University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols-Gators Set for CBS Afternoon Kickoff
September 08, 2008 | Football
Sept. 8, 2008
The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that Tennessee's Sept. 20 matchup against Florida is being televised by CBS Sports and kicks off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. CBS opens its 2008 college football season this weekend with Georgia at South Carolina. Last month, CBS agreed to a 15-year broadcast rights deal with the SEC beginning next year.
Tennessee leads the series against Florida 19-18, but the Gators are riding a three-game winning streak. The teams have split the last two games in Knoxville. Florida won 21-20 two years ago after the Vols prevailed 30-28 in 2004.
Other games being televised that weekend involving SEC teams are Alabama at Arkansas on Raycom Sports (12:30 p.m. Eastern), LSU at Auburn on ESPN (7:45 p.m. Eastern) and Georgia at Arizona State on ABC (8:10 p.m. Eastern). The Mississippi State at Georgia Tech game has been designated as a six-day selection for the ACC/ABC television package. If the game is selected by ABC, start time is 3:30 p.m. Eastern; if the game is not selected by ABC, the ACC/Raycom syndication package carries the noon Eastern time broadcast.
INTERVIEW OF COACH FULMER BEFORE GAME WITH UAB SATURDAY AT NEYLAND STADIUM
1. Describe how Montario Hardesty, complementing Arian Foster, gives Tennessee a formidable one-two punch at tailback.
A - "We're really pleased about the physical progress Montario is making. He hasn't been 100 percent healthy the last couple of years. But now he is turning into quite a leader. He is making significant progress on offense as well as on special teams."
2. What are the factors that have given the Vols a brilliant rushing defense, ranked first in the nation?
A - "You can't make too much of one game, but we were pleased to stop the run so well against UCLA. The proof will be in the pudding later on, but there have been some good signs out there."
3. Do you expect Gerald Williams, who should be ready for action Saturday, to give the Vols a lift at linebacker?
A - "Gerald Williams has paid a high price to get here and has remained loyal to Tennessee for longer than most other people would. He is a big, physical, tough linebacker who can also work his way in at defensive end. We are trying to catch him up on a lot of things, and in time Gerald will be a valued member of the defense."
4. Name specific areas where the Vols have made improvement as they prepare for Saturday's game with UAB.
A - "Practice has been very intense, including Wednesday and Thursday of last week. We have corrected our punt formation problems so we now have decent protection for the kicker. We worked on our quarterback-center exchange situation to make it better. We had too many wasted plays against UCLA; eliminating them is important."
5. What can the Vols look for from head coach Neil Callaway's UAB Blazers in the home opener Saturday?
A - "They are a very productive offensive team with a good running game. They are putting up unbelievable numbers. The UAB quarterback has been doing a great job. Defensively, they are giving up some yards, but they are so multiple you must do the right thing against them. The same applies to kicking."
