Event Details
- What: Tennessee at Florida
- When: Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Gainesville, Fla.
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
GoVolsXtra video
Audio
- Phillip Fulmer's pre-practice comments.
- Dave Hooker interviews TB Arian Foster.
- Dave Hooker interviews DE Robert Ayers.
Blog
WVLT video
In plain black and white, the number jumps off the page like a neon sign.
A big red one.
In a series decided more often than not by the team that wins the ground game, Tennessee finished in the red with minus-11 yards rushing in a 21-20 loss to Florida last year in Knoxville.
Senior offensive tackle Eric Young doesn't remember the number. And he's glad.
"I don't know (the exact number)," Young said Monday morning, "and I don't want to know, either."
One thing Young and his teammates do know is that number has to change for the better in order for No. 22 Tennessee to leave Gainesville with a victory in its 3:30 p.m. SEC opener Saturday against the fifth-ranked Gators (TV: WVLT).
UT coach Phillip Fulmer does too, and he hasn't shied away from reminding his players just how close they came to winning despite the Vols' worst rushing performance in his 16-year tenure.
"It does come up," Fulmer said. "It's a very important statistic in winning a football game. Even with that, somehow or another, we were ahead 17-7 in the (third) quarter.
"You bring that up as well - that we need to finish a game. (Quarterback) Erik (Ainge) played very well and our defense for the most part held up, and we gave up a couple plays that ended up being the difference in the ballgame."
Plenty is different for both teams from a year ago.
The Gators (2-0) lost three of four starters on a defensive line that Young said was man for man the best he's played in his career.
All three linebackers are gone, as well, and Florida returns just two defensive starters from a year ago.
Since last year's game, Tennessee (1-1) saw LaMarcus Coker emerge as a serious big-play threat in the running game.
Starting tailback Arian Foster is healthy going into Saturday's game after carrying just twice last year because of an ankle injury.
Last week, he broke the 100-yard mark for the first time since he had 223 yards against Vanderbilt in 2005.
"It's like night and day," Young said of Foster. "He really looks good. I'm enjoying it. We got to keep doing what we're doing and get this boy his carries because he's doing his thing out there."
The Vols have been tested early as well.
Against No. 8 Cal, Tennessee ran the ball just 27 times. Foster and Montario Hardesty had 22 of those carries and averaged a respectable 5.3 yards per carry.
Last week against Southern Miss, the Vols opened up the run game in the second half and finished with 193 yards on the ground against the preseason pick to win Conference USA.
"Their front, I thought I was playing an SEC team as far as strength-wise and speed-wise," Young said. "I think that's definitely going to help us."
Paving the way against USM was an offensive line that appeared more athletic and better conditioned than a year ago.
"I saw one play (Saturday) where Eric Young knocked one dude off and then went up and got the safety and knocked him down on his back," Foster said. "When you see that stuff, it's real motivating."
Just as motivating is last year's rushing total.
When told the Vols had minus-11 yards, Foster got quiet before making his reply.
"We're going to have change that this year," he said, "then ain't we?"
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 47
snafu14u#241639 writes:
Just recieved my Adidas Mens Fulmer Sidleine Polo from Volmall(item# 11825).Sweet, I'm ready for the game.On a more serious note the o-line has to do it.We are going to have to score points and keep them off their own field.Have'nt heard much about the defense, but Chavis knows what needs to be done. The whole team needs to be in a focused and nasty attitude for this game. It will take All 60 minutes. Go Big Orange. Good game for Ainge to create his own legend at UT. aka bonzaivol
andy112382#209793 writes:
Well, we get -11 yards rushing last year and only lose by a point. New Florida defense and new looking Arian Foster (not to mention Coker and Creer....and Hardesty if he is 100%) plus a stronger o-line....I say we get a few rushing yards to make up for last year and run it down the throat of the gators. GO VOLS!!!
andy112382#209793 writes:
Hmm, new polo shirt, good thinking. Mine is battle worn, not to mention my lucky tennessee socks that are about to fall apart in numerous places, hopefully they will all last until I make it up to Knoxville, aiming for the Georgia game! I look for us to be undefeated in SEC play come that game! GO VOLS!!!
I really like this polo shirt: http://www.shophounddogs.com/detail.a...
(or the white version as well)
And yes, Ainge needs to have the game of his life so he can leave an everlasting great memory!
ThaiVolFan writes:
Though we are ranked #22 and they are ranked #5 coming into this game at the Swamp, I have a real good feeling down deep. Something about the Florida game that I always seem to have the correct hunch about the outcome. I really think that the stage is perfectly set for us to make amends on some past games where we didn't play to our potential. I am oftened bothered by how we seem to always go into this game trying not to lose, which greatly hinders our productivity on the field. I feel like we are going to see this team playing lights out and playing to win. We are going to run the ball effectively, control the clock, and score points. Our defense will definitely have its hands full but I like our chances when comparing our defense to theirs. We have room for improvement yes, but we are making improvements. They have a very very green Defense that has not been battle tested one time as of to date. I think we win the game because our defense will make far less mistakes than theirs. Both offenses will be clicking, you can expect that in this big game but the edge clearly will be seen on the defensive side of the ball. We have learned from our mistakes on special teams play with DeSean Jackson, we should be okay against James because of good game planning. If the coaches have a smart game and don't allow us to be beaten with special team play, we will all be smiling big at the end of this one boys. For all you grumblers and complainers who are always whining about how terrible we are and how bad our coaches are, YOU'LL ALL HAVE TO TAKE A WEEK OFF, TRY FILLING YOUR MOUTHS WITH A BITE OF HUMBLE PIE! Go Vols!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
No way do we get -11 this year. I don't know how it will pan out but I expect TN to be well balanced and control the ball through the run game if the scoring starts getting to fast. Rivalries throw everything conventional out the window so even though TN is ranked near the bottom of the top 25 and FL is top 5... let's get ready to rock!!
GreerVol22 writes:
Hey guys, dont miss a house payment to buy those fancy shirts, spend $8 bucks on a Big O T from Goody's, wear it every weekend during football, then cut grass in it till August rolls around and then buy a new one. Use the money you saved to buy beer and a ticket.
On a serious note, just kick the flippin ball into the endzone, cover punts like a banshi, and stick a helmet under Tebow's chin on occasion...everything else should take care of itself.
Ironcity writes:
I would love to see UT run it down the Gators throat however, I have been around to long to think that we will not come out passing and keep passing until the end. If we didn't ram it down Cals throat (who gave up 28 to Col St.) there is no reason to think we will change. That said, I think Ainge will have to have the game of his life and the defense will have to cause some turnovers. Not optimistic however I think we do have a chance.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Hey, I need a shirt. Not trying to be a smarta##, but my national championship shirts really are getting kind of raggedy now, so we know its time for something to happen.
pabashia#208095 writes:
This is good motivation ... but the offense isn't going to be the issue. If the defense doesn't somehow generate more pressure and learn to tackle, it'll be inconsequential how many yards UT rushes for. This game has shootout written all over it.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
reminds me of the years we had peyton and we averaged 36 points a game but our defense gave up 40.... we wasted a lot of talent.... saying that i didn't think we would win a NC this year but was wanting to win the east and make it to atlanta.. Fla could be more overrated than us and if that's true then we have a chance.... I just want to beat fla and bama if no one else...............
bpvol#216873 writes:
TDTN - As much as I hate jokes on Fulmers appearance, your post was great.
Marc - I agree with you, Ainge just has to play his game and not try and put the team on his shoulders. We had a QB once who always seemed to do that and never won against the Gators.....
He ended up being a pretty good QB.
As far as the minus 11 yard rushing last year and we still managed to stay in the game until the 3rd qtr. I see that solely for motivation purposes only, will have no bearing on what happens this year. Other than the fact that typically the team that wins the rushing yards wins the game.
The most important factor in my opinion is that Florida has played no one and we have played at least one team that will finish in the top 10 and challenged us. Our preparation, being at a hostile site, playing from behind, all the things that make a team pull together and be able to handle adversity, Florida has done none of that.
If we can find a way to get up early on the Gators and they have to play from behind could be just what we need to hand them a defeat in the Swamp.
Dirtdobber writes:
Tennessee's game plan for Florida-
1. run up the middle every play.
2. get behind by 3 touchdowns
3. start trying to pass the ball, will not be successful because Florida will be blitzing the whole team.
4. Get beat again.
5. Post game comments by Fulmer- "We've got to get back to Tenn. Football and start running the ball?"
Hey coach...got a news flash for you...Gen. Neyland is dead,and believe it or not, toward the end of the 1960's the forward pass became prevelant in football.
You guys have to be kidding yourself- the only thing that has looked good this year is the offense! The running game has looked good due to ability to pass the ball. So, going into the swamp- against #5 Florida- you want to change the only thing that has worked this year? An offense that has put up 31 and 39 points...and you want to get the running game going?! They tried that last year and the year before that, and the year before that and it did not work!
Hunter writes:
I can't wait to see these clowns Dirtdobber and CRVol stay silent on Saturday night when the Vols run it down the Gators' throats all night and make the big hits on defense to seperate Tebow from the ball 3-4 times. Let's get fired up boys! It's Florida week!!!
Dirtdobber writes:
hunter- I admire your enthusiasm and use to be that way to. However, the last several years after the same thing over and over again its got old. Do you not agree? Or should we let the football team get like the basketball team was for several years until Pearl came along? If you are happy with getting blown out by bottom tier ACC team in the Peach Bowl then....GO BIG ORANGE! We can do it- We can win 7 games and make it to the copper bowl! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
bpvol#216873 writes:
tngeoff - Tend to agree with your post, however, not sure if we beat Florida we will have returned to glory....
In football and life in general, nothing stays the same, you are either getting better or getting worse, unfortunately...
Having been in management for longer than I care to discuss, you can be on top of the world with morale, P & L, safety awards, etc. etc. and you wake up 3 or 4 years later and you are losing money, morale is low, etc. My point is, its hard to stay fresh with new ideas, leadership, motivation....especially at the same place..
I'm not sure that Coach Fulmer hasn't peaked out and is finding it hard to stay on top, keep things fresh with new ideas....and win consistently.
Based on the past several years, we beat Fl. at the swamp and lose a couple that we shouldn't. HOPE I"M WRONG
Can't believe I'm writing this..
CRvol - nostradomis, I bow to your forsight and hope for a win Go vols.
hueypilot writes:
The game last year was lost because we could not defend, on two different occasions, the last being the winning TD pass to Dallas Baker, (who I believe was the guy that got called for pushing back two years earlier and getting the penalty that enabled us to win) a play called the throwback pass where the qb waits for the receiver to go down one short side of the field and with all the receiversl going that way, cuts completely across the field hopefully one on one against a slower coverage man. That play takes a week to develop, and was long a favorite of Spurrier's when he could get a back one on one against a slower linebacker. Point? We can't let them have that much time to play their basketball offense. Who among us remembers when Al Wilson was in that quarterback's face (Johnson) play after play, making him throw the ball before he wanted to? That will be the key. If we give Florida all the time they want, their schoolyard plays will work. If we don't, we'll win. Simple as that.
Dirtdobber writes:
sjt18- from what i've read- the vols may be going to go away from what has been working and start trying to run the ball more. This sounds like the ole second half prevent offense that Vols sometime run when they get a lead.
I say concentrate on defense and let the offese be as it has been this year short passing game- if its not broke dont fix it.
bpvol#216873 writes:
tngeoff Agreed that a win would be a great First Step back to glory but disagree that a loss would validate any and all coaching and leadership ctiticisms.
I don't agree with ALL the criticisms that are posted of the coaching staff. Some are just rabid, nonsensical Fulmer haters that will never be satisfied until he is gone.
One thing that Fulmer has said after the Vols win a game going away, against an opponent that we were predicted to lose to and he gets adorned with praise,,,,nothing is ever as good as you make it out to be or when times are down, never as bad as you make it out to be.....
I don't think you gauge a season on one game, win or lose, you have to look over the long haul.
i.e. what if we beat the gators and lose to SC and KY, did the gators Win signal we have turned the corner....and the other losses mean nothing.
What if we lose to the gators and win out....does the loss to the gators mean that Fulmer should go, but we win all the rest of the games....
bpvol#216873 writes:
Crvol - Nonsense...21" guns...I don't think so..
Nostradomis types normally don't work out that much. (did you really think you were going to get by with that one.)
bpvol#216873 writes:
dtcole
Thanks for your post.
Thanks to ALL the vets and especially the VOLUNTEER VETS.
SwampMusic writes:
I like your posts. In a word 'sober'. Some of the other fluff I've read on this site is so off-base. This will be a great game. Always is. Lots of points, for sure. Unless someone figures out how to stop Tebow (or he stops himself) I think it's Florida's game.
ODA751 writes:
dtcole, great post. I just hope there are more people that feel the same way. If anyone would like to read about some true heroes, go to this link: http://www.army.mil/valor/
US Army (Ret)
1982 - 2004
orangebloodgmc writes:
Well I sure as heck hope that we don't say, "Hey everybody, we are going to establish the run first before we try to do anything else," and then actually insist on doing nothing but that. That would be Johnny Majors stuff, but I think Coach Cut can, and will, come up with something better than that.
Dirtdobber writes:
orangebloodgmc- they did that the 2nd half of florida last year- the "prevent offense" I agree with you that Cut can come up with something, but would say that Fulmer overides most suggestions! he wants to keep simple- up the middle- beat you with the kicking game.
who knows as conservative as he is maybe he will ressurect the quick kick on 3rd down!
grandolph1958#209664 writes:
Just like every game in the last 15 years with Florida we have to be pumped and feed off the enviroment there in Chavis bring the house on Florida everydown and knock Tebow's mouth piece out.
CoverOrange writes:
CR, you do all that and still manage to stick your head and leg out the arm hole? LOL
gatordave writes:
I am very happy that I found this site. I love hearing Tennessee fan talking about your new polos and how you are going to pound the rock.........NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! Listen to what you are saying. It sounds like you guys are trying to convince each other that Tennessee is going to win. Tell me what your excuss is going to be this year when you lose to a very very young Florida team???????You ack like your denfense is going to shut our offense down, you ack like Tebow is just another QB. I have not seen a Florida Offense this good EVER! Even when Spurrier was here we never had an Offense like this. I know that our defense is young and new but they are quick, very quick-you will be very surprised. I hope you o-line is ready for our speed because if they are not, look for your pretty boy Ainge to be on his back. You guys already lost to a team with a great offense, now you are coming to the Swamp to play even a better offense. Why don't you take your hard earn money and lay the points and bet Florida! Florida wins this one easy. There is always room to join the Gator Nation. Good Luck Tennessee Fan, you are going to need it.
gatordave writes:
CRVol-I just like talking a little trash thats all. You are right about betting the underdog in an SEC game. I do think that this game will come down to turnovers and against Tennessee it seems like the football Gods are on our side. I just know that the Swamp will be loud and we should win this game pretty easy. My perdiction as a Gator fan is this: Florida 36 - Tennessee 24
99gator writes:
i tried telling someone this yesterday. it appears i have to repeat myself.
do not make any judgments on florida from thier preseason games. just look at south carolina vs. la-monroe, then sc-georgia.
florida's offense is probably not quite as good as it may seem and its defense is not as bad as it may seem.
you guys have seen enough florida-tn games to know that playing ucla, or air force, or cal, while we play creampuffs is no advantage either way.
cal does not compare to florida as a "hostile environment". they have hippies in the trees for crying out loud.
whistlinwingman writes:
I am like Thaivolfan. I got one of those gut feelings. I hope like heck we win, but I do have that feeling we are not going to be a pushover. I think it will be close. Throw all this coaching phooey to the side. Those men in the orange and white stepping on the field saturday will be totally pumped up to be playing in the swamp as an underdog. Lets have some faith VOL fans!!!!
99gator writes:
gatordave
claiming this offense is florida's best ever is the dumbest thing i have read or heard. you've got to be kidding me. when they hang 50 on the best teams in the league and the #1 ranked team in the land (as they did to fsu in the sugar bowl) then it can be compared to the '96 gators. none of your posts will have any credibility if you continue to write nonsense like this.
TNvolunteer writes:
I hope one of our DE's or LB's get a clear hit on Tebow and knock him out of the game. Go Vols!!!
99gator writes:
sjt18
i understand your point. i do think it applies to the defense more than the offense. the offense has several players who have had plenty of game day experience from 2006 or earlier, especially on the o-line. tebow is the only main player (his role is different) that does not have a lot of game day experience relative to what he is doing this year. last year he was a runner, this year he is a qb.
on defense, i think it will be an average group this season due to the youth. you are right, it is very unproven. but i can not remember the last time uf's defense was horrible. so, i am putting a little faith in the coaching staff and history here. there are several players, though on the defensive side of the ball who saw playing time last year. there are also some who saw none. i also emphasize again that young players and defenses play much better at home than on the road. which is why i think florida will get destroyed by lsu.
99gator writes:
if the game were in knoxville, i would not hesitate to pick tennessee
gatordave writes:
Listen, UF plays cupcakes the first 2 games just like every year. What I have seen in these first two games is something I haven't seen before. I thought that last years team was fast but this year we are faster. I know...I know...that I am baseing this on 2 cupcake games but I just see something different in this team. Defense is young and is only going to get better with every game. But when we are blowing games wide open by half time defense isn't that big of a concern. I know that my first post was a typical big headed Gator fan but I am telling you, just wait and see for yourself, that we are for real again this year. Bring on LSU or Tennessee, it won't matter because they have never faced an offense so explosive. Cal ain't got nothing on us. CBS is going to love this one!
invisiblekid writes:
If we keep Harvey from turning in an Alex Brown-like performance, the Vols will push their D line all over the field. They are in worse shape than us at the tackle position. We outweigh them by a good 25 lbs or more per man and should have success running right at them. Going lateral and trying the swing passes probably won't work as well as it did against Cal and SM because of their speed at LB and the secondary. Secondary is the same as the tackles, they're in worse shape than us IMO. In Manson, they have a former RB at one corner position who has little to no experience. Joiner is a good player but that's about it. No reason to think we can't score on these guys. I think the only way we lose this game is if the defense looks clueless against the option like Air Force last year or they badly mangle special teams and let James have a huge day. Harvin and Tebow will get their share of plays but it shouldn't be enough to keep up. Ahhh, to hell with all this, I am ready for the game!!!
99gator writes:
invisiblekid
markus manson will not see the field saturday, unless it is on special teams.
your point is still understood.
the db's you are likely to see saturday
4-wondy pierre-louis
12-joe haden
26- marikhe anderson
19-tony joiner
20-dorian monroe
3-kyle jackson
21-major wright.
invisiblekid writes:
Thanks for the update 99gator. I haven't had much of a chance to follow the Gators the first two games. From what I have read, Anderson is supposed to have a ton of upside, he just needs experience. I really think the defenses are mirror images of each other, a good amount of talent at a number of positions, mainly short of experience though. Pretty much a wash with the offenses as well, both teams bring something different but have proven they can put points on the board. I think Tebow is the real deal and the sooner he goes pro the better. History says this should be a close game and those are usually decided by special teams and turnovers. Should be a good one Saturday.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
This is very optimistic chatter by rabid fans..but this talk..I'll agree that if the vol players were as enthused as the above fans, look out gators...but this is unlikely, since the vols are lacking in overall team speed to ;pull off the win> Its too bad, but these type of games are won on the recruiting trail, it takes a combination of things to field a big time winner...great desire along with players who hate to lose...mentally tough teams are able to rise the occasion..vols have not as yet, the mental toughness it takes so far.
gatordave writes:
Enough with the trash talk. I said want I needed to say. Anyway, good luck Tennessee. I am going to the game and can't wait for saturday. Home crowd will be a big concern for the Tennessee offense.....probably a bigger concern then our defense:-)
Fla 36 - Tenn 24
HighlanderVol writes:
HI to all my vol family. I am new at this i have 1 question. I was told today that gators may be with out their starting RB and WR I was told that they got hurt in the troy game is this true.
OldNumber7 writes:
Hueypilot....I do remember the Al Wilson attack that year. First he made Donovan McNabb scramble, then in Johnson's face all night in game 2. Wish we had linebackers like that this year. I think Al Wilson should have received coach of the year in 98 - Fulmer has proven it wasn't him since - and the NFL longevity of players on that 98 team has been amazing. I think 98 was special because of its talent. Heck, coaching that year nearly lost several of those close calls for us.
99gator writes:
highlandervol
there is a receiver andre caldwell. caldwell is out for the game.
the rb you are refering to is brandon james. they primarily use him as a kick returner. i believe he will play.
florida has a lot of wide receivers. you will definitely see harvin, ingram, cooper, murphy, and fayson. david nelson may also play significant minutes.
Southland writes:
I can not understand for the life of me who we think we have on defense that is as tough as Tebow. He might some of our defensive line but unless he sprains his ankle when he steps on them he is going to end up as healthy as a horse in this game. Tenn can win, stange things do happen but it want be because we smack Tebow.
mlewishome#366649 writes:
doesn't anyone find it funny that Vol fans screamed about the predictability of the old UT running attack? "i wish they'd open it up a little, i'm sick of UT left and UT right."
now people are saying "i wish we'd get back to old school UT power football".
lol, gotta love you some internet football fans!
RangerForSix writes:
Tebow puts his body on the line every time he runs the football. Especially when we know it's coming! He's a man, but our D-linemen and linebackers are men too. If he wants to 'volunteer his body' for 10 to 15 'SEC HITS' every week, he'll not finish the season and 'then he'll learn'. We may not be the team to knock him out, but if he continues running the football, some SEC Backer or D-linemen will bury him.
VOLS-35 FL-29
lildhoss76ut#638162 writes:
Go VOLS!!! Gator meat for dinner Saturday Night!
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