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Vols Running Game Will Test Gators' Defense

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

GAINESVILLE - After watching Tennessee lose its season opener against UCLA, many are expecting Florida to earn a rather easy victory Saturday.

The Gators coaching staff isn't among that group.

"If we don't play great defense, we don't have a chance of winning this game," defensive line coach Dan McCarney said. "I believe this in my heart."

With the loss of QB Eric Ainge, the Vols likely will rely heavily on their running attack. Led by RB Arian Foster, the Volunteers running game is averaging more than 6 yards per carry.

"They're tremendous," McCarney said. "I've seen a lot of great ones, and Foster's a great one. He is really, really physical. We have a real challenge."

DUNLAP DISAPPOINTING: Few players entered the season with as much hype as DE Carlos Dunlap. After receiving limited playing time behind first-round NFL draft pick Derrick Harvey, the Gators were expecting big things from Dunlap.

Dunlap has just three tackles through the first two games, all of which came against Miami.

Coach Urban Meyer hasn't given up on him yet, though.

"I still do have high expectations," he said. "He hasn't answered the bell like we thought. He's not playing horrible, but he hasn't been the dominant Jarvis Moss-type of guy we thought he might be. He's still young and needs to learn how to cut it loose."

INJURY UPDATE: OL Jim Tartt is finally expected to play for the first time this season.

The senior has been slowed by a nagging shoulder injury throughout the preseason and the first two games of the season.

LB Dustin Doe (ankle) is probable for Saturday's game. Redshirt freshman OL James Wilson underwent hand surgery Tuesday.

Karl Hyppolite

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