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UT coach Phillip Fulmer will coach the final game of his career here tonight.
Meanwhile, former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin will likely be formally introduced next week as UT's new coach.
But with all the looking ahead and looking back, Fulmer wants his players to remain focused on the present.
And that's a 6:30 p.m. kickoff against Kentucky in Neyland Stadium (TV: ESPN2).
"We've had a good week of preparation, and that's exactly what I want our guys' minds on," Fulmer said following Friday's walk-through practice, which many friends and former players attended. "I talked to them before the walk-through about how important it was to the seniors and everyone concerned they prepared well. There's nothing really left to do but go and play well."
Tennessee (4-7, 2-5 SEC) hopes to build on last week's 20-10 victory over Vanderbilt.
And, at least offensively, Kentucky (6-5, 2-5) presents a similar challenge as Vanderbilt.
True freshman and former Alcoa High School standout Randall Cobb will test UT's defense with his mobility at quarterback.
The Wildcats run more of an option game than Vanderbilt does, and that could stress the Vols' defensive line.
"When you get into the running game, they're a lot different there because they run so much more option," defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell said. "Even the old trap option, stuff that you used to see years ago. That part of the game is different."
At quarterback, it will likely be more of the same again for Tennessee.
Junior Jonathan Crompton will likely start his second consecutive game. Last week against the Commodores, his only pass was an interception.
Thanks to some defensive help, the Vols were able to build a 20-0 lead against the Commodores and seal the win by running the ball.
Offensive line coach Greg Adkins said his players gained some confidence after paving the way for 222 rushing yards against the Commodores.
"We went in at the half and said, 'Let's see how many times we can run it,' " Adkins said. "Fortunately we were able to do enough in the second half running the football to keep it away from them enough. That's always gratifying when the other team knows you're going to run it and you still make some yards."
To get past Kentucky and avoid the first eight-loss season in program history, the Vols will need another successful day on the ground.
Tailback Arian Foster, one of 25 UT seniors who will play their last game tonight, remains 174 yards shy of becoming Tennessee's all-time leading rusher.
While that record seems out of reach, there's another goal that Fulmer wants to make sure his team accomplishes.
"We had our week of mourning a few weeks back," Fulmer said. "I was so thrilled as to how they came back after the open date and played so well against Vanderbilt and really want us to do that tomorrow and end this thing with a 'W'.
"I want 'em to go play football and have fun. We will do that."
Enjoy It: Fulmer said Friday that he would do his best to enjoy the game.
"I'm not going to be bitter and, as much as I can, sad about that. I want to enjoy the players, the teammates, this team, everybody concerned," Fulmer said. "As I told them, there are seasons in life and some things change. That's just life.
"What better example can I be for them to show them that way. I'm a long way from the winter of my life. I've got a long life left to live. I'm going to live it and enjoy it and pull for these guys and go on about my business as well."
Rare Night: According to UT's sports information department, the game will be the third November night game at Neyland Stadium in UT history.
UT lost to Ole Miss 13-10 on Nov. 12, 1983. After the upset, which cost UT a Cotton Bowl bid, UT vowed never to play another November night game at home, according to sports information director Bud Ford.
The Vols made an exception for television on Nov. 10, 1990, and lost to Notre Dame 34-29
UT's sport information department defines a night game as any game that kicks off at 6 p.m. or later.
Dave Hooker contributed to this report.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 21
MANVOL writes:
We have new coach guys don't lose the winning streak. GO VOLS!
Triton1 writes:
just win!
tnbigg writes:
Just win - agree...
MANVOL writes:
"Just Win Baby" in honor of Al Davis
DennisVols writes:
When one door closes another one opens. Go out with style Vols and keep this streak alive.
hotrodvol writes:
Pound the rock, no passes. Now that would be different.
Can Crompton at least hand off, without fumbling?
Can someone unplug Clawsen's headset?
montanavolfan writes:
Pound the rock, handoff up the middle its Foster with the ball. F-U-M-BLE, Kentucky ball.
calvolfromkingsport writes:
Class act to the end, coach. Most of the time, fairy tale finishes are left for the authors of children's stories. I wish you well and much sucess in you and your families future plans. Your teams of the past have given me much pleasure, especially that chilly nite in Tempe. For once,that nite, as a longtime faithful Vol fb supporter, raising my index finger meant something ultimately special! Thank you, coach.
volmaniac writes:
Thanks Coach Fulmer for all you have contributed to the University and the Big Orange program. I wish you the best in your future endeavors!
Bufforange00 writes:
Fulmer will always be all vol. we love you coach.
Win one for the gipper guys!
The_Mayor writes:
I was in Tempe this past weekend. I had time to sit outside Sun Devil stadium Monday morning and reminisce about the magical night that I witnessed in that very spot 10 years ago. Grinned for a brief second and thanked CPF under my breath as I walked away.
volsbandit writes:
he's only got more more game, then ogre will be in his seat.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
I'm still lost on the logic of firing a proven winner with a near 75% winning % and hiring a 33 year old nobody with nothing to show. I wish Kiffen well and hope nothing but success for the program but honestly, he's like the Paris Hilton of the football world. He's hasn't done anything to show how good of a coach he is.
I'm not completely faulting him for Oakland but his 2 years at USC are not exactly what I would deem worthy of heading up an SEC program. One year was with Bush, Lienhart and a host of NFL players using Norm Chow's playbook. The next saw a major dip in offensive production ending with a 12-9 upset by UCLA.
The change may have been needed at TN but a PROVEN winner needed to be brought in.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Why isn't there an article up about the defening NC losing their 5th game this season. I give Les Miles two more years before LSU is back to pre Saban days (albeit with still with a boat load of talent) and Les Miles is wishing he had left for MICH while his stock was high.
kimann248#353608 writes:
I love you Coach Phillip Fulmer! No one will ever love coaching Tennessee football like you did! I'm really going to miss you!
jmwvol#233727 writes:
Thank you for being the first person to confirm what I recalled: 1990 ND was an afternoon CBS game. Bad journalism, not hard to confirm facts.
doegem writes:
"We had our week of mourning a few weeks back," Fulmer said.
Geez, Louise, Phil, cry me a river. One more self-centered remark from a man who has never had a job in the real world -- try working in the auto industry, Phil -- and I don't mean in the UAW. Try looking for work with a 6-week severance package instead of $6 mil -- just go away Phil.
MidTennVol writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
shipperman#280095 writes:
Does the truth hurt Fulmer man? Waaaaah...The man said nothing that wasn't true. Foolmore is acting if the world has done him wrong, what about the way he left us with nothing. Pizz on him
shipperman#280095 writes:
These football players couldnt beat Wyoming. I doubt us big country boys would have too much problem
MidTennVol writes:
I hope you're sitting on the other side of me.
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