Every time Tennessee defensive end Chris Walker makes a play, thank Florida's Brandon James.
James gave Walker an up-close-and-personal Gator chomp on the sidelines in Neyland Stadium in 2006 when he was visiting UT.
"That's something that sticks in my mind until today," Walker said this week. "It really didn't sit very well with me.
"That was one of the things that really inspired me to come to Tennessee - just to get to play against Florida and Alabama."
Walker has yet to repay James. He'll have that opportunity Satuday as James plays tailback for Florida and Walker covers punts for the Vols.
"I might have a chance," Walker said with a smile.
Walker, however, knows the most important thing is getting James on the ground. "He's really an electric punt returner," Walker said.
Will he remember James' chomp if Walker exacts his revenge?
"I think I would," the junior said. "It's just something that's etched in my mind right now."
Practice Report: UT coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday's practice was a lot like Wednesday - not great.
"Once again, I thought guys finished better than they started, but we've still got a lot of work to do and the game is a long time away," Kiffin said.
Kiffin said the lack of practice perfection is disconcerting.
"It would concern me heading into any game. It doesn't matter who we're playing or where we're playing, we want practice, especially Thursday's practice, to be perfect," he said. "We had to redo a few things today, but that's why we keep working, why we keep grinding on our guys all the way until the game
The Vols piped in crowd noise to simulate game conditions at Florida.
"It was an issue," Kiffin said. "I thought they did well for the most part. There weren't many line of scrimmage issues, so I think we did it as loud as we could and as much as we could.
"You'll never simulate it exactly just because of the emotion that goes into it when the game speeds up, but we tried to make it as close to a game atmosphere as we could."
The Swamp: UT safety Eric Berry remembers the first time he played in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
"It was a big shock just to see how the fans were really into it, how they talked to you," Berry said. "I feel like I'm more ready for it this season."
Berry looked ready in 2007 when he returned a Tim Tebow interception for 96 yards and a touchdown, even making the Florida quarterback miss a tackle en route to the end zone.
"Even though I did make a few plays down there," said Berry, "I did give up a lot of plays down there also."
One came to mind as Berry shared his memories of playing in The Swamp. Instead of intercepting a Tebow pass, Berry gave up a play when the ball sailed just above his fingertips. Berry said he is proud of the fact that he worked on the play later in the season and perfected his technique.
"The same situation came up in Georgia and I actually intercepted it in the end zone," he said.
Berry said Florida and Alabama are close in terms of noise and intimidation.
"You've got to know how to have tough skin and let it roll off you," Berry said.
As for the meanest thing he's heard from Florida fans, Berry said, "I can't repeat it."
Berry Good: Berry said freshman safety Janzen Jackson, who made his first start last week against UCLA, has the same ability that has made Berry a star.
"He reminds me a lot of myself," Berry said.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 41
SEAL_9821 writes:
Go down there and play smart football and heads up Defense. On the other hand, I'm not sure what to think of the comment from Kiffin about the practice not going as sharp. Just hope these guys haven't lost their confidence in this system
mbradshaw1#655539 writes:
We need to go down there and have fun and play loose. What do we have to loose? They have way more to loose than we do. I hope they will feed of of the boos and negativity and make plays like they are capable of. It's still 22 on 22 but by the sound of the media we will only be able to field about 8 or 10 players and have no chance. One question, Did the men at the Alamo just give up and go home? I really hope the Florida players believe all the talk from ESPN and others because I don't think anyone thought UCLA was going to come into our house and get a W. Anything can happen!
Go Vols!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Young Coach Kiffin did what he had to do last week to beat Florida, which was doing everything it took to lose to U.C.L.A.
Kiffin will not be judged by how many times he beats U.C.L.A. Nobody will care and he knows it. He will be judged on how well he does against Florida. When you see the game Saturday, you will not believe it to be the same Volunteers. Tennessee 21-Florida 13.
CRFVols writes:
Great news, even our practices suck. This article doesn't make me feel very good about us possibly being an upset special.
Either way, if our guys play their hearts out and fight for sixty minutes of hard football, I'll be ok with that. Just don't hang your heads like was done soo many times last year.
Lean_and_Hungry writes:
First play of the game, first time folks get hit in the mouth, the bulletin board will not matter. And neither will the 2006 Brandon James chomp. Personally, win or lose, I hope they'll play with pride and aggression and with every intention to give the press, the Fl. fans, and the Fl. players (esp. St. Tim) the equivalent of a two-by-four to the skull.
rockytopatl writes:
Hey guys, you knew this summer that Kiffin's comments would live forever, at least through Sept. 19. If you didn't, you don't know SEC football and the media that feeds off of it.
And Bradshaw, we have nothing to L-O-S-E. Hopefully, we'll play LOOSE and not LOSE.
BlakeyWakey writes:
I hate the gators ... I hope Chris Walker rips off Tebows head and throws it at Brandon James...then powerbomb James threw the field!!!!
cobbwebb writes:
i think im gonna puke! listen to us "as long as we play hard", "if we just play tough, and hang with the gators"! B.S., we have become a middle of the pack program, just hoping to "hang with the big boys"! im not buying it. i hope for once, someone like chris walker backs up his talk, with his play. if you are truly upset, and bitter, take it out on the gators, hit someone, and knock the snot out of them. make these chumps think about this game for the rest of their lives! make them remember when they got off the turf, and their helmet was on sideways, make them remember when they walked to the sidelines, they were spitting blood! whatever it takes, make it happen, beat the gators!
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oregonvol writes:
Ummm...no,the men at the Alamo didn't go home....they all died though, what's your point?
Big_Orange_Country writes:
Dr Lou said UT "will be beat by UF decisefully this weekend"
Go Big Orange !!!
SmokeyHound writes:
eric berry stinks - overrated
TheFuj writes:
You just hope we play hard from beginning to end. I thought that we quit in the FL game last year. You could see it in their walk and watching the sideline. I knew Fulmer needed to go. Just keep playing hard from the beginning to the end. Let Berry carry the ball. He is dynamic with the ball. Not that difficult. Put Berry on punt/kick returns. If they do score a lot, then they will kickoff a lot. Go Vols
cobbwebb writes:
cobbwebb have vision of cobbwebb,witch dr., and all vol faithful,shouting out "GO BIG ORANGE" when final whistle blow, and vols pull out victory in swamp!
how bout dem bones!
cobbwebb writes:
dupes must be one tough S.O.B!!!
Big_Orange_Country writes:
Xcpf,?
cobbwebb writes:
i gotta give it to you on that one, pretty good!
Big_Orange_Country writes:
I hope not.
Go Big Orange !!!
TheFuj writes:
You obviously don't know football or never played.
cobbwebb writes:
i have a funny feeling kiffin will have a surprise for the gators! maybe berry will have a hand in the offensive game plan, or something gimmicky like the wildcat. nah maybe its just gas!
CRFVols writes:
Again, when it comes to folks like this.....who's opinion matters?
The legend of a D coordinator Monte Kiffin who says he's easily one of the best he's ever coached? .........Or someone in a blog who obviously doesn't know what they're talking about?
cobbwebb writes:
i heard the commodores are looking for fans!
CRFVols writes:
Or 919 (which I hope doesn't refer to your area code)....what is glaring in this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZRBHc...
or this one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-PG04...
VOLinAthensGA writes:
GO VOLS! WE ARE GONNA WIN! I GUARANTEE IT!!!!
2s6cutt writes:
As good as our defense can be, I'm afraid our offense is going to leave them in some bad situations and we may get the score run up on us. Just being realistic. Hope I'm wrong.
Orangeblood13 writes:
it's time for bed little one, get your blankey
RebelVol writes:
Win or lose, I am ready for this game to be over with. I know, this is Tennessee-Florida, but this game is way over-hyped for all the wrong reasons. Lane said this, Meyer's gonna call late timeouts and keep Tebow in. Who cares. "Bulletin board material" means NOTHING. When those players run out on the field the last thing they should be thinking about is what Lane said in the spring. And if they are, then Gator fans have something to worry about. I am tired of the media bowing down to Urban and Tebow. "Urban holds grudges like no other." The media calls that payback. Everyone else calls that being an a**. But oh no, If you make a smart comment about Fla you get chastised by the media like its a mortal sin. Put up on sportscenter to get publicly disgraced by "experts" like Chris Low. You know what, though, while I hate every minute of it, I say bring it on. Let the gators little heads get filled with meaningless praise and glory. Cause every time we beat the absolute hell out of them it will make it that much sweeter watching the faces of the Gators who are completely dumbfounded as to what just happened to them. All dynasties fall. You can ask FSU, Nebraska, and Miami about that. Floridas days are numbered. The spread is a trend. Tebow is gone after this year. And give it two or three years and you can say they same about Urban. ESPN will pick a new team to bow down to, and Florida will be just another Chick-Fil-A Bowl regular. Have fun Gators! Enjoy this while it lasts. The day will come folks,and it will come soon. Oh, and don't forget to show up on Saturday. You know how all that pressure from the media can get to ya.
Orangeblood13 writes:
gees
more depressing
Orangeblood13 writes:
I tried to watch Dr Lou and kept having to wipe my tv screen from all the sylvester spit. I hate that guy lol
usnavyvol writes:
Jesus DC do you ever leave this room? We know how great UF is. Spare us. Just leave on the small bus with your free books to the dock for your free boat ride. What a tool! GO VOLS!!!
TommyJack writes:
Marlene?? Sounds familiar.
19SEP09 writes:
Kiffin will not be judged by this game against UF because they will lose like everyone expects.
He will be judged when the Vols finish the season 4-8 with a loss to Kentucky to close it out. Now that will be a fun off-season!!
kenanvanhalen07 writes:
ima say tennessee 24 florida 13. i love tennessee and id never go against them. get real florida. this game is not a gimme. and your idiots to thanks so. on another note, im so excited about all our recruits that are giving us their verbals. ohhhh i cant wait til next year. GO VOLUNTEERS!!!!
orangepridenation writes:
well at least now kiffin will have to give a better answer for his sorry excuse for quarterback play than just saying "well..he looked good in practice."
look, i'm just ready for this game to be over with. i'm sick of all the bulletin board material that the media continues to spit out all over every single last outlet they can get a hold of. the media hates tennessee, because heaven forbid someone calls out the beloved urban meyer and god's new favorite team. get real. general neyland is turning in his grave as we speak.
djstatik writes:
Weez gonna get our azzes kicked. I think I'll be happy if they hold FLA to 42 after JC throws a couple of perfect passes to FLA DBs......
TheFuj writes:
Kiffen says a few things and it is a major story. Other coaches have said things for years on Fulmer and it was "ok". Just having a little fun, etc. I believe Urban tried and did run up the score last year. We could not compete. Except for the Gainesville 2001 game, maybe now we will have a little backbone. Go Vols.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
There is a large consensus among the blue herons of the creek that Crompton has the potential to get a lot of ink.
There is also a potential to have a lot of passes caught, maybe not all by the Vols.
One can only hope.
And maybe have an adult beverage or three.
Tenn does have a rocket surgeon on their side.
We need our resident chaplain in the worst way.
Madkels writes:
You have to remember that the majority of these players were recruited before Kiffin. His recruits are freshman. Therefore, no player is as sharp as he wants. At least he has high expectations and is moving to have the team "practicing" at higher levels than had been expected in he past. I like what I'm hearing now much better than "Were workin' like heck". Once he get's better players in his system, they learn his system, and get experience, all will be OK.
Madkels writes:
Thank you for setting us straight. I don't know what we would do without you. I will call Mr. Hamilton and tell him to shut down the athletic department immediately. No need in wasting our time and money since Urban is the god of all sports.
Loud_Proud writes:
i love CLK's honesty and straight shooting. atleast he isn't saying, " Our guys are ready for FLA 100% and will continue to work like heck to be 105%. I am sick of "past coaches" who tell the fans a lie. GBO!
Vol_in_Mich writes:
Isn't this the same Mr. Peepers (Lou Holtz) that's saying Notre Dame will be in the BCS Championship game?
"Practice Report: UT coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday's practice was a lot like Wednesday - not great"
Well at least the Vols are playing like they practice. Face it we're just not real good yet. There's no quit in this team, but just too many missing pieces. We will become a great team in time, so why not start with "The biggest upset in college football history"
GO VOLS!!!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
Good. Dr. Lou is the kiss of death for any team he picks.
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