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Tennessee has been stout on defense but still expects a challenge from the Gators.
By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 18, 2002
GAINESVILLE -- With the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation, you would think Tennessee would have no doubt about its ability to handle Florida's offense, which has sputtered more often than not in a new system this season.
Think again.
When the Gators and Vols meet Saturday, one of the main things Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer expects to find out is how good his defense really is.
In two games, the Tennessee defense has been formidable. In seven of eight quarters, Vols defenders have not allowed a touchdown. Tennessee ranks 11th nationally in rushing and pass defense and No. 2 in total defense, allowing 198 yards a game.
The reality is the first two opponents were not top-caliber. The Vols defeated Wyoming 47-7 and Middle Tennessee 26-3.
"I've been pleased to this point," Fulmer said, "but this is obviously our biggest challenge that we'll have of the year because Florida is a comparable football team. They can run it well, play-action well, misdirection and they can drop back. It's a lot different challenge than what we've faced the first two ballgames. To be honest, I'll be interested to see how our kids can do."
Tennessee lost four starters from its line last season, including Constantin Ritzmann, the team's best pass rusher. But Florida still is trying to adapt to offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher's new system, and it has not displayed its typical high-powered ability.
At least not yet.
"Everyone on our offense needs to step it up a little bit this week," quarterback Rex Grossman said. "Tennessee's going to line up and play their defense. They're extremely talented and obviously highly recruited going to a great program like Tennessee, so we're up for a big challenge and we're looking forward to it."
If the Gators are going to step up their offensive game, this would be the week to do it, considering everything that's on the line.
"It's evolved into being a big series because they've been danged good and we've been good, and usually the team that wins this ballgame is going to have a leg up in the Eastern Division because it's an early game," Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis said.
Led by linebacker Eddie Moore, a Butkus watch candidate, defensive back Julian Battle, a Thorpe candidate, and freshman linebacker Kevin Simon, the team leader in tackles with 16, the Vols have held their first two opponents to an average of five points a game.
The defense and special teams accounted for the final nine points in Tennessee's 26-3 win against Middle Tennessee.
Meanwhile, despite scoring 50 points in its past two games, Florida's offense has been inconsistent. Still, don't think Tennessee expects to face a subpar Florida offense Saturday.
As far as the Vols are concerned, Florida is still Florida, and that means a battle.
"The players will still be there and I think the tension will still be in the game, so I don't really think it will be too much of a difference," said Moore, the team's second leading tackler with 15.
Chavis agrees.
"The game's played between the lines," Chavis said. "I've always said this: John Chavis or anybody else could leave Tennessee, and Tennessee's going to go on. I feel the same way about Florida. Coach (Steve) Spurrier was an excellent football coach, and I think he brought a lot to the college game, but the University of Florida is going to go on.
"Their system is a little bit different, and you can tell they're going through some of the adjustments right now. But they've got great athletes on both sides of the ball, still."