Tennessee Stat Book
Tennessee receiver Josh Briscoe rekindled an old rivalry at The Swamp.
Chatting with Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes before the game motivated Briscoe to turn in a career-best eight catches for 76 yards in the 59-20 loss to the Gators last Saturday.
"Brandon is my cousin, and we'd gotten to talking about the old days in high school,'' Briscoe said. "That fired me up. We'd played against each other since the third grade. It was good to get that feeling going.''
No doubt, the Vols were happy to see Briscoe, who plays the 'Y' slot-receiver position, get going, too.
"Briscoe has really played hard and made some plays,'' UT receivers coach Trooper Taylor said. "He led the receiver group with knockdowns (blocks).''
Briscoe, a junior who didn't even make a catch against the Gators last season, said it's a matter of getting back into the swing of things.
"That was the most reps I'd gotten in a game since high school,'' Briscoe said. "The more reps I get, the more it all comes back to me.''
Briscoe said he remembers turning short receptions into long plays during his high school days.
"I played in a four-receiver set in high school, and I was able to take a hitch route and do something with it,'' he said. "I don't know what has happened for us this season because through spring, summer and in practice, we've been able to make those plays downfield.
"We need to make more plays on the perimeter. That (Florida) game has given me more confidence, and I now I know I can do it every day.''
Briscoe said Taylor has had much to do with his growth.
"(Former UT) Coach (Pat) Washington was a laid back guy who would correct you, but he wouldn't yell at you,'' Briscoe said. "He (Taylor) makes us take every play in practice and treat it like a game. I've gotten stronger, and he's pushed me to become more physical.''
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Comments » 13
wyomingvol writes:
I think the WR's were turning short hitches into big plays this spring because they were playing against Tennessee's Defense...
backwoodsvol writes:
well said brdleton and sadly--very accurate
CrankE writes:
Exactly brdteton. Against our defense, even Notre Dame might have a chance. Just what we need, another Clausen who can get us beat.
tigervol9802 writes:
I'm convinced part of our defense's problem is going against our receivers and backs in practice who go down if you so much as blow on them.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
brdteton: That comment has been played anytime one of our players has talked about trying to improve on the offense.
The truth of the matter is this: We are 1-2 against two top notch teams. Everyone is pissed, from Fulmer to CRvol. Tennessee should be able to do good this year. Not what we would like, but they should be able to start putting together some solid complete games.
We talk about Chavis and the defense but Chavis has year after year put out nasty defenses. Even in the cursed 2005 year, the major media outlets were saying our defense was National Championship quality. Our offense was the problem. Cut came in and beefed up the offense last year. Now, we are slow out of the gates and no one is happy about it but... Tennessee will bring the wood to some teams this year. Whether or not Coach Fulmer remains coach is not for any of us to decide. Let's just watch some freakin UT football and enjoy it. Well, you can watch it. I live in Malaysia some I'm jealous of what everyone complains about.
Tennessee 41 - Arkansas State 13.
Angry, hungry men in Orange shirts.
A defense wanting to make a statement.
Looking for some redemption.
They'll start it this week.
vol4good#206163 writes:
TDTenn--I say if the man cannot do his job. He does not need to be on the field. If Ainge is not throwing deep because of the broken pinkie (that he broke playing B-ball), then he should not be on the field. That my friend is poor coaching. Put John on the field and let the offense work. I think Ainge is the better QB, but only if healthy. Tough choices, require tough coaches. Not talking heads.
wyomingvol writes:
Tough Year, the whole team has sucked in a bad way. Hate the D and O, but especially Special Teams, or in the last 5 years or so concerning the return coverage and lack of return..
Go Vols, I bleed Orange, but we have under achieved for 5 years now. Disagree?
smith7206 writes:
Well said nick..just for reminders, in 2005, if memory serves, we had a top 10 defense with absolutely no offense. In the Cal game this year the offense looked pretty good -- so good, in fact, that almost everyone on here was predicting "exposing Florida" and cussing the writers for "man crushes on Tebow" and being Fl homers when they dared suggest that Fl was the better team and would win.
The more I think about it the more I'm inclined to believe half of the venom being spewed is due either to lost bets or lost cred for predicting a UT win.
UTFAN1993 writes:
What is going to be the standard for the next coach at UT, at least one eastern div title within 2 years, a conference title within 3 yrs, and a national championship within 4 years, followed by another one within 4 more yrs? From this weeks posts, this seems to be the expected norm rather than what is hoped for.What are your expectations from a new coach, probably making $2.5 to $3 million/yr, that will inherit a full stable of top 10 talent, one of the largest packed stadiums in the nation,(which is going thru a massive remodel),top facilities and financial backing,and a massive fan base?
RemembertheAlamo writes:
To Nicksjuzunk........have you not heard of satellite reception.....or sling box......with a sling box in the US at a friends house that has highspeed internet then you could watch US programs on your laptop or computer anywhere in the world. Malaysia is in the World, correct? There are several other options, you will just have to research the many possibilies......GO Vols
john#208876 writes:
1993, Good luck making a list of candidates whose resume fits that job desription! There are no guarantees in coaching hires, look at ND. Thats why you have an AD who has to do the research and get the best guy he can find. Foley got lucky w/ Meyer but if you add in Zook he is 1 out of 2. Richt came in hot now he's catching heat. Tubberville has been from the outhouse to the penthouse and back to the outhouse again in 4 years. Who knows if Saban can recreate the success he had at LSU, and even if he does will he stick around. I have appreciated what Fulmer has done with the UT program but every day you coach in the SEC you are one day closer to the door. Whatever happens, it will be painful for all until the Vols get back on track (hopefully that's sooner than later). One thing is for sure, no amount of winning is ever enough for all the fans.
objk1#231846 writes:
Here is my list of the candidates:
1. Spurrier
2. Spurrier
3. Spurrier
Ten years ago I hated the guy. Now, I just want to win.
BornaVolDieaVol writes:
"I don't know what has happened for us this season because through spring, summer and in practice, we've been able to make those plays downfield."... what does that say about our defensive secondary???
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