University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols and Gators Rely on Veterans
September 18, 2008 | Football
Sept. 18, 2008
There's nothing like an SEC showdown weekend to get the football juices flowing.
To the 106,000 fans expected at Neyland Stadium and the millions more listening through the Vol Network or watching on CBS Sports, Tennessee-Florida stands out for one important reason -- veteran play at an extremely high level.
"It's really true on both teams -- there are a lot of guys who have played in some big ballgames," head coach Phillip Fulmer said Thursday after the Vols practiced for 90 minutes on Haslam Field. "There shouldn't be any nervousness or newness about playing a game like this."
The Vols and Gators have been meeting in this early-season setting since SEC divisional play began in 1992. And the mid-September date offers quite a challenge to the more youthful players on both sides.
"It's very difficult when you think of the crowd, the emotion, and how fast and physical the game is to prepare for until he's had the chance to experience it," Fulmer said. "We're fortunate in most cases to have guys who have been out there and played in those kinds of games.
"You can't simulate that in practice. You can try in scrimmages to some degree and they get some feel. But not 100 percent until they play in a game like this."
-- UT captains for Saturday are defensive tackles Robert Ayers and Dan Williams, offensive linemen Ramon Foster and Anthony Parker, tailback Arian Foster, wide receiver Austin Rogers and linebacker Ellix Wilson.
-- Tennessee's CAREacter Star Athlete of the Week against UAB was wide receiver Lucas Taylor. The Carencro, La., native is tied for the SEC lead with 84.5 receiving yards per game, while standing second in receptions per game at 6.0. Taylor against the Blazers caught nine passes for 132 yards -- a career second best effort in both categories. Off the field, Taylor has become a regular in Tennessee community service efforts and carries a very understanding personality when dealing with the younger Vol fans he encounters and supports.
'SPORTS ILLUSTRATED EVOLUTION OF THE GAME TOUR PRESENTED BY NISSAN' IN KNOXVILLE THIS WEEKEND
Who and Where: Meet Tennessee football legends at Calhoun's on the River, 400 Neyland Dr., Knoxville.
- Three-time All-SEC place-kicker Jeff Hall will be signing autographs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Vols' all-time leading receiver Joey Kent will sign autographs from noon to 1:30 p.m.
- 1998 national championship team punter David Leaverton will sign autographs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 pm.
What: Sports Illustrated and Nissan are paying tribute to the ever-evolving game of college football by stopping at 10 games across the country throughout the 2008 season, including Saturday's Tennessee-Florida SEC showdown. Admission to the tour is free, and fans are encouraged to pick up a complimentary copy of a special "Game Breakers" collector's edition of Sports Illustrated.
- Get your picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the Heisman Trophy®
- Check out the 2009 Nissan Maxima, the evolution of the luxury sports sedan
- Participate in autograph sessions and photo opportunities with former Heisman winners and football greats
- Win prizes by playing the Maxima "See It and Win It" game
- Take a trip into college football history inside the SI Vault Museum
- Keep tabs on the weekend's action by viewing games and highlights on plasma TVs
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. until kickoff. There will be photo and video opportunities.
CONTACT: Susan Storey, CPP, 214-862-0622 cell (will be on-site to coordinate media requests); Karen Dmochowsky, SI Communications, 212-522-8473.
HALL FRIDAY'S GUEST ON UTSPORTS.COM LIVE FOOTBALL CHAT
UTsports.com hosts a live one-hour chat with a member of the Tennessee football family every home football Friday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern time. This Friday's guest is three-time All-SEC placekicker and UT's all-time scoring leader Jeff Hall.
A native of Winchester, Hall lettered for the Vols from 1995-98 and was a key contributor on Tennessee's 1998 national championship team. He racked up 371 points during his career on Rocky Top and played on back-to-back SEC Championship squads in 1997 and 1998.
His clutch 41-yard field goal in overtime against Florida in 1998 proved to be the game-winner in that dramatic contest, which built momentum for Tennessee's perfect 13-0 season. Friday marks the 10-year anniversary of that memorable game at Neyland Stadium.
Hall's academic prowess earned him Academic All-America honors in 1996, and he also earned the rare distinction of being named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll four times.
Big Orange fans from around the world are encouraged to log on to UTsports.com and submit questions, which may be submitted in advance of Friday's live session or through the duration of the chat. Due to time constraints, it may not be possible to answer all questions. All submissions require the accompaniment of the submitter's name, city and state.
Dr. Rob Hardin is the moderator for UT's Live Football Chats. Hardin is an associate professor in the Sport Management program at Tennessee. He teaches and conducts research in the areas of collegiate athletics and sport communication. He also assists the Sports Information Office with game-day operations.
WAVE OFF HUNGER WITH UT POWER TOWEL
The 17th Annual Tim Kerin Memorial Drive takes place Saturday before the UT-Florida home game. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, volunteers, staff and the students of the UT Ministers Council will be collecting donations and distributing the UT Power Towel for a suggested $5 donation.
The orange and white Power Towels will be available outside of every gate at Neyland Stadium two hours prior to kickoff. Second Harvest Food Bank is asking fans to make a donation in exchange for the Power Towel or give $1, enough to provide 3 meals.
Tim Kerin made a huge impact on UT and the Knoxville community. He came to UT in 1976 as head athletic trainer. Kerin was honored as Trainer of the Year by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society in 1992 and was elected posthumously into The National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 1993.
