Them's Fightin' Words, Maybe

   Manipulating the media to fir up your team is as old as, well, fire. Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer made certain every player was aware of Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes' comment Monday that the Vols gave up in last year's game. "They quit playing," he said.

   Next day, Spikes' words wound up on a board in UT's practice facility for all to see. Then Fulmer issued a comment atypical of a coach, who generally (in public) dismisses such a remark as a throwaway line from an excitable young man with no malicious intent.

   Fulmer said Spikes probably was parroting the coaches. Then: "If they don't respect us, why are they practicing?"

   To which I ask: If a talented team loses 59-20, what other explanation is valid other than it let up?

   What do you think about bulletin board material? Does it have the impact coaches think?

   The Vols are in deep doo-doo Saturday (3:30 p.m., CBS). Florida's offense has barely awakened, but it is growing healthier and is so deep at positions such as running back, they could run an A and B team.

   The smartest comment uttered this week was by the Vols' Johathan Crompton saying he felt no pressure, noting "Pressure is being over in Iraq, fighting for your country."

   But the sore-ankled quarterback will feel another sort of pressure, from a ravenous Gators pass rush.

   If there is any real pressure, in the sports context, is on Fulmer, who doesn't win enough big games? This one? Real big. 

   Can you envision a Vols' win? Make your case.