University of Tennessee Athletics
VOLS LOOKING FOR YEAR'S BEST EFFORT
November 23, 2005 | Football
Nov. 23, 2005
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Tennessee hopes to close its 2005 season on a positive note Saturday by claiming victory at Kentucky. The Vols have lost five of their last six games but look to extend a 20-year winning streak against the Wildcats.
"We have had a good week of preparation," head coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Like they have been, the kids seem to be very focused, very attentive. We look forward to trying to play our best football game of the year."
Tennessee's best effort to date was the rally from 21 points down in the 30-27 overtime win Sept. 26 at LSU. Ironically, it was four years ago at Commonwealth Stadium that UT came from an exact, 21-point deficit to stun Kentucky 38-35.
This year's Tennessee and Kentucky have been mirror images. The Wildcats have won two of their last four after a 1-5 start, while Tennessee is on a 1-5 slide of its own after winning three of the first four.
"There certainly have been some good lessons that will come out of this season - both athletic and life," Fulmer said. "But as I have said a number of times, the accountability of the whole thing starts with me. Obviously I never expected anything like this as we look at the results of the season. And I'm 100 percent committed to getting it turned around."
The Vols will stage the ceremonial "Last Tackle" at the end of Thursday's midday workout as a tribute to 23 Tennessee football players making their final appearances in a Big Orange uniform.
"I want to say this about our seniors," Fulmer said. "They have done a really good job of being the kind of young men - for the most part - that have led this football team in the proper direction by example and have continued to work.
"Many times when it's a frustrating time, that's the hardest time to be a good leader. It's easier when things are going really well. I've enjoyed that our kids have done a good job of that."
-- Tennessee senior linebacker Jason Mitchell underwent open surgery Monday at UT Medical Center to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
INJURY UPDATE (Kentucky Week): Questionable -- QB Rick Clausen (knee), DE Xavier Mitchell (shoulder), LB James Turner (shins).
