University of Tennessee Athletics
October 21, 2003 | Football
Oct. 21, 2003
FULMER PRESS CONFERENCE AUDIO | 
Comments from Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer's Oct. 21 press conference previewing Saturday's game (3:30 p.m. - CBS) at Alabama.
"I'm glad to get through the open date. I think we used it as productively as we can. When you're coming off of a tough game like we had, sometimes you want to go ahead and play, rather than have two weeks before you have to get back out there. It was good for us in the sense we had several players with nicks we were able to get healthy. We had a chance to get a real jumpstart on Alabama.
"I'm very anxious to play again. The team and the staff have obviously been disappointed the last couple of weeks. I can see the anticipation growing for them. Yesterday was really a good day for us to get the disappointments from the last couple of games out of our systems and get totally focused on Alabama.
"Going to Alabama is always tough. I had a couple of people ask me about the Alabama-Tennessee series, which happens every year, having been a part of it as a player, an assistant coach and now as head coach. It's one of those I enjoy the most.
"Some of it goes back to my roots, being right there on the northern border of Alabama where I grew up. The rivalry is deep in that area, as it is all over the state of Tennessee. It's also because of the tradition of the game and the color. It's always a hard-fought, tough football game, with a lot of great memories. I enjoy being a part of it.
"I would enjoy it a lot more if we were playing to the level I hope believe we can get to. Our team seems to have the kind of attitude that they have stayed the course, to work through the disappointment we've had to this point. For us, the goal is to get back on track, play well, go to Tuscaloosa and get a win.
"Generally our team must execute better on both sides of the football, offensively taking care of the football better and defensively getting some takeaways. We've been really poor at being able to take the ball away from people, not only three-and-outs, but also to get some turnovers.
"When you're playing Alabama, the first thing that comes to mind as you watch them play is that they have an outstanding running football team. Brodie Croyle does a great job with the play action pass. His ability to execute is good. I think Shaud Williams is certainly the best all-purpose back and one of the best backs in the conference. You look up and he's returning punts. He's running and catching the football out of the backfield. They use him really well. He's a good player. We have to work hard to stop the run and not give up the big play.
"We want them to play hard, fast and excited about the opportunity we have to get our season back on track. There's a lot of football yet to be played this season. We have to get over the disappointment we've had to this point. This year, it's a character game for us in a lot of ways. There's a lot to be determined with how this team is going to remember this season. There's a lot on the line for both teams, but certainly, from our standpoint, for us."
On what makes the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry special:
I think the tradition of Tennessee-Alabama. You think of all the great games, coaches and players that have been in this series. The colors, the pageantry, the border state rivalry, but it's always been a clean, hard-fought football game. The streaks of both teams--all those things make this a great college rivalry.
In my mind, Tennessee-Alabama is one of the top 2-3 rivalries in the country, not just the Southeastern Conference. Of course, some of that is because of where I grew up in Middle Tennessee, right on the Alabama border, following both teams for a long time. So, I have great respect for them and what they've done in the past. I love playing, coaching in this game.
What are some of your memories of Tennessee-Alabama:
All the games. I guess the best memory I have is the first one I played in and the week leading up to the game. I had always heard about it. I was intense and it was an exciting time. We went to Birmingham and we were able to win the game. I got to play quite a bit as a sophomore and it was an exciting time. Really, every game can kind of stand on its own. You think of the Dale Jones play or the Peyton Manning's game in 1995 when we won 41-14. Of course, there are some disappointing losses in there along the way. All those memories are special when you start talking about the Criimson & White and the Orange & White being on the same field.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COACH FULMER:
1. How will the fact Tennessee plays traditional opponent Alabama help in preparing the Vols for Saturday's game at Tuscaloosa?
A - "The history, color and pageantry of this series are things our players need to be familiar with. And we let them know about all those things. We still have a lot to play for. This crazy conference race isn't settled yet. We have a chance to be a good football team. Alabama will be a demanding test."
2. What do you see as Tennessee's goals for the remainder of the 2003 season, starting Saturday with Alabama?
A - "We still don't know what to expect in the Southeastern Conference race. We have a chance if things break our way. I want us to get back on track, play for pride and at least have somewhere nice to go in January."
3. Where in particular do you expect the Vols to improve before Saturday's game with Alabama?
A - "Absolutely the one thing I want us to do is show more consistency. We miss a tackle; then we miss a block. We're just not being consistent."
4. Tell what it will take for the Vols to cope with Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle in Saturday's game.
A - "Brodie is a good quarterback who is an excellent passer. We need to put pressure on him and then put ourselves in position to make plays."
5. What problems does Alabama's defense present for the Vols as preparations continue for Saturday's game?
A - "They have a big, good-looking defense - typical of Alabama. They have some size at defensive tackle, guys who can't be shoved around. Overall, Alabama's defense is highly capable."
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