Vols Have Overcome Challenges True Colors

TAMPA - December has been a tumultuous month for Tennessee, in many regards.

The Vols have had to deal with the news of two coaches - offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe (Duke, head coach) and receivers coach Trooper Taylor (Oklahoma State, co-offensive coordinator) - departing for other programs after the bowl game, leading to daily questions about the ongoing search for replacements.

They've had to deal with the news that six players, including starters WR Lucas Taylor, DL Demonte' Bolden and LB Rico McCoy, were ruled academically ineligible for Tuesday's Outback Bowl against Wisconsin.

And, during their time preparing in Tampa for the New Year's Day bowl game, they've had to deal with all the bells and whistles that come with playing in a bowl, like making appearances at various bowl-sponsored functions.

Still, like they have all season, the Vols responded well to the challenges and adversity, drawing praise from Coach Phillip Fulmer.

"This team has gone through a lot in the course of the year and some of the things that we've had have been challenging," Fulmer said. "They stayed the course and listened and did a good job."

Sunday's morning workout at the University of Tampa essentially was the Vols' last practice before they face the Badgers. The team is scheduled to have only a short walk-through today.

Overall, Fulmer has been pleased with the Vols work in Tampa.

"We're ready to play," Fulmer said. "I've really appreciated how they've gone back to business. ... It's been a productive time for us."

BIG OPPORTUNITY: While Tennessee is one of the nation's best at getting to bowl games - the Vols are making their 47th bowl appearance, second only to Alabama (55) - the Vols have had some trouble recently posting wins.

Tennessee is 2-5 in their past seven bowl games, which includes a 20-10 loss to Penn State in last year's Outback Bowl. That's a fact not lost on the players, who view this game as an opportunity to turn things around and to not only end this season on a positive note, but also go into next season with some positive momentum as well.

"Last year down here we had a great week of practice and then lost to Penn State. We haven't had very much success in the past couple, except for in the Cotton Bowl in 2005. It really gives us that opportunity," sophomore C Josh McNeil said. "Especially last year, because we were in a position to win the game and we didn't, we've got to come out of here with a win and start January off on the right foot. That's the biggest thing, starting the new season off with confidence and with a win."

HIS OWN MAN: Junior LB Ellix Wilson certainly has waited patiently to make his first start, which will come in the Outback Bowl. However, while he's waited patiently, that doesn't mean he's been quiet.

Turns out, Ellix is much like his older brother, Cedrick, a former standout Vols receiver now with the Pittsburgh Steelers who had a reputation for mixing it up a bit verbally on the field. But Ellix said he didn't pick up his verbal skills from his brother.

"I'm my own person, so I'd never say I'd got my talking from him," Ellix said. "We're Wilsons, so we just talk. We just like to talk trash."

ODDS AND ENDS: Former Vols assistant Jimmy Dunn attended Sunday morning's workout at the University of Tampa. Dunn, a Tampa native, served as offensive backs coach from 1964 to 1969.

Adam Adkins