September 25, 2004
Tennessee vs Lousiana Tech Preview
It's Homecoming for the University of Tennessee Volunteers as they face off against the Lousiana Tech Bulldogs. After the emotional, last-second victory over the Gators last week and with a showdown with Auburnlooming on the horizon next week, it'd be easy for the Vols to have a letdown in this game. Another preview here
Coach Phillip Fulmer has been trying to combat complacency with his team all week, talking up the Bulldogs and trying to focus his team on the task at hand--going to 3-0 on the young season.
In a lot of ways, this match-up is a good tune-up game for the Vols as they get ready to face Auburn next week. The Bulldogs bring in outstanding running back Ryan Moats. Moats is the nation's leading rusher with 257 yards per game.
The Vols' run defense will be sorely tested as they look to replace junior line backer Kevin Simon, who tore his left ACL last week. The Vols also have a lot of work to do in the secondary. The good news for the Vols is that the Bulldog offensive line is banged up. The Vols need to establish some defensive continuity tonight.
Where the Vols have the advantage is on the offensive line. The line played together for the entire game last week, getting stronger as the game went along. Their superlative work allowed the Tennessee running backs to have a huge day and gave freshmen QBs Eric Ainge and Brent Shaeffer the time they needed to make throws as needed--especially Ainge down the stretch.
These two teams met for the first time in 1993, when the Vols blew out the Bulldogs 50-0. The Vols are 14-1 against teams that make up the Western Athletic Conference.
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