University of Tennessee Athletics
AILING VOLS FACE DIFFICULT OPPONENT IN CAROLINA
October 26, 2006 | Football
Oct. 26, 2006
Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer says his Vols have prepared well heading into Saturday's SEC clash against South Carolina. But there's a catch.
"I wish we were healthier than we are at some spots," Fulmer said after Thursday's workout at Haslam Field. "I'm not sure what Jayson Swain is going to be able to do at all, and LaMarcus (Coker) being out -- those are challenges for other guys to step up, other positions to step up."
"I've got significant concerns, but from an attitude standpoint and preparation standpoint I think we're where we need to be."
Swain, who has 25 catches this season for 415 yards and five touchdowns, suffered his injury in Tennessee's Oct. 7 win at Georgia and, although he played in Saturday's win over Alabama, the bum ankle is not close to 100 percent.
Coker had claimed the starting tailback spot heading into Georgia and is UT's leading ground gainer with 393 yards and a 6.3-yard average. But the redshirt freshman sprained his knee on a kickoff return against the Crimson Tide and will be sidelined 3-6 weeks, according to the Vols coach.
"I'm very excited about this weekend," Fulmer claims nonetheless. "The guys have prepared well."
Having said that, Tennessee knows another ridiculously tough conference opponent awaits Saturday before 80,000-plus maniacs at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks enter at 5-2 overall, 2-2 in the SEC, and have a narrow defeat to Auburn as the only blemish over their last five outings.
"I think they've got maybe the best middle linebacker (Jasper Brinkley) in the league," Fulmer said. "Their two corners (Fred Bennett and Carlos Thomas) are outstanding and they give you a lot of looks.
"They look pretty good to me."
Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. Eastern time.
INJURY UPDATE (South Carolina Game): Questionable -- WR Jayson Swain (ankle); Out -- TB LaMarcus Coker (knee); WR Austin Rogers (mononucleosis).
