KNOXVILLE, Tennessee - Phillip Fulmer doubtless is
pleased to be playing Alabama at home this year.
Seventh-ranked Tennessee hosts the Crimson Tide on Saturday in a
matchup of Southeastern Conference rivals.
Fulmer has needed extra security in Alabama since it was
revealed he had fingered the Crimson Tide for recruiting
violations. His team also lost in Tuscaloosa last year, 6-3, on
Jamie Christensen's 34-yard field goal with 13 seconds left.
However, Fulmer generally has had great success against Alabama,
going 10-3 with wins in nine of the last 11 matchups, including
a 17-13 triumph here in 2004.
The Volunteers (5-1, 1-1, SEC East) have not played since a
stunning 51-33 triumph at Georgia on October 7.
Arian Foster ran for three one-yard touchdowns and Erik Ainge
threw for 268 yards and two scores for Tennessee, which rallied
from a 24-7 deficit. Ainge ranks seventh in the country in
passing efficiency (171.6) with 14 TDs and just five
interceptions.
Alabama (5-2, 2-2 West) has won back-to-back contests following
a two-game skid. Last Saturday, the Crimson Tide edged
Mississippi in overtime, 26-23.
The Crimson Tide limited the Rebels to a field goal to begin the
extra session before John Parker Wilson found Le'Ron McClain
for a two-yard TD to end the contest.