KNOXVILLE -- Interview with Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer before Saturday's season opener against California.
1. After the long wait from the end of last season, through fall workouts, how does it feel to know the Vols will be back on the field Saturday?
A - "I think everybody is excited to get going. We've used the motto 'Fired Up, Focused and Prepared,' and I think that's where we stand. California is a big challenge for us, but we are accustomed to that kind of game."
2. Name the primary goals of fall practice and how well have the Vols progressed at this point?
A - "Our main goal was to make sure we have the 11 best men on each side of the ball. A secondary mission was to work to establish quality depth to back up our starters. We also have worked to become closer as a football team and to eliminate any thoughts of selfishness."
3. Are you pleased with the work accomplished thus far by quarterbacks Eric Ainge and Jonathan Crompton?
A - "I will be as interested as anybody else in seeing how we do there. We saw Erik as a freshman and then saw him drop off in performance as a sophomore. I think coach David Cutcliffe has been a great influence on him as well as on Jonathan, who is a big, strong prospect."
4. Considering the youth of the Vol defense, how tough will it be to limit the production of California's great running back, Marshawn Lynch?
A - "Lynch is outstanding. California is much like we are in that both schools have more than one top-notch running back. Our defensive team, although young, has progressed very well, especially up front. We're talented on defense. I am concerned about our youthfulness and, of course, California's offensive explosiveness."
5. What concerns you most about the California Golden Bears, who come to Neyland Stadium Saturday for the season opener?
A - "Cal is a complete football team, a team without a weakness. They do have a new punter, and I hope that works to our advantage because Britton Colquitt is one of those guys who can make a difference in the game. It's a very fine Cal team coming in here. We'll have to play our best to win."
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net0