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Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer said Florida is vulnerable in Saturday's game at Neyland Stadium against the Vols.
Fulmer was the guest speaker at the Knoxville Quarterback Club on Monday at Calhoun's on the River.
It was his first time speaking to the club since Dec. 1, 2008, two days after capping his UT career with a 28-10 win over Kentucky. Fulmer was fired with three games remaining that season.
"I'm standing here as a fired football coach and I have to figure out a way not to put Derek Dooley in any kind of a bind and answer your questions,'' said Fulmer, a first-ballot selection into the College Football Hall of Fame in May. "I see those cameras back there, and I don't want to end up on (ESPN) SportsCenter.''
Fulmer, 152-52-1 with five appearances in the SEC championship game during his coaching tenure from 1993-2008, likes the direction Dooley has the No. 23 Vols (2-0) headed entering their game against the No. 18 Gators (2-0).
"I'm glad to see where we've come, and the attitude that's prevailing now; everyone is excited about Tennessee football again,'' Fulmer said. "It's been a fun team to watch, it looks like there is progress on both sides of the football.
"There's a lot of reason for optimism for what we're doing,'' he said. "I think they (Florida) are vulnerable. I think it's a good time for us. The stadium will be packed, and the frenzy will be back.
"Now we have to handle that in the right way.''
ESPN's College GameDay will be in Knoxville for the first time since the Vols lost to Auburn on Oct. 2, 2004. Tennessee won the SEC Eastern Division that season.
"This game's not the end of the world either way — make sure you write that — but this is a big game,'' Fulmer said. "There's a lot to be learned and proven by this particular team, but they've got some skill, and it's an exciting team.
"It seems (Tyler) Bray has matured in how he's handling himself on the field and in the offense.''
Bray, a junior, ranks fifth nationally with a passing efficiency rating of 194.77.
Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel is 34th at 154.64.
"Their quarterback play has been inconsistent,''
Fulmer said. "I don't want to get into everything, but that hasn't been a consistent football team.''
Fulmer, who was coach the most recent time Tennessee beat Florida, in 2004, said there are areas the Vols need to improve.
"I do think we need to run the football better,'' Fulmer said. "We haven't played against two outstanding defenses — this is a test. We need a running back to step up and make someone miss.''
Fulmer, an offensive lineman during his playing career at UT (1969-71) and offensive line coach with the Vols (1980-92) prior to his promotion, is encouraged by UT's growth on defense.
"The defensive front seems to be playing better,'' he said, "and something that struggled last year, the secondary, is certainly playing better.''
Fulmer also praised receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
"I don't know that we had one that was any better than what he has been in two ball games,'' Fulmer said.
"You've heard me say a lot of times during the course of the years, it gets back to fundamentals,'' Fulmer said. "There are 11 guys out there on both sides of the ball trying to do the right things, and it's who makes the fewest mistakes.''
Mike Griffith covers Tennessee athletics. Follow him on twitter at http://twitter.com/MikeGriffith32
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
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Comments » 83
Orange_Power_T writes:
I would say FL is a little more than vulnerable. Rumor has it that there are locker room issues between FL players. Looking forward to watching one of the most penalized teams in college football loose to the Vols!
Obligatory_Hendrix_Perm writes:
I like that he uses the term "we've". Still (always) a vol. Wouldn't expect any less
keepitreal4vols writes:
I have a hunch Fulmer will be the guest picker on ESPN Gameday. I would prefer to see Jimmy Haslam, since he's been in the sports news lately.
CoverOrange writes:
Class statement from Phil.
Johnny Majors was everywhere the year Kiffin was here. Has he become UT-unfriendly again?
shoelessvol#236864 writes:
Still think that Majors is hanging around. It's got to be difficult for Dooley with both Fulmer and Majors in town. They were both successful and much loved by the fans for most of their coaching careers. Hoping that Dooley will continue to improve our program! It looks after the first two games that we are on the rise. Beat the Gators and look out for the Orange and White!!
voloffaith writes:
Appreciate the support of Coach Dooley and team by Coach Fulmer. Shame the poster children with an almost fatal attraction for Coach Fulmer can't take the same high ground in their postings....
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
I caught that too. Starting LB Jelani Jenkins and CB Cody Riggs will both miss Saturday's game. Crushing losses for Florida. A true freshman will replace Jenkins.
SCVFL writes:
Shoeless
Your right aabout CDD being in an uncomfortable situation. CPF and CJM are both Orange to the soul and I bet they want only the best for CDD.
I think CDD has the VOLS heading in the right direction, but still has a good distance to go. Hopefully he will get the chance to finsh the job he has started and reap the benefits. Here is wishinh him a 12-15 year career with lots of success.
VOLS 26 Lizzys 17
GO BIG RNG...VFL
asmith writes:
is this news? no.
lafollette37766 writes:
If anyone watched the Florida Texas A&M game they saw how vulnerable Florida really is. The only reason they won is A&M is well known for blowing leads in the second half. Friends of mine in Gainesville say that Muschamps seat is getting warm and it is not from the weather.
murrayvol writes:
Ah those FU fans are an impatient lot.
Will needs this one almost as much as Dooley.....almost.
PUL4VOLS writes:
I'm with you Coach Fulmer and believe it can be handled the right way and the Streak will merely be a song Ray Stevens sang I think back in the 70s. GO VOLS IT IS TIME TO GET IT DONE!
CantStandCantStandSaban writes:
Say what you will about Fulmer the coach, but he will always represent the institution with class and character. You have to respect that given all he's been through.
voloffaith writes:
Sorry they forgot to update you on the three eggs still unaccounted for from the Egg hunt at Easter.......Hmmmm...let's see former coach with a National Championship and second to General Neyland in wins.....News? Yes.....go get a nap and get back up not so grumpy...jeepers Wally..
CCLC writes:
No matter... Vols still travel to Athens to play the Dawgs between the hedges. It ends there for UT.
just sayin'
OrangePsyched writes:
To those who love CPF and hate CDD and we all know who they are..it's ok to be supportive of both. Head coaches change but UT is always here. Thanks for the support Coach..join with us as we sing Rocky Top all night long after the victory.
VolzsFan writes:
Tenn will not beat UF. This is a way different deal then NC State, Ga State and the directional schools.
Coach, one day these dolts in the vocal minority will understand what you did. Maybe one of them will look back at UT's year to year success prior to 1990.
VolzsFan writes:
Let the idiots keep running up the betting line and bet the house on Florida.
OrangePsyched writes:
Same can be said about you gators. Bowling Green slapped you around a little and TAM had you on the ropes also. You have not seen anything like you face Saturday. Don't be scared with all those air raid sirens going off that's just TB dropping all those bombs into the hands of Hunter,CP and the other receivers. You can try to grab them and hang on every play like last year but even that won't work. Vols win 31-17.
OrangePride writes:
Jeez, Louise CCLC....can we just take these games one at a time! We beat Florida, then we worry about Akron. BUT...if we do that (as I believe we WILL!), then we go into GA at 4-0....I wouldn't be quite soooooooo fast to just dismiss this as an automatic win for Georgia. Will they be favored? Yes. But we've gone in there as underdogs in the past, and you know how some of those worked out. So you go ahead and root for your Dogs or whatever....meantime, us Vol Fans will focus on Saturday and going bezerk at Neyland in support of our BIG ORANGE. GBO!
murrayvol writes:
Not so fast my friend. Russ is no UGA.
OrangePride writes:
And just for the record; CPF was a huge plus for this football program throughout his career and ALWAYS represented this University in the best light.....as he does to this day. Maybe we were in need of a change at the end, but I still don't like the way Hamilton handled that. My hat is off to the man, and everyone knows Fulmer is ALL ORANGE! So yea; this story is relevant.
johnlg00 writes:
Agree completely. Very classy comments from the Big Guy. Somebody said Fulmer may be the guest picker on ESPN's Game Day telecast. I would love to see it. I thought it was probably time when Fulmer was let go, but I strongly disagree with the totally inept and insensitive way it was handled. I never had anything but the highest regard for him as a person, and he is the living embodiment of a VFL.
UTbassdrummer writes:
In regards to the comment about UF's lost linebackers: one of them is a crushing loss (Jenkins) but the other injured his ACL in the spring and was still rehab'ing when they decided to just redshirt him. Losing Jenkins will be a problem for them, but they've already been covering for the other guy.
Yazoo writes:
Thanks for all of the great years Coach Fulmer. I'll tell stories from that era till the day I day.
tenndave writes:
Fla is better than I thought. They made the necessary adjustments at half to shut aTm down. But one advantage we have is TB will exploit whatever they decide to give us. Short routes, underneath, wideouts, long bombs: Choose your poision. Defense concerns me only from our history. This group flys to the ball and our speed is as quick as FLA. I have to be in Tampa Sat for a confernce or I would latch on to one of those returned tickets. GO VOLS!!!!!!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
If the Gator fans are any indication, the Vols have the best chance in many years this Saturday. Just don't underestimate the Gators, they took a pounding the first half from AM and didn't throw in the towel. UT should be able to exploit their secondary, just don't think they can run North/South on them. Hope they prove me wrong early and often. I would love to see a 80 yard drive that takes nine minute off the clock.
GO VOLS!!
bigdisbig writes:
Lets hope the "12th man" shows up this Saturday at Neyland. Fla. is no pushover but its one of their weakest teams in years. I see the Vols beating the gators by 2 touchdowns with Patterson wearing down the lizards. The Vols definitely have GOT to find a running game somehow. Without the running game UGA would have lost to A&M. Bray needs someone to step up and bust some big runs to open up the passing game against SEC caliber teams.
Fulmer is and has always been a class act.
SevenT writes:
Florida fired Ron Zook after losing to Mississippi State. Because of this history I am sure Muschamp is very nervous. At Florida you simply do not lose to inferior programs. Muschamp may get released on the spot for losing to Tennessee.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
Uhhhh Phil, you said that when you were coaching..Just sayin'
dvhill100 writes:
Should be a great game. Both teams have played an FCS opponent and a decent team. In the wins, tough to tell if UT and UF are really better or if the other teams are not as strong. Cage match at Neyland, really looking forward to it. Can't come to the game, but I have already put neighbors on "noise alert". Not sure which will be louder, me or the Bose home theater.
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
I didn't say anything about Ronald Powell. I said LB Jelani Jenkins and CB Cody Riggs.
Bark_at_the_Moon writes:
This is terrible! I don't want there to be any excuses.
10seVol85_Part_Deux writes:
TX A&M and Mizzou are also not truely SEC teams yet. They are here, but it will take a couple of seasons before they are really up to speed. Right now, I don't think either are really ready to go toe-to-toe with most traditional SEC teams for 60 minutes.
Navaloranges writes:
Are you 12 years old? Seriously? florida had a good run on UT for various reasons, but a "superior" program. Never has been, never will be. Uh, unless you're a pimply nosed little whiney boy with practically no college football knowledge, like yourself. In THAT little fantasy world it may make sense.
10seVol85_Part_Deux writes:
and let's not forget that Gillislee, even if he plays, will not be at 100% with that pulled groin.
Yeah, they are definitely "vulnerable."
USNCorpsman writes:
So, UT is an inferior program, huh? Sure, UF may have had our number lately, but remember that UF is a Johnny Come Lately. Have the Gators even cracked the top 10 winningest programs of all time? No.
But Tennessee has.
springtx_vol writes:
If A&M can score 17 on the Gators (and I was at the game, there were no fluke plays or turnovers), then UT can score 40. Not saying that they will, but UT's offense is another level above A&M.
trubleoj#657755 writes:
Go for it. I am sure Vegas will even take your fire ant infested trailer as collateral.
I_Bleed_Orng writes:
Making ridiculous comments like this only cement the idea in the minds of other posters that you have no idea what you're talking about.
But hey, that may not matter to you. Most of us already know that folks from tucky are usually out to lunch.
BIVOLAR_BEARE writes:
So you think UT should have fired CDD after losing to tucky..While I agree tucky is an inferior program there were circumstances beyond CDD control like attrition and injuries..This year they will destroy that mildcat team..Guaranteed, NGFY!
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
So how much is your double-wide worth these days, BalzsFan?
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
OK....who farted?
BigOrangeFever76 (Inactive) writes:
Bumstead....you should not be drinking so early in the afternoon.
just sayin'
BigVolinCarolina writes:
If I were a reporter my only question to Coach Fulmer would be: "When is Arkansas going to make it official and hire you as their head football coach?"
VolinCalif writes:
gibson I have the feeling that Fl had to through everything they had on the table to win those two games. But the Vols had things in control from the word go. They should have beat NCS by at least 14-17 more pts.
If A&M had played the week before Fl they would have won that game hands down.
laraccoon writes:
Dooley was able to retool as quickly as he has because of both Majors and Fulmer ,because of the image they instilled .
Vol43 writes:
Hey Rover, been looking for you. You know the story of Rover don't you? That's right, Rover was really good at dishing it out, but poor ole Rover couldn't take it, could he Rover?
Vol43 writes:
7T, when you get on here and run your mouth, it might be a good thing to remember your words: 'I pull for the Vols except when they play Ky.' Do you remember those words? Do you honestly believe any Vol is buying your stuff?
halloffamebowler writes:
couldn't agree more.
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