Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer says energy, emotion and passion are always a part of football.
"You really can't play it without those things,"
Fulmer commented after Wednesday's practice at Haslam Field.
But should the Vols display just a little bit more of all three during Saturday's Homecoming affair against Wyoming -- well, let's just say the head coach wouldn't be surprised.
Wednesday was just 48 hours removed from the announcement that Fulmer is stepping down as UT's head coach after the 2008 season. The Vols are 3-6 overall and must close with victories over Wyoming (3-6), Vanderbilt (5-3) and Kentucky (6-3) to qualify for the 16th bowl appearance of Fulmer's storied career.
That leaves no margin for error, though, and Fulmer hopes the team's focus remains strong.
"I think they are determined -- for a variety of reasons, mostly for our team -- to put a different face on this season,"
he said. "If we can finish well like we'd like to, that would certainly do that."
"Practices have been good and have had real good energy. Today was as sharp as we've been in an offensive passing attack, so hopefully we can take that right on into the game and execute well."
Saturday's scene at Neyland Stadium likely will continue what has been a very heart-wrenching week for the entire Volunteer Nation.
"Energy, emotion and passion are always a part of football,"
Fulmer said. "But if there is an extra amount of energy and passion and emotion in this football game, certainly I know the players want to do well, like I said for a variety of reasons, but mainly for the team and the fans."
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern time.
UT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR MIKE HAMILTON IS FRIDAY'S FOOTBALL CHAT GUEST
UTsports.com hosts a live one-hour chat with a member of the Tennessee athletics family every home football Friday from 1-2 p.m. Eastern time. This Friday's guest is UT athletics director Mike Hamilton.
This week has been an emotional one for the Vols since Monday's announcement that Phillip Fulmer is stepping down after 17 years as head coach. Hamilton said UT has begun a national coaching search to find a replacement.
"Coach Fulmer has been, and will continue to be, a great representative of the university and the athletics department,"
Hamilton said Monday. "He has dedicated a majority of his life to our program and brought home two SEC championships and a national championship. He has secured his place as the second winningest coach in Tennessee history behind Gen. Neyland. I personally appreciate everything he has done for Tennessee."
In honor of Fulmer's contributions to the university, Hamilton announced that Fulmer's last home game versus Kentucky on Nov. 29 will be "Phillip Fulmer Appreciation Day."
Hamilton took on the role of Tennessee men's athletics director in 2003 and has been on the UT staff since 1992. The 45-year-old grew up in Brevard, N.C., graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor's of science in accounting and a master's in business administration, and then served as assistant director of the Deacon Club at Wake Forest University before joining the Vols as assistant AD in development.
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.
UT FOOTBALL TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR FINAL TWO HOME GAMES
Individual UT game tickets for both remaining Neyland Stadium football dates, including Saturday's homecoming contest against Wyoming, remain available for purchase online at utsports.com, via phone at (800) 332-VOLS and at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Kickoff Saturday is 1 p.m., with VideoSeat carrying the pay-per-view telecast.
These are the final two home games for Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer, who is stepping down after 17 seasons. The athletics department has designated UT's Nov. 29 game against Kentucky as "Phillip Fulmer Appreciation Day."
Tickets for Wyoming are $40 each plus shipping and handling. Tickets for Kentucky are $50 each plus shipping and handling.
