University of Tennessee Athletics
INTERVIEW OF COACH FULMER BEFORE ALABAMA GAME
October 17, 2005 | Football
Oct. 17, 2005
1. How did the coaching staff use the open date last weekend to prepare the team for Saturday's game with Alabama?
A - "You go back and study what you have done up to that point in the season and make corrections, just like you would do after any game. We worked a lot on fundamentals and got a good start on Alabama. We used our time wisely."
2. With the open date providing healing time, what is the physical condition of the Vols going into the Alabama game?
A - "We'll be fine for the game, with only a few exceptions. We would love to have Jason Allen, for instance, but the other players for the most part are getting healthier. Justin Harrell at tackle is back after receiving a thigh bruise. Kevin Simon benefited from the week off, and so did a bunch of others. I'm looking forward to taking the team to Tuscaloosa and having the squad at close to peak strength."
3. How important is it to familiarize the squad with the history of a storied rivalry such as the Tennessee-Alabama series?
A - "We did that last week. We try to tell the history of all our rivalries, especially one like Alabama where we go back to Gene McEver's touchdown run to spring the upset of 1928. We talk about the great games, the great coaches and the great players who have been involved in this historic rivalry. That's part of getting ready for Alabama. Our team appreciates what it means."
4. How has the return of Brodie Croyle at quarterback enhanced the Alabama offense since his recovery from injuries that sidelined him last year?
A - "He's really important, a fine player and a fabulous person. As a quarterback he throws it where he wants it. His demeanor and attitude are vital to Alabama's success."
5. Alabama's defense has been compared favorably with some great Crimson Tide teams of the past. Is that a valid comparison?
A - "It's valid. They have some real standouts, but up and down the defense they are loaded with gifted players who are performing very ably at this point of the season."
