University of Tennessee Athletics
McNeil Named SEC O Lineman of the Week
October 15, 2007 | Football
Tennessee sophomore center Josh McNeil has been named Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts in Saturday???s 33-21 win at Mississippi State.
A Collins, Miss., native, McNeil returned to familiar territory on the Starkville campus. He grew up watching his older brother, Chris, play center for MSU and had several family members and friends in attendance Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.
They saw McNeil play 77 offensive snaps and contribute 10 knockdown blocks while pushing UT???s offensive unit to a season-high 221 rushing yards and 259 yards through the air. The Vols controlled the ball for 31:39 against the Bulldogs and also completed their fourth straight game without a quarterback sack.
Tennessee leads the nation with only two sacks allowed through the midway point of 2007.
Other SEC players of the week were Kentucky???s Andre Woodson (offense), Auburn???s Tray Blackmon (defense), Alabama???s Javier Arenas (special teams), Georgia???s Knowshon Moreno (freshman), and Mississippi???s Greg Hardy (defensive line).
UT-SOUTH CAROLINA SET FOR EVENING KICKOFF
The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that Tennessee???s Oct. 20 matchup against South Carolina is being televised by ESPN and kicks off at 7:45 p.m. Eastern time. This marks the Vols??? first ESPN appearance and fourth nationally-televised game of 2007.
Tennessee leads the series against the Gamecocks 20-3-2 and has won 13 of 14 under head coach Phillip Fulmer. Two years ago in Knoxville, however, South Carolina snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Vols and won for the first time in Knoxville by a 16-15 score.
Other SEC televised games that weekend are Mississippi State at Kentucky on Lincoln Financial (12:30 p.m. Eastern) and Georgia-Florida from Jacksonville on CBS (3:30 p.m. Eastern).
INTERVIEW OF COACH PHILLIP FULMER BEFORE ALABAMA GAME AT TUSCALOOSA
1. Comment on how Josh McNeil's remark, "We are not the nicest guys on earth, including myself," reflects Tennessee's on-field toughness.
A - "Football is not a game for soft people, especially if you are playing in the offensive line or the defensive line. You can't be a soft guy or a nice guy. Off the field, you can be a gentleman, but not on the field, playing the game. Josh McNeil is one of the 'tough' guys we have here."
2. How do you personally get across to the team the historical significance of the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry?
A - "It has been correctly said of Alabama and Tennessee players that they haven't played SEC football until you've been in this game. I will do a good job making sure our players understand how important this game is to the Tennessee people and to the Alabama people."
3. Describe what is involved in the improvement the Vols have made on the defensive side of the field.
A - "We have always played hard, but we were guilty of giving up big plays. We are tackling better and taking care of our responsibilities in filling gaps and so forth. It's an upgrade in playing the fundamentals."
4. What factors have contributed to Arian Foster's development as a productive running back?
A - "Arian has worked hard and has turned his one bad play against Penn State into a motivation tool. He had a good spring. If we can keep him healthy, we are looking at a fantastic junior year for Arian Foster."
5. Comment on the likelihood the outcome of the Alabama game could boil down to the ability to win the close ones.
A - "In the SEC, especially against big rivals, it can turn into a fourth-quarter game. Alabama this season has played a lot of close games, and we don't expect this to be any different. It could come down to one play or two plays deciding it. But every play is important."
BIG ORANGE TAILGATE TOUR SATURDAY IN TUSCALOOSA
UT alumni, fans and friends are invited to join the Tennessee Alumni Association for another ???Big Orange Tailgate Tour??? stop Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
Little Hall on University Avenue, just two blocks south of the stadium, is this week site from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Central time. Look for the tented area with orange and white balloons.
There will be a tailgate-style breakfast buffet, along with plenty of Rocky Top and fun for the entire family.
Participants can look forward to listening to the UT Pride of the Southland Band, cheerleaders and a special appearance by Smokey! Door prizes will be given away every 15 minutes. Everyone who pre-registers will have the opportunity to win a Phillip Fulmer autographed football.
Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. Pre-registration is highly recommended. There will be a limited amount of walk-up food tickets available. Pre-registration ends at noon Eastern time Thursday.
To pre-register or for more information, please go to www.utalumni.tennessee.edu/bottmen or call the Tennessee Alumni Association office at (865) 974-3011 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern.
