University of Tennessee Athletics
Rogan SEC Special Teams Player of Week
November 19, 2007 | Football
Dennis Rogan???s signature play in Tennessee???s 25-24 triumph Saturday over Vanderbilt has resulted in the freshman???s first collegiate award -- SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.
The Knoxville native???s 45-yard punt return set up the winning field goal as Tennessee rallied for its biggest fourth-quarter, come-from-behind victory in Neyland Stadium history. Rogan finished with 72 yards on three punt returns and another 74 yards on three kickoff returns to claim this week???s league honors. In addition, he made a saving tackle on Vanderbilt???s final kickoff return that helped keep the Commodores out of scoring range with the game on the line.
Since taking the reins of Tennessee???s return duties in mid-season, Rogan is averaging 13.0 yards per punt return and 31.7 yards per kickoff return. Rogan does not have the minimum required number of kick returns (1.2 per game) to qualify for NCAA statistical rankings, but his kickoff return average currently would rank fifth nationally and would lead all freshmen.
Other SEC players of the week were quarterback Casey Dick of Arkansas (offense), safety Craig Steltz of LSU (defense), offensive tackle Nate Garner of Arkansas (offensive line), defensive tackle Geno Atkins of Georgia (defensive line) and linebacker Rennie Curran of Georgia (freshman).
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| ??Phillip Fulmer |
1. What can the Vols learn from scoring one of UT's biggest comeback victories ever Saturday in the 25-24 win over Vanderbilt?
A - "You learn something in every game you play. We have won a lot of different ways. This one showed an incredible amount of character."
2. How important will it be for the Vols to get and maintain momentum from the start of the Kentucky game Saturday (1:30 p.m. Eastern)?
A - "You'd like to do that, but it is difficult against an outstanding team. We would like to seize momentum and quiet the crowd. But we will approach it as a 60-minute game and try to find ways to win."
3. Despite Tennessee's 22-game winning streak, how difficult have the victories over Kentucky been to achieve during that period?
A - "Every time you play Kentucky, a border-state rival, it is always tough. With them having a particularly good team this year, it will be the same. Each game stands on its own. Some of the most memorable games I remember have been against Kentucky, back to the days when I played here."
4. How much incentive will it give the Vols to know they can clinch the SEC's Eastern Division title with a victory over Kentucky?
A - "There is a lot of motivation, beginning with finishing the season on a good note. Getting to Atlanta is motivation, but certainly putting an exclamation mark on the end of this season is very important."
5. Describe the challenge presented by Kentucky's balance, dangerous in every phase of the game, when the border rivals clash Saturday.
A - "They are an all-around good football team. Their kicking game is strong in all respects. Offensively, they are very skilled. It is a tremendous challenge, and we will have to do a great job all the way around."
UT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESENTS 'BIG ORANGE TAILGATE TOUR' IN LEXINGTON
UT alumni, fans and friends are invited to join the Tennessee Alumni Association for another ???Big Orange Tailgate Tour??? stop next Saturday in Lexington.
E.S. Good Barn, an indoor venue at 1451 University Dr., across the street from Commonwealth Stadium, is this week???s site from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. Look for the orange and white, and follow it to the official UT alumni tailgate-party.
There will be a full lunch 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 strongly recommended, as there are a limited number of walk-up food tickets available. Pre-registration ends Wednesday.
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 time.
