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Saturday, August 23, 1997

Cowboys defeat Oilers 34-10

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Emmitt Smith scored his first exhibition touchdown, Billy Davis snared a 59-yard touchdown pass and job-seeking Richie Cunningham hit two field goals including a 51-yarder Friday night as the Dallas Cowboys rolled to a 34-10 victory over the Tennessee Oilers.

The Cowboys (2-2) jumped to a 24-10 halftime lead over the winless Oilers (0-4), who finally scored an exhibition touchdown with Steve McNair in the game.

The first-team Dallas offense played midway through the first quarter, scoring 10 points on two possessions. Troy Aikman hit Michael Irvin on passes of 24, 18 and 7 yards before Smith dashed 3 yards for a touchdown.

After Al Del Greco answered with a 49-yard field goal, Cunningham, who is trying to win the kicking job vacated by Chris Boniol, hit a 23-yarder.

Anthony Miller, formerly with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers, made his first appearance of the exhibition season for the Cowboys, catching one pass for 15 yards. He hadn't played because of a knee surgery in June.

Wade Wilson led the Cowboys to two touchdowns just before halftime. A 21-yard interference call on Anthony Dorsett positioned the Cowboys for Sherman Williams' 1-yard run.

Wilson also winged a 59-yard touchdown pass to Davis just 21 seconds before the half ended.

Jason Garrett threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Stepfret Williams in the second half.

Tennessee scored only its second offensive touchdown of the preseason when Rodney Thomas took a handoff from McNair and plunged a yard for the score after a 15-yard interference penalty on Kenny Wheaton.

Smith carried three times for 14 yards while Eddie George ran eight times for 31 yards for Tennessee.

Aikman hit 5-of-8 passes for 93 yards in his brief appearance. McNair was 4-of-11 for 54 yards.

It was the Oilers' first appearance in Texas since they left Houston for Tennessee.

The teams play again during the regular season on Thanksgiving Day in Texas Stadium.