, a Tennessee homecoming game against Washington State, resulted in a 10–9 win.