by special report to The Chattanoogan
posted November 14, 2005
KNOXVILLE -- Interview with Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer about Saturday's game at home against Vanderbilt.
1. How will the coaching staff get across to the squad the historical significance of the Vanderbilt series, a key rivalry in development of the UT football tradition?
A - "It is a great historic rivalry. I tell the team every year what has gone into the tradition of our games with Vanderbilt. The juniors and seniors can probably recite for the others what I am going to say about it at our team meetings. It's important for our players to understand that. There are a lot of other things of importance this week, but the history of Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt is a huge part of the rivalry."
2. With Vanderbilt eyeing an end to UT's string of 22 straight victories, how can the Vols' dominance become a factor in Tennessee's motivation this week?
A - "I would expect we will be motivated, for one thing, obviously, to keep the streak alive and, secondly, to continue to try to qualify for a bowl. Our pride will be a motivating factor as we try to get the most out of this season that is still available to us."
3. Comment on the contribution over the last few years of the Vols' seniors who will be making their last appearance at Neyland Stadium.
A - "They have contributed a great deal. They are a good bunch of seniors, and they will go on to do well, whether in athletics, business or some other field. It's hard to tell them goodbye and thanks, but the crowd Saturday will have an opportunity to thank them one more time. It will be a special time."
4. What are the qualities that make Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler an all-star hopeful and a probable high choice in the NFL draft?
A - "He's a real special player. I've said for a couple of years Jay Cutler is the best quarterback in the league. He's a big guy who sees the field well, can run, can escape, can do some things with the option to take the pressure off. He's a real fine player who has a couple of receivers who also contribute."
5. What will it require defensively for the Vols to cope with the Vanderbilt offense, which has overall quality in addition to a great quarterback in Jay Cutler?
A - "We need to do a good job of mixing our coverages and mixing our defensive front. We need to disguise things as we go through the game. We don't want to let Jay Cutler draw a bead on exactly where to go. He is extremely capable."
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)
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