Haywood Harris interview of coach Phillip Fulmer before Saturday’s game at South Carolina.
1. Tell about defensive star Eric Berry's debut as a kick returner and wide receiver in last Saturday's Alabama game.
A - "Eric is a tremendous football player who gave an encouraging performance against Alabama as far as being useful in areas other than on defense. There are still other things in the Eric Berry package that can be useful to us as we get ready for the stretch run of the 2008 Southeastern Conference season."
2. Are there other Tennessee players who, like Berry, could contribute on both sides of the football?
A - "There are probably others who could help similarly, but we don't plan to play them along that line right now. But we are looking forward to having Gerald Jones back with the offense this Saturday against South Carolina."
3. How has the inability to convert scoring chances this year limited the Vols' overall efficiency?
A - "That's a very serious problem with us. We have had many golden opportunities to put points on the scoreboard, but we are not converting those opportunities into scores. That is hurting us, in that we often have to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. And even then, we aren't having the success we were hoping for. So doing a better job of scoring when we get into opponents' territory is certainly a high priority for us."
4. What has been the key to Tennessee's string of success against South Carolina, including games at Columbia?
A - "Any time you play a Southeastern Conference team, you know you are in for a real battle. South Carolina games have consistently come down to just a few plays deciding the outcome. Tennessee has been fortunate over the years, but we know we are in for a fight Saturday night at Columbia with a well-balanced Gamecock team."
5. Who are the players the Vols need to key on Saturday night to have success against South Carolina?
A - "On defense South Carolina is loaded with good players in all areas. We will have to play much better if we are going to be successful in this game offensively. The Gamecocks have impressive and talented skill players. They use a couple of guys at quarterback, both of whom are quite capable of leading their offense."
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Comments » 78
TENACVOL writes:
blah blah blah...
TommyJack writes:
what tnenacvol said
auttat writes:
Wow! Not a single question asked that a fan would actually care about. Didn't even read his answers
SemperVol writes:
I took a whiz in a urinal next to Fulmer one time in Gibbs hall. I got more out of that conversation than this.
(He's a triple shaker by the way)
Greyback_Vol writes:
Semper-
Could have done without that lovely piece of info....
SemperVol writes:
Apologies.
Just thought somebody would appreciate having gotten the slightest little jiggle of information (no pun intended).
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Stretch run of the Southeastern Conference season??????
What the deuce??? UMMMMM ya think not putting points on the board hurts us.....good goobity goo.....Its like he thinks there are 10 more games left and he could go 13-5. WOW..totally amazes me with the lack of fire and utter awareness of his surroundings.
auttat writes:
Semper, you got a laugh out of me!
airvols#371403 writes:
I over Phil, can we talk about the ice melting or somthing more interesting than Tennessee Football.
HeckuvaStandpoint writes:
Nice Softballs Haywood
Play Bingo instead of Softball, FULMER BINGO
http://www.fulmerbingo.com/
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
Sure ...go to icemelting.com......this is where the Vols Vent.....sorry...hot topic is Inept Phil and the lost 11
Pullingguard writes:
This was a stupid interview... Wonder who came up with that list of questions...
GoVol writes:
Those questions are about as tough as Phil can handle! This weekly Q&A is a waste....just like Fulmer!
silvertr6 writes:
I look forward to the day when I come to this web site and see that Fulmer has resigned or has been replaced. Until that time, I will just keep checking. Too bad it did not happen today.
hotrodvol writes:
What the heck was that, give us something coach.
cainclifton23 writes:
Id love to have Mike Singletary,
After what he did to Vernon Davis.. He would do wonders here.
westennvol writes:
Pathetic..... blah blah blah..... same ole garbage. Keep making excuses lard-butt. He needs to get some new excuses if he wants to remain head coach. It's not even amusing anymore... just sad. One day when i'm like 40 or something, we will get a coach in his prime, not over the hill. Until then, keep dreaming about winning again.
GreerVol22 writes:
I still have those 50 yard line USC tickets to trade for Cheerios coupons...any takers???
mattlock writes:
WTF is the stretch run of the Southeastern Conference?!?! We are 1-4 with 3 games left, we don't get a "stretch run" if we're not in the freaking race. What a boob...
tnpterodactyl writes:
Me five.
Also...
Here's a question they asked but didn't list:
"Coach Fulmer. In that this is an SEC game do you expect that first down will still be important?"
Coach: "Yes. You know anytime you play and SEC opponent you ghave to rememeber that first down is always first and therefore you want to really focus on it."
volfan1971 writes:
DITTO!!! more of the same nothingness!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
He must be having flashbacks to the days of Tee Martin and receivers who could seperate and catch the ball.
And of lines that could block and the John Hendersons and their ilk.
Blowin' in the wind...
Colliervol writes:
Reported just now on local Memphis radio and the host said they are "trying to confirm the information" that Phil has been told that he will not be retained. Just a matter of time now.
mdvol writes:
Rumors are exploding right now. But that's what they are....just rumors. Should make for an intersting Vol Calls tonight. Wouldn't be surprised if Fulmer blew it off.
Doobz15 writes:
Same pathetic anwers from a pathetic coach.
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
Please ask CFP some real questions. Feel free to use these if you wish.
Q) After the UCLA debacle, you claimed that you were going to "work like heck" to fix the problems. Do you now think that you need to "work like double heck" since "working like heck" hasn't worked?
Q) Why do you act defiant towards fans/media when you consistently underacheive at your job?
Q) Now that you've taken 10+ million dollars from the University, how do you plan on spending all that money after you resign?
Q) Speaking of resigning, how much more money do you need to get paid before you quit?
Q) What does "dad gum" mean anyway?
Colliervol writes:
Reminds me of the punch line to an old joke:
"I don't believe I'd have told that."
hallsguy writes:
Having Heywood ask Phil questions about football is about the same as having Vickie ask her husband.Nothing but softballs.This is a waste of time,its not even journalism.
Does Laura Bush sit in the White House press room and lob questions at W?
gohawks1 writes:
....as we get ready for the stretch run of the 2008 Southeastern Conference season."
What the...? We're 0-4 in the SEC. Maybe he's pacing himself for the stretch.
budd#207344 writes:
very,very funny & creative
GreerVol22 writes:
5 million for Cower.....final offer.
GerryOP writes:
Vapid pap .....
GerryOP writes:
Sorry, Greer, did not mean to reply to your post. Old age kind of sucks.... I'll contribute $10 to your Bill Cowher fund!
12packvolfan writes:
I totally agree!!!!!!!!!!!!
hotrodvol writes:
I got a 20!!!
volsfan74 writes:
"The stretch run" was he trying to avoid the word "final" which hopefully would work well with "Coach Phil how does it feel to be coaching your final game"? GreerVol22 I'm with you Bill Cowher, and don't think for one minute that it's impossible, we could. If not lets go after Muschamp before someone else does! I thought Clemson would take a run at Muschamp but from ll I hear he is still open game. 1). Cowher
2). Muschamp
3). Anubody but Fulmer
Colliervol writes:
Oh I think Bill Cowher would be interesting. I just don't know why he'd do it given that he could have his pick of about 10 pro jobs anytime he wants. Most pro coaches don't come back to college unless they've failed in the pros- Pete Carroll, Steve Spurrier, Rick Pitino, John Calipari. The list goes on and on.
I wouldn't mind Muschamp if we get a top flight offensive coordinator to come with him. I'm not sure we know if Clawson is any good or not but I don't think there will be a chance for us to find out. A new coach is probably bringing his own in.
volsfan74 writes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Cowher
above is a link on Cowher scroll to coaching career and see what he did in 15 seasons with the Steelers, he is one of 6 coaches in NFL history to claim 7 or more divison titles. I don't know about the rest of the the vols fans out there but I will take 7 SEC championships in 15 years, one every other year is not to shabby! Plus his disclipine and no B.S. would be great for our program. VolnDothan don't misunderstand I could not stand the steelers but they were good!
TommyJack writes:
Semper: Did you guys shake hands? lol
TommyJack writes:
Gerry: Isn't that a medical procedure? lol
utkell65 writes:
Be careful what you wish for with number 3, Tyrone Willingham is looking for a job now.
gillblog writes:
Its impossible for me to believe either man would completely waste his time doing such an insipid interview.
Therefore, I am forced to conclude neither of them did and the whole thing was made up as a part of a sports sketch on an upcoming SNL. ("How to make $2mil without really trying")
Couchdummy writes:
TJ, I think you are right. Believe they are performing on Travis Henry as part of his planned parenthood therapy.
spvol writes:
Sounds like you were watching pretty intently. Anything you want to announce?
volsfan74 writes:
Good point, which leads me to my next tantrum, Clemson fires Bowden, Washington boots Willingham, the next College football headline will read something like this, " Mike Hamilton annouces today a 5 year $20 million extention for Coach Fulmer"! In all seriousness Mr. Hamilton take a good look at your fellow A.D.'s their making decisions that are best for the program, do the same before we are completely in the dumper, thank Fulmer for his service and send him packing...
conr1976 writes:
I'm a couple states away. What're the news channels and radio stations saying back home?
gohawks1 writes:
Q. You've been totally embarrassed by your biggest rivals recently. How do you respond to those critics who think the Vols should be consistently competitive in the upper echelon of college teams?
A. Yeah, but we beat NIU, MSU, and UAB. We're dominating the bottom feeders. We're trying to schedule games with the Seattle Sea Anemones, the Cleveland Crayfish, and the Boston Bristleworms too, because I think we'd have a chance to beat them. That must count for something.... a one-year extension, maybe?
thevoice writes:
The Q & A not shared with us:
Q: Coach, I know you're workin' like heck in practice, but can you give us any hope for a competitive offense for these remaining games?
A: Umm, what do YOU think (in a defensive tone)? Look at our tremendous track record. We ALWAYS come strong when our back's to the wall. Stay the course Haywood, stay the course. That's what we'll do. And we're happy with our new charts. We'll get 'em laminated if we have to because we're going to do whatever it takes to gets this offense turned around.
Q: But coach, you're backs have been to the wall since the UCLA embarrassment, remember? Where's the progress?
A: Well, that just wasn't us. Not who we are.
Q: But coach, that WAS your team out there that day. Okay coach, how about a different question... what do you feel is the most critical need on this football team?
A: Need? Hmmm, hmmm. I think I need a better headset. I can't hear the calls from upstairs. Never have any idea what play's going to be run. I've always wondered why I don't hear much from Dave. Always thought it was something personal.
Q: Uh huh. Okay last question coach... what is your most significant asset to this team? Leadership? Experience? Maturity? What is it?
A: Well, in the '98/'99 season we won the National Championship. Isn't that enough? My job's done, right?
GerryOP writes:
Ummmm, no, I don't think so ... unless of course ... someone recommended the procedure for you! Did it hurt? ;>}
rckymtngator writes:
After reading this and watching Saturdays night debacle against Alabama, I hope you guys have a new coach in 2009.
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