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Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer celebrates after Daniel Lincoln kicks a field goal against Vanderbilt last season.
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Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer celebrates after Daniel Lincoln kicks a field goal against Vanderbilt last season.
Vols at-a-glance
- Coach: Phillip Fulmer (17th season)
- Record at school: 147-45-0 Record last year: 10-4 Returning starters: 8 offense, defense 6
- Outlook: Tennessee has plenty of experience back on offense, but the Vols must break in first-year starter Jonathan Crompton at quarterback and two new starters at linebacker. The Vols need a special run to knock off Florida and Georgia in the East.
GVX Audio
- Dave Hooker and Mike Strange interview Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer on the News Sentinel's radio show, The Sports Page
- Dave Hooker and Mike Strange interview Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers on the News Sentinel's radio show, The Sports Page
- Dave Hooker interviews Tennessee running back Arian Foster on the News Sentinel's radio show, The Sports Page
- Dave Hooker interviews Georgia coach Mark Richt about preseason expectations, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow
- Dave Hooker interviews Georgia receiver Mohamed Massaquoi about media days and quarterback Matthew Stafford
- **Editor's Note - All UT interviews were performed before news broke of a subpoena that was reportedly served to coach Phillip Fulmer**
HOOVER, Ala. - Two days' worth of talk at SEC Media Days hasn't produced much buzz about Tennessee.
Unless, of course, the topic is subpoenas.
But despite news of UT coach Phillip Fulmer's call to testify in a former Alabama booster's defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, the topic in Hoover is football.
And, on the field at least, the Vols figure to start the season flying under the radar.
East division rivals Georgia and Florida are both serious contenders for the national title, not just the SEC title. In the SEC West, Auburn and LSU both have plenty of talent to compete as well.
So far this week, the Vols have found themselves in the second-tier of conversation.
But a little preseason anonymity doesn't bother defensive end Robert Ayers.
"Those teams that are getting a lot of the hype, they deserve it," Ayers said Thursday. "Teams like Georgia and Florida, they're what makes the SEC a good conference."
Coming off a 10-win season in which they won the SEC East, Tennessee is hoping to be back in the championship discussion this season.
And, despite breaking in a new quarterback - junior Jonathan Crompton replaces Erik Ainge - and lingering questions about its defensive line, Tennessee has plenty of talent to do it.
For starters, there's an offensive line that should rank among the nation's best.
There's a plethora of wide receivers led by Lucas Taylor, fresh off a 1,000-yard season in 2007.
The Vols have a secondary that is again among the best in the conference, perhaps even the country.
There's talent, if not experience, at linebacker.
And, of course, tailback Arian Foster is poised to become Tennessee's all-time leading rusher.
"I think Arian has stayed under the radar, has been unappreciated a bit," Fulmer said. "My hope is he stays healthy and takes his game to the next level and becomes the all-time leading rusher in Tennessee history. When you think of all the backs that have been through there, that's quite impressive."
Florida, just two years removed from a national title, and Georgia, fresh off a No. 2 finish, are impressive themselves.
And South Carolina, while still searching for a solution at quarterback, should have one of the best defenses in the conference.
While Tennessee is content with being in the shadows for now, Ayers will make sure his teammates don't forget it, either.
"It's a lot of motivation when people are overlooking you," he said. "It's motivation to want to win. It's something we can use in the locker room, to encourage each other.
"I'm not saying I wouldn't want to be the team with the hype, but either way, you use it as motivation."
When the media's predicted order of finish is released today, Tennessee will likely be third, behind Florida and Georgia in its division.
Fulmer, who reiterated his desire to win another championship again Thursday, doesn't even mind so much.
"I am excited about the fact that you're always looking for ways to motivate your football team any way that you can," Fulmer said. "I appreciate y'all's help picking us third or fourth in the East. (That) has served us pretty well at different times. We'll certainly use that."
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 92
BornNBredAVol writes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTlu4h...
great UT video, The Tennessee 300, i've already posted it before but for those who havent seen it or want to see it again
Vol2Die4nLC writes:
Thanks Bama ! You should not bother a sleeping "Smokey " ! You should take out a warrant for Murder against Osaben... He's just killing time, until he can bolt for "let's say" LA- Monroe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bobbarbilly writes:
No mention of alabama...not much return on the four million dollar investment.
KnoxVol_in_TX writes:
Thanks Drew. Appreciated.
KnoxVol_in_TX writes:
FULMER:
"I'm proud of our 16 years that we've been able to do it. I don't know how many guys are going to do it that long, you know, in the future because of the incredible amount of scrutiny and pressures and those kind of things. But the fact that we've done it right, which I hope continues in this league, you know, that those standards are set to follow the rules and do things right, that APR wise we've done it right. That's the good things that's happening in college football."
Michael1204 writes:
I personally don't care if we're picked third. It means nothing, really. What's the criteria for it? These players are "supposed" to perform this way, execute at this moment, and beat the teams they're supposed to beat. Football's not a scripted affair. That's not how it works.
Georgia can have the #1 conference and possible national #1 projection. With the #1 comes a big fat bulls-eye sitting on your lower back.
I'd rather be underestimated and surprise some people. Actually, I'd like to surprise a lot of people.
HighlanderVol writes:
that the way we like it overlooking us thinks SEC
murrayvol writes:
We've been the team "with the hype" and that didn't work out too well. Give me shadows, an occasional dash of luck, and a boatload of quiet confidence.
Coach Fulmer says Arian "has been unappreciated a bit." I appreciate Arian and I'll appreciate him a lot more if he can look back after 14 games and say "I didn't fumble once."
hueypilot writes:
You can pick all you want to pick. The road to the NC the last couple of years has led through Atlanta around December 1. I'm proud to root for a team in the SEC and hope we're at that game come December. All we, or anybody else gets is a chance.
TommyJack writes:
So how long are we gonna have to hear about Subpoena Gate? Rather hear about football. Sheesh.
MrBamSeydu writes:
YO KAPLAN,
I retract my statement about the site going "downhill". I think I was just a little angry at Adams for his non-UT articles, but in all honesty Govolsextra is the best website for free info on UT sports. So, if you guys drift a little bit off topics I want to read about.... I'll just have to learn to live and let live.
Man, football season needs to hurry up and get here fellas! And just think, now if we end up 8-4 and ho-humming around.... we get an encore with Bruce's boys.
cjraney writes:
Here's a radio interview of Fulmer [and others] today in Birmingham.
http://chrisvernon.blogspot.com/
Bigger_Al writes:
Yeah, but Tuscaloosa John still inhales briskly. I guess Ayers didn't get the chance to chuck him into a dumpster? Give it some time.
BigOrangeVol writes:
The key word in SEC Media Days is "media"! Sorry, I don't rely on 900 jock-sniffers for accurate information on prognostication, team evaluations, measuring coaching abilities or about much of anything for that matter except where to find free food, free tickets and comp'd drinks. The beat writer is still a decent source for info on the team he covers but anything beyond that is just wading in too deep for their abilities. Most columnists are as worthless as their Mass Comm. degrees with the Art History or Film minors. I’d love to see one sit down and take a Wonderlic test in front of their prospective boss or score higher than 1,000 on their SAT’s (using the 1,600 scale)!
In '85 we were unranked going into the game with #10 UCLA then beat #1 Auburn to go 2-0 and were still only ranked 16th by the media?
They ranked us #10 in '86 and we went 7-5 ending unranked.
In '89 we were unranked and finished 11-1 with a final ranking of #5.
We started '98 ranked 10th by the media.
In 2002 the media ranked us #4 pre-season; we finished 8-5 and unranked.
2005 we began at #3 and ended unranked with a 5-6 tally.
Here are their picks from 2007:
Championship Game Winner
1. LSU
2. Florida (didn't make it)
3. Arkansas (didn't make it)
4. Auburn (didn't make it)
5. (tie) Alabama (didn't make it) and South Carolina (didn't make it)
7. (tie) Tennessee and Georgia (didn't make it)
SEC East
1. Florida (3rd) 9-4
2. Tennessee (1st) 10-4
3. Georgia (2nd) 11-2
4. South Carolina
5. Kentucky
6. Vanderbilt (went waaaay out on a limb)
SEC West
1. LSU (such a tough call)
2. Auburn
3. Arkansas
4. Alabama (5th) 7-6
5. Ole Miss (6th) 3-9
6. Miss. St. (4th) 8-5
JV writes:
I completely agree about Arian Foster being under the radar. He's a lot more physical than people think, and he will be devastating if we start pushing the run. On a side note, I had a class with him this summer, and while he isn't the smartest guy around, he seems very passionate about what he does and isn't afraid of difficult situations (like an upper-level Philosophy class).
I can't wait for football season, I love putting down my cousins at Big 12 and Big 10 schools over Thanksgiving.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
I've pretty much tired of the media generated media hype all around us. Little to learn from these events. They're just ways of generating content for the excessive amounts of TV, radio, newspaper and Internet sites. I don't follow more than 5 minutes of the two weeks and 10 hours of pre Superbowl hype which this is just a small emulation of.
I'm happy Tennessee is in the shadows...it will be a better story if we come storming out and beat Florida and take early control of the East. This should be a thrilling year in the SEC and there'll be some bumps in the road for most of the teams.
gatorinknox writes:
I agree with TommyJack on his post would rather hear about football!
Does any one know if any coach ever beaten Fulmer the first 4 times?
mparker writes:
I could almost feel sorry for Bama. Two games this year where the Vols will knock some teeth out: Florida and Bama.
the coaches won't even mention winning: it will all be about 'pride' and 'manning up'.
as for bama, they are going to get HIT. will be a big day for the personal foul penalties.
VOLstuckINky writes:
No tebag articles today mcrim.
kindest f you's
b_neas writes:
As we all know, this team has the talent to make a serious run. It will all depend on finding strong leaders and developing a good chemistry. I think Crompton has Tee like leadership skills, i just hope EB or someone else can have Al like leadership skills on defense. Looking forward to a strong season. GO VOLS!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Well, Phil didn't intend to upstage the young men with him. Some reason, he is a lightning rod. I guess a $39,000 per week, that comes with the territory.
Lets hear something, anything about the Bruins. remember them?
99gator writes:
sounds like fulmer plans on using the disrespect card.
he said something along the lines of thanking the media for making his job easier to motivate his team......but, i sensed a little bit of thanking the media for motivating himself as well.
he sounded different than normal, like he had a little fire in the belly.
maybe it was the subpeona.
learnron#236127 writes:
I'm a Gator fan and have done the Gator/ Vol matchup in Knoxville since 1996. I believe this could be Fla.'s toughest game this year, it's not easy to win at your place. The media might be overlooking Tenn. I don't think Fla. will. Win or lose it will be a hard fought game. I'm looking forward to college football again and my trip to Knoxville.
learnron#236127 writes:
Mcbrim, I've been attending football Gator football games a long time, graduated from UF, work in Gainesville and have always respected other posters. Until now. No I'm not light in the loafers as my wife and children would attest to. You sir are a tool that gives the Gator Nation a bad name. I'm sorry for fighting with a Gator on a Tenn. board but I felt a response necessary.
Have a nice day.
99gator writes:
john adams must have been the one to vote tenn as the SEC champ.
surprised at the margin which the media selected florida over georgia.
learnron#236127 writes:
Nafslov,I didn't post anything about Tim Tebow or Fla. being overated.I just stated I think Tenn. will be our toughest game. I hope I'm wroung and we win easily but I just don't think so. I think Fla could be scary good and I think Tim will have another great year. It's very easy to have faith during the summer. I can't wait for football to start.
ctownvol writes:
And mcbrim you are the schmuckiest of schmucks. But I have to admit you do amuse me. Like mama always said: To each his own. Right?
ctownvol writes:
Wait mcbrim! I forgot about ol' blah blah blah himself... Nafslov! How did I do that? He's probably a little schmuckier, but I got nothin' but love for both of ya.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
mcbrim, you don't keep anything off balance at Tennessee, we just don't tolerate stupidity very well.
CedarHillVol writes:
I think McBrim is funny...I always look for his (and other Gator fans) posts...since he is always out here maybe he is a closet Vol fan?
TommyJack writes:
DaddyVol, 7:43:
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!! :)
vol4gzus writes:
Fishing for Brim..Mc be careful what bait you throw out! This one was found to be swimming way out of its home base. Now it is in dangerous waters that might see it get hooked by a Tennessee fisherman. Bill Dance or some other happy angler will lure to the hook....goodbye Brim..Mc. Oh btw, if media wants us to be third in their happy poll so be it. Thats why we play the games to really find out. So see ya in September I'll be there with my 83 yr young mom cheering on the VOLS!!
VolGraduate writes:
Did anyone hear Urban Meyer refer to himself in the 3rd person this morning on SportsCenter? What an arrogant pr!ck!!! VolGraduate doesn't like that
ctownvol writes:
Volgrad- I will give him a pass this time since he was vowing revenge against the chihuahuas. Anybody and I mean ANYBODY who promises to get "ugly" with the trembling ankle biters is doin' my heart good.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I've heard Dupree proudly refer to himself as the head DA of Halls Crossroads,
.
Said TDTN appointed him....
VolStuckInOrlando writes:
McBrim, you crack me up. Never leave, we need something to break up the monotony of our nonstop back patting. I would much rather read your posts that put down UT than some "fan" of the Vols who is short on pride.
As for the preseason ranking, I could care less. I honestly think 3rd is spot on with the talent in our division. New QB, new OC, questions on D Line and the usual UT mind numbing lapses in performance (i.e. CAL, UF, BAMA '07), who really knows whats going to happen? I can tell you this much though, I cant wait to get it started.
Vol4gzus, no disrespect to your enthusiastic mom, but give her ticket to a kid who can scream. We have enough of the elderly in the stands, sitting on their hands with headphones on asking me to sit down. We have one of the largest venues in the country....now we need one of the loudest!
TGIF
bobbarbilly writes:
Mcbrim, your moma should have thrown you away and raised the stork.
VolGraduate writes:
also, richt lied during his media day interview. first he said he called urban meyer the day after the ga/uf game last year and apologized for the team being g@y and rushing the field. he told meyer he had no knowledge that it would happen. later in the interview he said he was just trying to get his players motivated and he wouldn't use that tactic again. at least he didn't talk in the third person.
ctown: i personally hate florida more...we seem to have a handle on georgia but florida not so much
VolGraduate writes:
mcbrim: your dad should've shot you over the headboard
VolGraduate writes:
nafslov: you too
vol4gzus writes:
stucknlando think b4 speaking. You did disrespect my mom! She is nonstop enthusiasm and understands the game as she has attended Home games since I was about 5. I'm now 54 so she is more than a casual observer. So next time please keep your advice to yourself. You also forgot that this allows me to spend time with her at a venue she enjoys since only the good Lord knows how much more time I will have with her. So respectfully I decline wasting ticket on a screaming child who might not fully understand all going on around him. Oh and if you continue to stand in front of me and my mom I might remind you the stadium provides seats for our posteriors to sit on. Yes, there is a time for standing as well as a time for sitting. Trust me those around me are used to me cheering till I'm practcally hoarse. I tell you that so I don't get classified as a hand sitter. So lets get ready for them bad boy Bruins! Go VOLS!!!
chucker6 writes:
Good year coming up. Secondary allows more focus on stopping the run, a quarterback who is not a craven coward and won't choke like @ LSU (twice people), and if we can keep hitting folks like we did in the SEC title game and open holes for Foster and company, Rocky Top 2008!
VolGraduate writes:
vol4gzus: your mom is allvol
iwastherein98 writes:
That would suck if he "loose" his place.
VolGraduate writes:
nafslov's a "looser"
iwastherein98 writes:
I bet his girlfriend is "lose"
VolGraduate writes:
nafslov = rev wright
iwastherein98 writes:
I would like to invite everyone to go to www.commercialappeal.com It is the local Memphis paper and Geoff Calkins is the main sports writer. He's an idiot, but might not be as bad as Adams. He wrote an article today trying to act like Fulmer was an out of place idiot in the SEC.
Please blow up the comments and tell him how dumb he is.
Thank you
ctownvol writes:
Volgrad- I hate Florida as well, but having to live here in Georgia and listen to these uga fans.... it's tough. If you don't live around 'em, it's hard to fully comprehend the arrogance, ignorance, and overall obnoxiousness. Is obnoxiousness a word?
TommyJack writes:
iwastherein 98: Excepting the last 5-6 "paragraphs", I think it was a fair article.
The mentor DID mishandle this thing badly.
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