Wilhoit gets big kick out fickle fans

James Wilhoit's cell phone messages and e-mails late Saturday night are a testimony to the range of emotions experienced by fans during the final minutes of Tennessee's 30-28 victory over Florida.

"After I missed that extra point, somebody left a message and said, 'You (stink),' " Wilhoit said with a laugh Monday.

"Then about an hour later the same person called back and said, 'Disregard that last message.' I have no clue who it was.

"It shows how quickly people can turn on you. You find out who your real friends are."

Wilhoit, who missed an extra point that left UT trailing 28-27 with 3:25 left, hit the game-winning 50-yard field goal with six seconds left. He said his voice mailbox was full with more than a dozen messages when he checked it two or three hours after end of the game.

"It was funny because I also got a couple of e-mails that were like, 'I'm so sorry about the game.' Wilhoit said. "Then they would e-mail back and say, 'Great job.' "

Wilhoit said he didn't get to sleep until 6 a.m. Sunday and he awoke two hours later because that's what time two friends visiting from LSU had to leave.

"I've had about nine hours sleep combined the last two nights," he said.

Wilhoit's parents, Gary and Debbie, were overcome with emotion following the game. Gary ran on the field and hugged his son. Wilhoit said it reminded him of a youth basketball game when he was 8 or 9 years old.

"I made a game-winning shot and my dad ran on the court and lifted me on his shoulders," Wilhoit said.

"My dad isn't usually very emotional but you could tell he was pretty broken up (after the field goal)."

Wilhoit said a few Florida players came up to him after the game and said "unbelievable kick."

Gary Lundy may be reached at 865-342-6274.