University of Tennessee Athletics
Fulmer Q&A - South Carolina
October 25, 2004 | Football
Oct. 25, 2004
1. Comment on the Tennessee-South Carolina series, a rivalry made better by the support both teams receive from their fans traveling to the game.
A- "Both teams have fantastic fans. We have great respect for the South Carolina team and program and the series we have played. They've all been tough, hard-fought battles, where each team has laid it on the line to try get the win. We've been very fortunate at times to win those games and have played really hard in each one of them. We expect nothing less from this game."
2. How do you explain the dramatic elevation of his game by Tennessee safety Jason Allen?
A- "Jason Allen is a really outstanding football player. I've said on a number of occasions he may be our best defensive player period, whether at cornerback, where he played last year, or when we made the move to safety. He has more than achieved what we thought he would at the safety position. He's just a real rock in our defensive football team and in our scheme."
3. What will it take for the Tennessee offense to regain the form it showed when it riddled opposing defenses earlier in the season?
A- "We have a situation where we have a little something here and a little something there that we need to do better. It starts with fundamentals, getting everybody well in practice and having that time to work on those fundamentals where we can get better."
4. Comment on the standout offensive performers South Carolina will put on the field Saturday afternoon at Columbia.
A- "They just have a ton of talent. They run a lot of different schemes getting the ball to that talent. It's going to take a tremendous effort by our guys to know where their people are. Their running backs and receivers are really good. The quarterbacks make a lot of plays. They have a very fine offensive line. Overall, this might be our biggest challenge we have had in some time from a defensive standpoint."
5. South Carolina can be expected to employ a typically tough defensive unit under Coach Lou Holtz. Comment on the Gamecock defense.
A- "It's one of the best defensive teams we've played against. The last three or four have been really good. Alabama's was particularly good. South Carolina's defense ranks up there with them. Statistically, they're doing a great job. You watch them on tape and you see why. They are big, fast, physical football players who play good technique. They have a very good scheme."
