University of Tennessee Athletics
Weekly Football Press Conference Coaches' Quotes
October 01, 2002 | Football
Oct. 1, 2002
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Comments from Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer's Oct. 1 press conference preview Saturday's game (7:45 p.m. -ESPN) against Arkansas at Neyland Stadium.
* Coach Fulmer's Tuesday press conferences can be seen live each Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. (EDT) during the season on ESPN News.
FULMER PRESS CONFERENCE
FULMER Q&A | OPPONENT COACH Q&A
"I'm pleased with the second half effort of our football team versus Rutgers. Defensively, it's the kind of effort we expected in the second half. They just did real well. Offensively, we waited until halftime, came alive and played better. We had a hard time making much happen in the first half. I told our team yesterday I wanted to coach the team that played the second half of the Florida game and the second half of the Rutgers game.
"It's really important that we take a big step from the consistency standpoint. Some of that's been difficult, particularly on the defensive side, because of some of the injuries we've had to overcome. Some of the continuity hasn't been there, but we are very capable of being a good, consistent football team. That's what we're working toward. We're 3-1 and really haven't played our best football yet. That's all of our responsibilities.
"Arkansas is a very good football team on offense. You look at their running backs and they're outstanding. The quarterback is a really fine athlete and excellent playmaker. They have a big, physical offensive line. Shawn Andrews may be the best lineman in the conference at right tackle. They have a 315-poind tight end who is a good player. Offensively, there are a lot of challenges, with their running game, their misdirection they do, the nakeds and the option, the down the field throws. It's going to take a really good effort by our defensive football team to contain those guys.
"Defensively, it's much the same, with a bunch of good athletes on the field. I'm really impressed with their two corners. They have a very multiple scheme to say the least. There are a lot of looks you're getting from a lot of different places. We were able to manage that in the rain reasonably well last year. There's a lot of man-to-man coverage that allows them to keep extra people inside and play the run if they choose to do that. There are a lot of good athletes in their system. That style can be troublesome if we're not disciplined and handle things well.
"It's a real challenge for us to get ready for. Same thing in the special teams. Decori Birningham and Lawrence Richardson are outstanding returners. They do a good job of pressuring the kicks and coming after you. Overall, it's a real crucial game for both teams as you look at it. Neither one of us want to go down with two losses in the conference this early in the season. There's a lot in the balance for both teams. It's a very important time for both teams this early in the season."
