University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Grinding Through August Heat
August 18, 2009 | Football
Aug. 18, 2009
Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday's practice was the "same old story" as he left Haslam Field following the final practice before fall classes begin.
The "old story" hasn't changed since the first day of preseason: it was a long, physical practice. Tuesday was no exception to the norm as coaches continue to organize depth charts before the Vols' season opener against Western Kentucky on Sept. 5 at Neyland Stadium.
"We're still a ways from a real game," Kiffin said. "We have to continue to hit and find out who we are and figure out our depth chart. It's a physical game, and there's no way to figure out who your players are without being physical. Otherwise you get into the opener and then you start finding out. We want to find out now."
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Though Tennessee is still several weeks from the first contest, more game elements have been added over recent days. Tuesday's practice ended with the offense trying to push across the goal line.
Kiffin said he was impressed by the defense's work in practice, particularly during a segment that simulated a game-day drive. Unlike most preseason drills, this one did not rotate players in and out.
"Usually we alternate every four or five plays," Kiffin said. "My issue with that is that you get in a game and you never had to stand. We had 10 plays where they couldn't come out. We had it as much like a game as we could."
Because Tennessee's classes begin Wednesday, football practice has been cancelled. The Vols return to afternoon practices Thursday.
