Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Game 9 at TENNESSEE 1:30 p.m., Oct. 27 Knoxville, Tenn. The Gamecock rates the Opposition Passing: # # § § Rushing: $ $ # $ Pass Defense: # # # § Run Defense: # # # # # Overall: # # # # # 2001 projected record: 9-2 Game 10 FLORIDA 1 p.m., Nov. 10 Columbia, S.C. The Gamecock rates the opposition... Passing: # # § § § Rushing: # # # 0 Pass Defense: # # # # § Run Defense: # # # # Overall: # # # # $ 2001 projected record: 11-0 UGA Bulldogs look to get Richt era off to winning start CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Defense The defense should be solid. The Nickname: Volunteers Head Coach: Phillip Fulmer (.lOth year) 2000 Record: 8-4 (5-3 SEC) 2000 vs. USC: Won 17-14 in Columbia BY CHRIS FOY THE GAMECOCK Even though the University of Tennessee saw their fair share of troubles on their football team last year, one would never know it with their outlook for the coming year. Head coach Phillip Fulmer ex plains, “Nothing has changed around here. The expectations are high, like they’ve always been.” Since Fulmer’s arrival in 1992, he has posted an 84-18 record (.824), the highest win percentage among active coaches. The Volunteers saw less success in the 2000 season than it had in pre vious years, but despite a rocky start, UT still managed to put up a 8-4 record, which included a loss to Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. Offense Sophomore Casey Clausen re turns as quarterback for the Vols. Last season, Clausen broke all of Peyton Manning’s freshman records and had a 145.5 pass efficiency rat ing. He threw for 1,473 yards and 15 touchdowns. Senior running back Travis Stephens will have his work cut out for him, as he will have to replace UT’s all time leading rusher, Travis Henry. Last season, Stephens ran in seven touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth will be Clausen’s go-to guy. Stallworth’s strength lies in his ability to run after the catch. Fulmer thinks Stallworth is the most talented Volunteers receiver since Carl Pickens. Defense Senior defensive tackle John Henderson will be the anchor of UT’s defense this year. Last year, Henderson led the team in tackles (71) and sacks (12). Returning in the secondary will be Andre Lott, who held off on the NFL to play one more year. He will play cornerback on a squad of de fensive backs eager to make up for ' art_i^BV-1 John Henderson (left) received the Outland Trophy last season. He is back for his senior season to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, special to the gamecock last year. Last year’s secondary dropped more interceptions (10) than they made (9). Outlook The Vols might possibly make a title run with a schedule that could work in their favor. If they pull out victories in “The Swamp” and on the road at Notre Dame, Tennessee could be on the road to Pasadena this year. However, the week three match against Florida isn’t promis ing. Tennessee hasn’t won in Gainesville since 1971. Nickname: Gators Head Coach: Steve Spurrier (12th year) 2000 Record: 10-3 (8-1 SEC) 2000 vs. USC: Won 41-21 in Gainesville BY KYLE ALMOND THE GAMECOCK The Gators easily won the SEC Championship last season. This sea son, though, anything less than a national championship will be a dis appointment. Florida returns 18 starters from a team that went. 10-3 in 2000, and that’s enough for the Gators to be ranked No. 1 going into the season. Head coach Steve Spurrier knows that doesn’t mean a whole lot. He knows the only poll that mat ters is the last one. “We have to make sure our play ers understand they’re not quite as good as everybody’s telling them,” Spurrier said. “We have to make sure our superstar guys stay on top of them a little more. “We’ve all seen what publicity does to a lot of schools. This time linebacking corps is among the con ference’s best behind Boss Bailey, Tony Gilbert and Will Witherspoon. Jermaine Phillips and Tim Wansley anchor a secondary that can compete with any team in the SEC. Wansley recorded six inter ceptions last season, two of them re sulting in touchdowns. last year all of you were talk ing about Alabama, third in the country, and they were talking about a national cham- - pionship.” Spurrier Alabama went on to go 3-8 last season. Offense Florida always has been known as an offensive powerhouse under Spurrier. They pile on the points, and this season should be no differ ent. The only question is who will lead the offense. Sophomores Rex Grossman and Brock Berlin are still battling for the starting quarterback Outlook The Bulldogs come into the sea son with plenty of talent but could be bumpy out of the box with a new coaching staff. If UGA can win all the home games in a favorable home schedule, they could be in for a very good season. job. Whoever emerges will have plenty of talent around him. Jabar Gaffiley and Reche Caldwell are one of the best receiving tandems in the country, and running back Earnest Graham is a dangerous threat out of the backfield. Gaffney led the SEC in receiving last year as a fresh man. Defense Again, Florida has always been an offensive power. That never changes. But the reason why the Gators are picked by many to win it all this year is an improved defense that led the nation last year in forced turnovers. End Alex Brown is the leader up front and will have to compensate for the loss of tackle Gerard Warren to the NFL. In the secondary, cornerback Lito Sheppard is a spark plug. He tied for the conference lead with six interceptions last season and is a dangerous kick returner. Outlook It could very well be the Gators’ year. In addition to a loaded roster, Florida also has a favorable sched ule, facing both Tennessee and Florida State in “The Swamp.” If a quarterback controversy de velops between Grossman and Berlin, some problems might arise. But if Spurrier can avoid such a dis traction, his Gators could be smelling roses.