Phil Fulmer Says He Loves This Week

Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer says rivalry weeks don't come any bigger than UT-Alabama.

"This game has always been special to both teams, Alabama and Tennessee," Fulmer said. "I've been fortunate to be a part of a lot of them and I just love this week."

Often referred to as "The Third Saturday in October," this rivalry was played exclusively on that date from 1928-94; since then and counting this season, it's happened only five times in the last 14 years. The two storied programs are getting together in football for the 91st time overall and the 80th consecutive season (neither school fielded a team in 1943).

Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. Eastern time at Neyland Stadium, with the Vol Network and ESPN carrying the action. Home teams have won the last four meetings.

Thursday, UT (3-4, 1-3 SEC) wrapped up its final full practice preparations with a 90-minute workout at Haslam Field.

"We certainly had a very attentive Thursday practice," Fulmer said. "Now we need to make sure that attention carries over to the football game. Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) is a very fine team. They've done a good job of rushing the football and playing the run statistically, and then you watch them on film and it's quite impressive.

"Their big-play ability, a solid kicking game -- you're really looking at an outstanding football team all the way around. It will take a heck of an effort on our part to win, and we're expecting to get that from our team. We'll have to have the fight, the toughness and all those things it takes to play in this game."

Regarding injuries, Fulmer said both wide receiver Gerald Jones and offensive lineman Anthony Parker remain questionable and are game-time decisions.

"To play on the offensive line and play at receiver with an ankle in a game like this would be very difficult. Both of them got a little bit of work today and we'll see how much progress they make in the next couple of days."

Fulmer thinks defensive tackle Walter Fisher should be able to contribute.
"He did a little bit today. A turf toe's tough but I expect him to play."

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