Two-QB System Thriving in Knoxville
September 29, 2004 | Football
Sept. 29, 2004
Coach Fulmer | Erik Ainge | Brent Schaeffer
Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer stated again Wednesday how pleased he is with the two-quarterback system of true freshmen Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge.
Loves it, in fact.
"I don't know why it's such a big deal," Fulmer said. "We've got an exciting thing going on. I like the way it's happening and I think most of the people do who follow Tennessee football."
The Vols, 3-0, have jumped to No. 8 in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll and are tied for 10th by Associated Press. Among the September heroes are the lefty-righty combo of Schaeffer and Ainge, who have teamed to complete 49-of-77 passes for 721 yards and 10 touchdowns against only one interception.
Their combined pass efficiency rating is 182.6, only slightly behind Ainge's current rating of 184.1 that leads the SEC and ranks fourth nationally. Schaeffer's rating is 178.5 but the southpaw does not have enough pass attempts to qualify for the rankings.
So, who gets the nod to start Saturday's crucial matchup against Auburn?
"Right now, we don't have to talk about that," Fulmer said. "Both of them have done well, both of them will be co-starters regardless of who takes the first snap.
"The guy who plays the best is going to continue to play. That's what we've said from the beginning and that's what we've done."
Schaeffer has started all three games to date, with Ainge sparkling off the bench in a role he describes as the team's "sixth man." The Oregon native, of course, is the nephew of former NBA star Danny Ainge.
Schaeffer stole the spotlight against UNLV with his running and passing, while Ainge keyed come-from-behind wins against Florida and Louisiana Tech.
"I'm not getting caught up in all that and I wish you wouldn't, either," Fulmer said to media members in attendance Wednesday. "But that's your job and I understand. After 13 years I'm starting to understand a little bit, I guess."
INJURY UPDATE
(Auburn Week): Probable -- WR Tony Brown (calf), DE Karlton Neal (shoulder); Questionable -- DE Jason Hall (ankle), DE Jared Hostetter (ankle); Out -- TE Jake Finlayson (back), DB Antwan Stewart (knee); Out for Season -- DB James Banks (knee), LB Marvin Mitchell (knee), LB Kevin Simon (knee).
STATEMENT FROM UT HEAD COACH Phillip Fulmer REGARDING Victor McClure
Head coach Phillip Fulmer announced the return Wednesday of tight end Victor McClure to participation status. Fulmer's statement is below:
"At this time, we are returning Victor McClure to participation status. We have had input from experts in all areas. His medical issues have been addressed by a team of doctors and his medication and counseling will continue. Everyone in the process felt that a return to normal activity, including football, would be a plus for him. Victor will have very strict demands and time restraints that go along with this return. His health and well-being remain the highest priority and we look forward to Victor obtaining his degree in December."
