On a rough day for the Vols, Arian Foster provided a much needed spark for the Tennessee offense and return game. Foster made the most of his limited attempts, rushing for 89 yards on just 13 carries.
As Cal extended the lead to 17 points early in the third quarter, the Vols were forced to pass instead of hand the ball off to Foster.
"It's hard to gain yards when you've got a minimal amount of carries, but at the same time we did what we did with them and we were very productive," Foster remarked.
The excitement and anticipation for the game was magnified for Foster because it was a return to his home state of California. It was the first time his grandfather watched one of Arian's games live.
Arian was able to please his home state fans, but he says it wasn't as much of a factor as one might think.
"It was a factor, and it wasn't a factor. It was a factor leading up to the game, before the game, and a little bit after," said Foster. "During the game I wasn't even thinking about that. I was just looking at Cal as another team."
Running backs coach Kurt Roper backed up Arian's assessment of playing back home.
"It's something that's exciting for them," Roper said. "I don't know that it's necessarily something that really makes a difference once the ball is kicked off."
Foster isn't known as a breakaway running back, but he showed he's capable of the big play with a 42-yard run and a 68-yard kickoff return.
"I've heard that since I was little because the way I run isn't how speed burst guys run, with short jabby steps. I have a very long stride. It doesn't look like I'm moving, but I'm eating up a lot of ground," Foster said.
After producing 879 yards in 2005, Foster only managed to gain 322 yards during an injury-plagued 2006 campaign.
"He's worked hard since last January, and a lot of that pays off. It shows up in games," said Roper. "We have a lot of work to do to get better in certain areas and he has certain areas to improve in, but he did a good job and had a good start."
If the first game is any indication, Foster is ready to erase the doubts from last season and have a big year in 2007.
Comments
Jordan Culp commented, on September 5, 2007 at 11:43 p.m.:
I like what I hear from the guys. They look to the positives of the outcome of the game and that is important for sucess. It is great to hear from him his personal feelings about the game.
Garrett Hall commented, on September 5, 2007 at 11:54 p.m.:
Wow...Clayton makes it sound like he knows all about UT sports. Makes me feel like I am part of the program that he is writing about.
Michael Joseph commented, on September 6, 2007 at midnight:
Great story... You would think Clayton had been doing this for years, even though this is essentially his debut as a sports writer. Good things to come from this one!
Bryce Teutopolis commented, on September 6, 2007 at 12:25 a.m.:
Great article. Well written and well composed. However, I am going to have to go with Ainge over Foster for player of the week. Mainly because of completion percentage and Foster essentially costing UT 14 points. Clay Culp is on his way to replacing Bryant Gumble, no doubt about it.
Mercedes Lucas commented, on September 6, 2007 at 9:41 a.m.:
Wonderful article! And Clayton DOES know everything about UT Sports!!! (Dare I say)I am not a sports fan but Clayton did keep my interest. His writing has the same spark and energy that comes across in his speech, which is important and something not every writer can do. Definitely the makings of greatness...
Justine commented, on September 6, 2007 at 8:18 p.m.:
pump it up baby!
ari vactor commented, on September 6, 2007 at 8:35 p.m.:
clay this is a very good story u did a good job