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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 18, 2002
Vols don't miss Spurrier-isms
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Phillip Fulmer doesn't have to listen to Steve Spurrier's commentary before this year's Florida-Tennessee game. The Tennessee coach doesn't miss it.
"It's probably not nearly as annoying," an unusually candid Fulmer said Tuesday when asked how this year's game will be different without Spurrier on Florida's sideline. "The preparation hasn't changed. It's always been a huge game."
For the first time since Fulmer faced Florida as Tennessee's interim head coach in 1992, Spurrier won't be grimacing, pacing or throwing his visor when the No. 10 Gators (2-1) visit fourth-ranked Tennessee (2-0) on Saturday.
Gone too are the Spurrier-isms created just to bug Fulmer and the Volunteers. The most infamous was, "You can't spell Citrus without UT," a reference to Tennessee's most common bowl destination after losing to Florida.
With a 3-7 record against Spurrier, Fulmer had plenty of respect for his nemesis.
"Put a microphone in front of him, he was annoying. Otherwise, he was a pretty good guy," Fulmer said.
ORLANDO -- Taking advantage of a week off, Central Florida's offensive line is getting healthy and should be near full strength for the Golden Knights' showdown with Marshall on Friday night on ESPN2.
Three offensive linemen were injured on the same play in the first half of the loss to Arizona State on Sept. 7. Two are expected to make full recoveries in time for the game, but Taylor Robertson is questionable.
Garrett McCray, who has been starting at right tackle, will move to guard to make room for junior college tackle Kyle Watkins. Watkins suffered an ankle injury on the first day of practice and has been working his way into the lineup.
UCF's offensive line combination has been in place for nearly a week, which is a departure from the mix-and-match line UCF juggled as a result of injuries during camp.