Even though the Vols have lost four straight games, head coach Derek Dooley says his team still has a winning attitude. "The team is in good spirits. It doesn't mean they're happy about the result. But the way they have been all season. They've got a lot of good character."
While it might be too late to have a memorable season, the Vols can still have a memorable month. Said fullback Ben Bartholomew,"Everyone remembers what you do in November." Said linebacker Curt Maggitt,"There's a saying. They remember what you do in November." Added offensive lineman Antonio Richardson,"Everybody always remembers what you do in November."
Starting with Troy, Tennessee will not face a ranked team in November. Said offensive lineman Dallas Thomas,"Just go out and play ball. Just keep playing. Don't worry about a team if they are ranked or not. It's just playing ball." Added tight end Mychal Rivera,"Yeah, we need a win immediately. We need a win right now. We are going to push hard this week like we do every week. We're going to come into this and try to get a win under our belt."
Derek Dooley may be coaching for his job in November, but the players aren't going to worry about Dooley's status. Said linebacker Herman Lathers, "It doesn't bother us much. We've heard it all year. We've gone out and practiced well. The distraction about the coaches doesn't bother us at all." Said Bartholomew,"I think all the seniors are stepping up in leadership roles. We're telling the guys it's our last year. If you are going to play for anything, play for us." Added Richardson,"If we are able to go 7-5 and get to a bowl game, I believe that will get our swagger back. It'll get us ready to go this off-season and prepare for the next."
