University of Tennessee Athletics
FULMER SAYS VOLS READY FOR LATE-SEASON TURNAROUND
November 15, 2006 | Football
Nov. 15, 2006
From the sound of his voice after Wednesday's practice inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center, Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer can't wait for Saturday.
"I have really been happy with the preparation this team has shown on the practice field and the attitude they've had bouncing back from a couple of dadgum tough losses," Fulmer said. "It just really makes me madder than heck that we had to go through that without our best players."
Fulmer was speaking of recent injuries to offensive starters Erik Ainge and LaMarcus Coker, who combined to miss three games and played only sparingly when they did see action. He also might have been referring to defensive stalwarts Justin Harrell and Inquoris Johnson, both of whom were knocked out for the season in early September.
The Vols, 7-3 overall and 3-3 SEC, have dropped consecutive games to LSU and Arkansas, two teams currently ranked in the top 10. Next up for Tennessee is Saturday's visit to cross-state rival Vanderbilt (4-7 and 1-6 SEC).
"I like the way they've approached this week and I'm looking forward to one of our best efforts of the year against a good Vanderbilt team," Fulmer said. "It will take a darn good effort to get the win.
"These kids have paid the price and worked since January and have right at their fingertips a lot of great things. They've been disappointed a couple of times but they haven't lost their will to fight. This team hasn't lost its will to win and that's what I like."
BIG ORANGE TAILGATE TOUR ROLLS INTO NASHVILLE; FORMER VOL JOEY KENT SCHEUDLED TO ATTEND
The 2006 "Big Orange Tailgate Tour" continues this weekend in Nashville and all Vol fans, friends and alumni of the University of Tennessee are invited.
The Tennessee National Alumni Association hosts its fifth and final stop of the regular season prior to Saturday's UT-Vanderbilt matchup, and the two-hour pregame event begins at 8:30 a.m. This week.s location is the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University, 2555 West End Ave.
Former Volunteer wide receiver Joey Kent (1993-96) is scheduled to attend to the event to meet and greet fellow UT alumni and friends. He is scheduled to arrive at 9:15 a.m.
There will be a tailgate-style buffet, along with a big screen television with Vol highlights and other football games being shown.
In addition to food, fun and "Rocky Top," participants can look forward to listening to the UT Pride of the Southland Band, cheerleaders and a special appearance by Smokey. There will be game-specific spirit buttons and beads available, too. Door prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes.
All participants who pre-register for a tailgate tour stop will be automatically entered into a drawing for an autographed football. The drawing will occur at the end of the event.
Cost to eat is just $15 for adults and $8 for children (3-12).
To pre-register or for more information, go to www.utalumni.utk.edu (click on Tailgate Tour logo), or call the National Alumni Association office at 865-974-3011 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time.
ON SITE CONTACT: Kris Phillips (865-974-3011 or 865-599-5898).
PARKING TIPS FOR SATURDAY'S GAME IN NASHVILLE
Vanderbilt University and its Commodore athletics family looks forward to hosting Tennessee Volunteer fans at the football game Saturday. The University wants to make the trip to Nashville as pleasant as possible.
Parking and especially tailgating are limited on the Vanderbilt University campus. For Tennessee fans planning larger tailgate pre-game parties or wishing to park recreation vehicles, contacting Harris-Hillman School, located directly across from the south side of campus about three blocks from Vanderbilt Stadium. The school typically hosts visiting fans; phone (615) 298-8085 for further information.
Fannie Mae Dees Park is a Nashville public park about a block away from Harris-Hillman. The park provides an excellent picnic setting, but alcoholic beverages and parking on its grass are prohibited. Violators are subject to citations and/or arrest by Nashville police. For more information, please click here.
There also is parking available in the various on-campus parking garages. Click here for further parking information.
