The Vols opened the 1996 season ranked #2 behind Nebraska.[36] However, after winning their first two games against UNLV and UCLA, the Vols again lost to Florida by a score of 35–29, with Manning throwing four interceptions.[37] After winning their next four games, the Vols were defeated by Memphis, even though he threw 296 yards.[38] The Vols won the rest of their games, including a 48–28 win in the Citrus Bowl over Northwestern, a game in which Manning threw 408 yards and four touchdowns; he was named the game's MVP.[39][40] His 243 pass completions and 63.9% completion percentage led the SEC that year.[41] He finished the 1996 season with 3,287 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.[42] He also came in eighth place in Heisman Trophy voting.[43] Manning completed his degree in three years, a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication.[9][45] He was also predicted to be the top overall pick in the NFL Draft, but decided to stay at Tennessee for his senior year.[46]