University of Tennessee Athletics
Fulmer Q&A - Arkansas Game
September 30, 2002 | Football
Sept. 30, 2002
Game 5
Fulmer Q&A
Tennessee vs. Arkansas
Oct . 5
Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn.
ESPN -7:45 p.m. (EDT)
1. Did the second half of the Rutgers game indicate to you the Vols are ready to resume their role as a solid football team?
A - "I hope that's the case. The defense came in and stonewalled a Rutgers offense that had given us fits in the first half. And the offense moved the ball effectively. We didn't have any turnovers in the entire game, and we cut down on the number of penalties. The quality of opposition wasn't what we will face in the future, but, still, it was a step in the right direction."
2. Describe the placekicking picture for the Vols, a position that has been weakened by the injury of senior Alex Walls.
A - "Alex Walls is out for a period of time. How long, I don't know. We are fortunate to have Phillip Newman, who has gained some experience mainly on kickoffs available. James Wilhoit, a freshman we had hoped to redshirt, can also be in the picture."
3. Can you recall a time when Southeastern Conference strength was more evenly distributed than it appears to be this season?
A - "It's still a young season, but two teams, Kentucky and Vanderbilt, appear to be much improved. I don't have a crystal ball, so I don't know what's going to happen. We'll see who improves and who can avoid injuries. But that's always the case in the SEC because everybody is pretty darn good."
4. Tell about the Arkansas offense and what problems it will present to the Vols' defense Saturday night.
A - "Arkansas has a very fine offensive club with an excellent group of runners headed by Cedric Cobbs, a proven performer. Fred Talley is a quality player, and I am impressed by De'Arrius Howard, another good-looking youngster. Quarterback Matt Jones is athletic and very tough to hem up. He doesn't throw great, but he's dangerous as a passer, and he's a topnotch running quarterback. Arkansas has a real physical specimen at tight end."
5. What personnel adjustments will you make in an attempt to offset the loss of injured freshman linebacker Kevin Simon?
"We take the position when we have an injury that somebody is going to step up and help. A position that was deep is suddenly thin. Keyon Whiteside started some outside last year and can move over from the middle. Robert Peace will be our middle linebacker. What we really need now is some young players to step forward and give us a big lift. Somebody like Parys Haralson."
