University of Tennessee Athletics
Fulmer Q&A - SEC Championship
November 29, 2004 | Football
Nov. 29, 2004
INTERVIEW OF COACH Phillip Fulmer BEFORE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH AUBURN SATURDAY AT THE GEORGIA DOME
1. How will the previous game against Auburn, back on Oct. 2, help get the Vols ready for a return match with the Tigers?
A - "Certainly we will have a better understanding than usual about the opponent's personnel. Scheme-wise, we've both moved on; there are some similarities, but not much. And simply having played the game against Auburn will help us be prepared."
2. Explain the factors that allowed the Vols, tabbed preseason for third or fourth in the East, to fool the experts and win the SEC Eastern Division championship.
A - "There are a lot of factors. First, the kids themselves, working hard to prepare. This team has done an incredible job of playing the games. Talent, character, work ethic, paddling through the injuries and other things allowed us to become East champions."
3. How much of an impact does Kevin Burnett exert on the defensive performance of the Vols?
A - "Kevin is quite a football player, a great leader for our team. He's playing with a passion. It's great to have his leadership."
4. How does the current Auburn offense differ in comparison to how the Tigers moved the ball in October.
A - "They were multiple then, and they are multiple now. They have been fortunate on injuries, different from us. We've been unfortunate in that respect. They're making progress all along, and then they have a little different package every game."
5. What qualities will Rick Clausen bring to the game as quarterback that will benefit the Vols' chances against Auburn?
A - "Rick's done a wonderful job of managing the team. He maintains his poise, gets us in and out of the huddle, makes good throws and helped us win the two games he started. As I've said, he's our quarterback. We don't expect the young quarterbacks to be ready for the championship game. At this point it wouldn't matter because he has done so well."
