Fulmer says Crompton 'solid'

Asked to evaluate Jonathan Crompton's performance on Saturday, Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer settled on "solid." Streaky might be another word that applies.

Tennessee's starting quarterback was more effective against UAB's defense, which dropped to dead last in Division I's Bowl Subdivision overall after surrendering 548 yards to the Vols in UT's 35-3 victory in Neyland Stadium.

But with No. 4 Florida heading to Knoxville on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.), the Vols will face a much stiffer test, and that means Crompton must be more consistent to give the Vols a shot at winning their SEC opener for the first time since 2004.

"I thought Jonathan made some plays yesterday," Fulmer said during his weekly teleconference Sunday evening. "He's still working at it. Inexperience shows up every now and then. I think a solid game would be the right word."

That was the case at times, especially early.

Crompton opened the game by completing six of eight passes for 119 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Gerald Jones.

From there, though, he was just 8-of-15 for 67 yards and two interceptions on his next four drives before the Vols began to lean on the running game and pull away from the Blazers.

"All of us need to be more consistent," Fulmer said. "There were some really, really outstanding plays made by Jonathan and by our football team as well, but we've got to be more consistent at every position. The quarterback is the one that's most magnified. His is going to show up quite a bit more. He runs the show offensively. I hope all of us are more consistent."

Crompton, who finished the game 19-of-31 for 240 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, said he felt more comfortable than he did in a Sept. 1 loss at UCLA.

"I think I did OK at times," Crompton said following Saturday's game. "I felt more of a rhythm today."

Fulmer also wants to see Crompton take less time to throw the ball, which should result in less pressure.

"He'll get rid of the ball quicker," Fulmer said. "I can promise you he'll get rid of it quicker. He did a better job (Saturday), but that ball will get out. You can book it. He may throw it to me, but he's going to get it out of his hands."

Offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said Crompton must get better quickly if the Vols have a chance at upsetting Florida this week.

"(Crompton was) better, but it's also relative to who we played," Clawson said Saturday. "We're certainly very aware that it's got to get better for next week."

No Nametag Needed: Asked during his teleconference about Florida return specialist Brandon James, Fulmer said, "I know who Brandon James is, believe me."

James returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown against the Vols last year in Gainesville.

"He's not the only one on their team that's capable of taking it the distance," Fulmer said. "We've got to make sure we do a fantastic job covering kicks and making it as hard on him as we can."

James ranks 14th nationally with a 20.6-yard average per punt return this season, including a 74-yard touchdown return against Miami. UT, meanwhile, ranks 118th in net punting, due in large part to a blocked punt return for touchdown at UCLA.

Foster On The Move: With 100 rushing yards Saturday, tailback Arian Foster has 2,589 career rushing yards and is just 19 yards shy of passing Jay Graham for sixth on UT's all-time list. That leaves Foster just 490 yards to become UT's all-time leading rusher, surpassing Travis Henry's 3,078.

With 122 all-purpose yards against UAB, Foster moved past James Stewart for third all-time with 3,374.

Still, Foster says records aren't on his mind.

"I only think about it in these interviews when it's brought up, honestly," Foster said after the game.

Injury Update: The Vols came out of UAB without any significant injuries.

Safety Demetrice Morley, however, appeared to miss a few tackles largely because of a cast on his injured right hand.

"He couldn't play (Saturday)," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "He couldn't tackle. That's tough. Hopefully he'll be a week better next week."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.