KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Tennessee will play in the Citrus Bowl for the sixth time in program history on Jan. 1 against Iowa.
Former head coach Phillip Fulmer was the head coach four of the five times UT has played in the New Year's Day game. In 1994, 1996, 1997 and 2002, Tennessee found themselves in the bowl game.
Fulmer did well leading the Vols, coaching them to a 3-1 record in the bowl. His favorite was the one in 2002, when Tennessee won 45-17 against Michigan.
“You know the one against Michigan was very memorable," Fulmer told WBIR. "We really had a chance to play for the national championship, we lost in the SEC Championship game, but it was a great effort by our football team.”
The moment he remembers most from that game was tight end Jason Witten's 64-yard touchdown that gave UT the momentum it needed to put the game away.
“Jason Witten had the memorable moment out running everybody on their defensive football team," he said.
Historically speaking, Tennessee often ended up in the Citrus Bowl a lot during that stretch because they lost to Florida. Former Gators head coach Steve Spurrier once said you can’t spell Citrus without UT. Fulmer remembers that well and always told Spurrier this.
“I told him he spent too much time on the golf course too you know," he said with a smile.
Fulmer noted that going to the Citrus Bowl isn’t the obvious goal. He said you come to UT to chase national titles.
He said the Vols should look at this Citrus Bowl as a way to springboard their next season.
“You’re here to win championships and that’s what you want your team to understand, building on the next one now," Fulmer said.
Tennessee will play Iowa at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1 at Camping World Stadium.
