This loss to Spurrier might be toughest

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Phillip Fulmer knows all about tough losses to Steve Spurrier but this one may soon prove to top the list.

Fans had barely filed out of Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday night when Fulmer was questioned about his job security following a 27-6 loss to South Carolina, UT's sixth loss of the season.

During post-game interviews, Fulmer was asked what he would tell UT fans who have watched their team get beat soundly in four SEC games this season.

"I think you've probably said about all that needs to be said," Fulmer said to the reporter. "I don't have to say too much actually. Obviously, I'm disappointed.

"I certainly feel like with time we'll be back on track."

Time doesn't appear to be on Fulmer's side. Multiple media outlets, including The New Sentinel, have reported that Fulmer wouldn't be retained if the Vols lost six games. The Vols are 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the SEC.

UT's record, however, doesn't fully illustrate just how bad the Vols have been. UT has been outscored 126-47 in its five SEC losses this season.

With only one road game left (at Vanderbilt), the Vols are also in danger of becoming the first team to go winless on the road in a season since 1977.

Fulmer was optimistic that he could turn UT's football program around if given the chance.

"Sure," he said. "I've never had back-to-back losing seasons since I've been here.

"Usually when we had a bad one, we followed it with a darn good one, the once that it's happened in 17 years."

Fulmer's lone losing season came in 2005. The Vols followed up that season with a 9-4 record and played in the Outback Bowl.

A winning season in 2008 is still not out of the question.

With three regular season games left, there's still an opportunity for Fulmer's Vols to become bowl eligible, notch a bowl win and salvage a 7-6 record.

There's also the possibility that things could get much worse.

Vanderbilt and Kentucky have both been ranked this season and Wyoming, whom UT plays next week, is coming off a 35-10 win over San Diego State.

Speculation concerning Fulmer's job security is sure to continue over the last month of the season.

UT AD Mike Hamilton declined to comment as he left the stadium.

"I think Phillip deserves some respect tonight," Hamilton said.

In an interview with the News Sentinel last month, Hamilton said, "Our goal is not to be a .500 ball club."

Unfortunately for Fulmer, with a championship run a decade in the past, that may be UT's lone goal remaining.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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