University of Tennessee Athletics
Fulmer Q&A - Miami Game
November 04, 2002 | Football
Nov. 4, 2002
Game 9
Fulmer Q&A
Tennessee vs. Miami
Nov. 9
Neyland Stadium
CBS-3:30 p.m. (EDT)
1. How pleasing was it to you to see the Vols offense dominate the fourth quarter against South Carolina?
A - "I was very pleased to see it happen after going through a period when we hadn't shown offensive domination. Cedric Houston at tailback had a lot to do with it. But the offensive line and the receivers and the fullbacks also all got down to business against a good South Carolina team."
2. Do you believe the Vols have reached a state of efficiency that will allow them to be competitive against the No. 1-ranked Miami Hurricanes?
A - "Miami really is a great team. I have never thought any team was unbeatable, though. We've had some other stiff challenges in my 10 years as coach that we have had to overcome. Certainly, though, we must play our best football to have a chance of winning this game. Injuries and deficiencies in our own execution have cost us this season. The South Carolina game was a step in the right direction. There are some things we need to correct, but we are capable of playing against anybody."
3. What special challenges will top-ranked Miami present to the Vols Saturday afternoon?
A - "They're a great team offensively and defensively, with exceptional talent and good coaching. Thery give you every problem imaginable. They have a strong running game and dangerous passing attack. Defensively, the front is aggressive, the linebackers exceptional and the secondary sticky on man-to-man coverage. The kicking game is solid. No wonder they're ranked No. 1 and have won 30 in a row."
4. With 30 carries against South Carolina, did Cedric Houston show you he is capable of filling the workhorse role at tailback?
A - "He certainly did. Cedric was our tailback at the start of the season, but got hurt in the Florida game and hadn't been heard from much since that time. We needed to establish somebody as the central figure in our running game. Cedric gave the whole team a lift and made me feel better about our chances of running the football."
5. Comment on your staff's contribution toward your achievement of reaching the 100-victory level, and your hopes of winning the 101st Saturday.
A - "We hope the 101st is coming Saturday because that would be gigantic against a great Miami team. We've been in it together for 10 years. John Chavis and Randy Sanders, our coordinators, have been with us since the start. I'm not na?ve enough or egotistical enough to think I did it by myself. We've had unbelievable staff, players, administrators and fans who have made it possible. I'm grateful to everybody."
