Stephens Says

"I don’t really see it as a rivalry that much," said UT’s offensive line coach. "I see it more as a very important game in the SEC East. For me personally, I have feelings for the University of Florida, some good and some bad. It’s really important to me but I don’t let emotions get involved?it’s a business."

Stephens, who graduated from Florida, coached under former Gator head coach Steve Spurrier from 1993 to 2001. The Gators were 7-2 versus the Vols during that span and won five straight from 1993 to 1997. As the Gators dominated, Spurrier always seemed to have a verbal barb directed at UT leading up to the game.

"Coach Spurrier always seemed to keep it interesting with some of his comments," Stephens said. "A lot of times, I used to think ‘Does he plan that out or does it come natural off the cuff?’

"Coach Spurrier is a disgustingly honest man. He speaks what’s on his mind. I don’t believe it was planned out to get under anybody’s skin. I like his honesty."

In the midst of a losing streak to Florida, UT fans often wondered aloud if Spurrier’s poignant comments had an effect of Tennessee coaches.

"I don’t know about all that, Stephens said. "Most of that kind of stuff is all for the fans. For us it’s a business. We just try to prepare our team the best we can."

Stephens suggested the bigger concern may have been whether Spurrier provided motivation for Gator opponents.

"It always can. You can make a big deal out of nothing if you want to. It can work either way. It’s all in how you look at it."