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Coaches Chavis and Fulmer talk about the impressive 23-game winning streak against Kentucky. The 2008 game against Kentucky marks Phillip Fulmer's last game as head coach for the University of Tennessee football team. Watch »
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UT defensive coordinator, John Chavis, reflects on his career as a coach for the Vols. He talks about his coaching staff, the "keep it real" philosophy with players and what these last few days with the program mean. Watch »
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UT offensive coordinator, Dave Clawson, talks about the struggles with the offensive line this year and the quarterback issue -- all dating back to this Spring. Watch »
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Coach Fulmer talks about the Kentucky matchup and Coach Chavis talks about seeing UT's former offensive coordinator, Randy Sanders, again. Sanders is now the quarterback coach for the University of Kentucky. Watch »
Tennessee will host more than 150 of coach Phillip Fulmer's former teammates, players and their guests at Saturday's game against Kentucky (TV: ESPN2, 6:3O p.m.)
The game has been dubbed "Phillip Fulmer Day" and will be Fulmer's last as UT's head coach.
The guests have been invited for Friday's walk-through practice at Neyland Stadium and will have an opportunity to greet Fulmer on Saturday before the Vol Walk at 4:30.
Fulmer will be accompanied by his family on the Vol Walk and a walk through the pre-game 'T' following Senior Day introductions.
Several video tributes to Fulmer will run throughout the game.
Quarterback Quandary: Fulmer declined to name a starting quarterback on Tuesday and offered no hints as to when he might make an announcement.
Junior Jonathan Crompton and redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman both played for UT last week against Vanderbilt. The Vols also played safety Eric Berry and receiver Gerald Jones in UT's G-Gun package.
"It's confusing," offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said of playing that many quarterbacks. "It's a challenge to call plays."
Football Future: Clawson said he's not sure what type of job he'll pursue after this season is complete.
"I've enjoyed being a head coach and I've enjoyed being a coordinator," said Clawson, who was Richmond's head coach last season before coming to UT. "I'd have enjoyed it a lot more if we scored more points."
Clawson said he never wanted to be a coach who moved too often from job to job.
"I never wanted to be one of those coaches that after 30 years you look at their resume and there are 15 different schools," Clawson said.
Clawson said he thought UT's football program was more stable when he accepted the job in January.
"I thought going into it that it was more stable than it is," Clawson said. "I think most people did to, but we didn't play well.
"Whenever you don't play well and you don't perform well, certainly as coaches we're responsible for that. When you do that, this can happen."
Ascending Arian: With 173 yards to go, it's unlikely that senior tailback Arian Foster will surpass Travis Henry's school record of 3,078 rushing yards.
"I'm very surprised," Fulmer said of Foster not reaching the mark. "That was one of those things that you really wanted to happen for Arian because he's done such a good job since he's been here."
The Vols are only averaging 115 yards per game (96th in the nation) and Foster usually splits carries with UT's other tailbacks.
"It would take a lot to get it," Fulmer said of the record.
Foster was hampered for much of the past month with a bruised quadriceps and missed the Wyoming game. Fulmer said Foster was 85 to 90 percent going into last Saturday's game against Vanderbilt and is expected to be close to full health this week.
Claw Marks: Clawson said UT's offensive line played one of its best games of the season last week against a "pretty good defense".
He was also complimentary of backup tailback Lennon Creer.
"Lennon Creer is going to be a really special player here," Clawson said.
Clawson said the sophomore isn't just a scat back and that he will run between the tackles.
He said Creer's improvement came from more practice time following injuries to Foster and Montario Hardesty.
"He knew what he was doing," Clawson said of Creer's game last week against Vandy. "He played with confidence. He made assertive cuts. He's a good player.
"He's a guy - whether it's next year or the year after that - I think he will become one of the best running backs in the SEC. He's got great upside."
Chavis' Call: If defensive coordinator John Chavis had a Heisman vote, safety Eric Berry would get it.
"He has that impact on a football team," Chavis said. "I don't think that very many players around the country - if he has the kind of year next year that he's had this year - will have the same kind of impact on their football team's success that Eric Berry can."
Car Troubles: Chavis quipped to a reporter that he would be looking for a new ride once he returns the car provided by UT.
"In a few days I probably won't have any," Chavis said. "You got one you need to sell. I'm in the market."
Open To Open Dates: Fulmer downplayed any advantage Kentucky may gain by having an open date last week.
"Open dates can be a blessing or a curse depending on how you're playing and how healthy you are," he said.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 42
Alumni_06 writes:
HE WILL BE MISSED
trivol writes:
Go vols! Beat KY!
utvolz#637682 writes:
Chief,
I've got a F-150 I'd be willing to make you a deal on, but with your employment uncertainty, I'm not prepared to "tote the note!"
Honestly, I hope the new HFC retains you as our DC.
BillsBrother writes:
That's a lot of additional hoopla this week. Will it be a distraction or inspiration?
utvolz#637682 writes:
And why do I now have all these random numbers following my original "UTVOLZ" screen name?
pms151 writes:
Clawson is not responsible for this phooey. He should not be blamed. Mike Hamilton is the idiot here along with his donor cronies. You hire a new OC you know things need time. If you have a clue.
bohica writes:
I wish someone would throw me a party if I got fired.
rubbervol writes:
Chavis is king of defences.
utvolz#637682 writes:
Yep, she's the pre-game cocktail hostess Friday night! Heard she's gonna have some killer hot wings!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Enjoy yourself, Phil and if you find time, beat Ky.
Sidewinder writes:
Considering the team got all emotional and lost to Wyoming(The Powerhouse of the Mountain West). I think we are in trouble.
jobrando#216494 writes:
My thoughts are with Clawson and not the 6 Million Dollar Man.
txvolsfan writes:
You're on the LIST!!!
utvolz#637682 writes:
Yet more Homeland Security phooey I assume?
Next thing you know I'll have to take off my shoes while checking in for a flight! :-)
DennisVols writes:
From ESPN:
Chris Low: I've thought since Tennessee fired Phillip Fulmer that Lane Kiffin was at or near the top of Tennessee's list. I still believe that, although it would be premature to call it a done deal. Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton and his search party are still out talking to people. In fact, they're on the road today. What I know to be fact is that Kiffin has already started talking to people about coming with him to Tennessee. One of those people is former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, now an assistant with the New Orleans Saints. Orgeron was a recruiting whiz at Ole Miss, and he worked with Kiffin on the Southern California staff earlier this decade. I could see Orgeron coming as either a defensive coordinator, associate head coach and/or recruiting coordinator. I think the Vols will have their coach named by the middle of December. The other names to keep an eye on are Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, Texas Tech's Mike Leach and Air Force's Troy Calhoun. I think the Vols have also talked with Minnesota's Tim Brewster. But I've thought from the beginning that the final decision would come down to Kelly or Kiffin.
BigMix writes:
First Coach Fulmer, now this. At least we are still going to have the south all to ourselves.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,4...
fredricks writes:
Man, I hope Kiffin retains Chavis.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Who is Chavez? On another note, Chavis is a keeper in my opinion. Welcome Coach kiffin
shipperman#280095 writes:
Coach Fulmer, you had a good run, but all things eventually come to an end. Change was definately overdue in this case. I wish Coach Fulmer the best wherever life takes him.
LeftCoastVol writes:
pms, I wholeheartedly disagree. I'm not saying Clawson is the only one to blame but he has been a major contributor to our downfall. We returned ten offensive starters and yet our offense is as bad as I can ever remember it. Underdeveloped quarterbacks, horrific line play, and atrocious play calling all fall at the feet of Clawson. Yeah I know Coach Fulmer is ultimately the one responsible but I personally believe hiring Clawson was one of the worst decisions he ever made. We should have been able to draw up plays in the dirt(ie-run to the Volkwagen, turn around, and I'll hit you) against Wyoming and yet we still couldn't move the ball. Most, but not all of the blame for this season falls on Clawson. GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!
shipperman#280095 writes:
I have to yank a chain once in a while Rich. And I agree totally with you. i would like to see Chief stay
ThurmondEppy writes:
Just curious...why do you continually refer to yourself in the second and third person?
ncvol17 writes:
I hope Ed O doesn't end up at UT.I never liked his personality on the Ole Miss HC show. If it is Kiffen, good luck.. sign up & start recruiting hard...
tnbigg writes:
All things aside at this moment in time...I agree with you pdhuff my good man...I said things I've said...I've felt how I've felt...but until after Saturday...its Phils party...he deserves to enjoy it...peace Phil...have a great time and make this celebration your real final memory of the last years...nobody can diminish your National Championship...nobody can diminish the incredible talent we've watched under the early years...Gob Bless you and your family and fare well...This is T E N N E S S E E...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYSeKm...
blitzshoot writes:
If you are the new coach and you are not coaching Saturday,do you go to the game?
I do hope the Vols win and it turns out to be a good day for UT's coach. But this season needs to end and it will Saturday.
xvolx writes:
do they get free hotdogs.
xvolx writes:
Is that a conehead joke?
mike2ray#532619 writes:
Let us Vols fans honor this man the way he deserves. There should be nothing but praise and thanks for his many dedicated years of service. He was and is a true Vol to the core. I hate the way this has gone. But, it's over now and the time has come to simply honor him. Let's beat the ever-loving phooey out of Kentucky! GO VOLS!!!
ZR writes:
I has a car Chavis. How about an old MUSTANG? It has a lot of holes right down the middle of the chassis and the wheels are all loose. When asked the dealer told me the wheels were up there tight on the car. He said they were not loose, but I can see them.
It burn more gas than a regular car, but it is supposed to get you where you are going faster to prevent you from being in a wreck.
Body is damaged from a couple accidents, too.
bamacheats writes:
Clawson said he thought UT's football program was more stable when he accepted the job in January.
"I thought going into it that it was more stable than it is," Clawson said. "I think most people did to, but we didn't play well.
That is what seperates real success from the pretenders. Real success comes from always working as if your job is on the line.
In Forbes annual list of the richest people in the world, have you ever seen an obese guy?
bloodrunsorange writes:
How many of Forbes annual list of the richest people played in the line in the SEC? Maybe it's all about money to you but it's still about pride, tradition, class, and working with young people to me. If not Gruden, Kiffin is the man. The rest were to sell newspapers. I hope Giffin has longer than Clausen had this year.
Couchdummy writes:
Good question about the numbers after the screen names. Why do some have them and others not? Are they like prison numbers?
Couchdummy writes:
Ha!! Very funny!!!
txsvol#372416 writes:
Yeah, she's starring in the 'Old Dames Gone Wild' video! SAVol
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True.
Dupree told me that Chavis was going to take some time off for the twins.
Two days and a partial and it will still be the U of Tenn Volunteers.
Just in a new direction out of the SEC basement.
rabidvolfan writes:
Phil, Isn't Kharma a female dog, you shouldn't have done Majors that way.
TommyJack writes:
The Chavis that called the D in the UCLA game?
twovols#669523 writes:
Those who choose to belittle and/or make snide remarks regarding Fulmer lower themselves immensely. He has given the majority of his life to making Tennessee better--and has done so with class ( you belitters could take a lesson from that ). Everyone makes mistakes. But his departure should be marked with " thanks for a job well done and God speed ",not vitriol.
volboy81 writes:
I still dont see any reason Lane Kiffin has any business in the running for UT head football coach? Can any of you Kiffin lovers fill me in???
utmdm writes:
Must be the KNS equivalent of the Mark of the Beast.
wlvol writes:
Didn't phil get fired? I know the "unforced resignation" is a losuy coverup so why is everyone treating him like a king now? What's he done the last 10-15 years, (other than the fluke 98')? Now he is revered as a wonderful, fabulous coach who should just stay on!! People, wake up. He is not leaving broke. Let's see who will hire this tremendous leader and coach next year!!! How about the NFL, too. His tremendous leadership should fit right in and his play calling makes the Titans offense look exotic.
tripsavol3#650322 writes:
idiot
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