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Tennessee receiver Gerald Jones is stopped by LSU safety Craig Steltz.
Related
- Ask Griff blog: Football future bright despite loss
- Postgame slide show
- Vol Report for Dec. 2 (PDF)
- UT-LSU box score
- Over after turnovers
- Venable: Vols' loss still win for some fans
- Venable: UT fans have competitions of their own
- Hamilton: UT likely headed back to Outback
- Adams: Ending doesn't follow usual script for the season
- Busy defense had to keep up with LSU
- Vols stand behind Ainge
- Perrilloux goes from backup to MVP
ATLANTA - Tennessee looks like it's headed back to Tampa.
After falling to No. 5 LSU 21-14 in Saturday night's SEC championship game, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton said the most likely bowl scenario for the Vols is a return to Florida for the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day.
"We'll know for certain tomorrow," Hamilton said after Saturday's game. "We anticipate the most likely probability being in Tampa to play in the Outback Bowl, but we won't know anything certain until tomorrow."
UT has a press conference scheduled for Sunday evening to announce its bowl destination.
If the Outback Bowl chooses another team - likely Auburn - the Vols would most likely be headed back to the Georgia Dome for the Chik-fil-A Bowl, held on Dec. 31, to face a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Chick-fil-A has second pick of ACC teams after the BCS.
Virginia Tech defeated Boston College in the ACC championship game Saturday afternoon.
The Outback Bowl has already selected Wisconsin as the Big Ten representative.
UT played in last year's Outback Bowl, losing to Penn State.
The fact that UT would be a repeat selection in that game isn't a factor, Hamilton said.
"I don't think it's an issue at all," he said. "They've had Florida back-to-back years, they've had South Carolina back-to-back years. In fact they had Ohio State against South Carolina two years in a row."
G-Gunned: Wide receiver Gerald Jones finished with 39 yards rushing, second only to tailback Arian Foster's 55 yards rushing.
Both of Jones' carries came out of UT's "G-Gun" package, with Jones lined up at quarterback.
The first shot was fired early, with 13:33 left in the first quarter. Jones faked a handoff and ran for 20 yards off left tackle.
In the second quarter, Jones handed the ball to Foster for four yards and a first down.
In the third quarter, Jones ran for 19 yards, then handed off to Foster for no gain on the next play.
The Vols also utilized backup quarterback Jonathan Crompton in an option package. In its debut, the Vols were forced to call a timeout just before the play in the first quarter. Crompton was stopped for no gain on the same play in the third quarter.
Fulmer said the Vols implemented the two attacks after seeing Arkansas' success using similar packages, such as the Wild Hog, in which tailback Darren McFadden plays quarterback. Jones ended the game with 39 yards rushing.
Creer Sets Record: Lennon Creer's 50-yard kickoff return in the first quarter set an SEC championship game record.
That play set the Vols up at the LSU 42-yard line, but Tennessee moved the ball just 5 yards and was forced to punt.
The true freshman's return bested Markeith Cooper of Auburn, who returned a kickoff 46 yards against the Vols in the 1997 championship game.
Orange Out: Tennessee wore orange pants for the first time since 1999, when the Vols beat Memphis 17-16 in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee tight end Chris Brown said Vols players had asked UT coach Phillip Fulmer to wear the orange pants this week in practice, but Fulmer said no.
Brown said the pants were a surprise when the team arrived at the Georgia Dome on Saturday.
Good Half: By virtue of its 7-6 halftime advantage, the Vols have now held a lead at the midway point in three of their five championship game appearances.
No Flag: Officials waved off a pass interference penalty on LSU's Chevis Jackson.
Jackson hit UT receiver Josh Briscoe before the ball arrived, but officials said Tigers defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois tipped the ball at the line of scrimmage.
Lucky Toss: The Vols won the coin toss for the 10th time in 13 games.
UT has elected to receive the ball all 10 times.
Gault Honored: Former Tennessee wide receiver Willie Gault was honored before the game as one of 12 SEC Legends.
One former player from each of the 12 member schools was honored before kickoff.
Injury Report: Linebacker Ryan Karl left the game in the first half with a right elbow sprain and did not return.
The senior finished with two tackles. In his absence, Ellix Wilson played at strong side linebacker
Defensive back Nevin McKenzie suffered an ankle injury and did not play during the second half.
Fourth Down Fulmer: Fulmer said freshman kicker Daniel Lincoln's two missed field goals were discussed when the Vols decided to go for it on fourth-and-4 at the LSU 21 trailing 21-14. Lincoln's struggles, however, were not the determining factor, Fulmer said.
"We had a good play on," Fulmer said. "We just didn't complete the pass. If you kick the field goal, you still have to score a touchdown. I felt strongly we could make it."
The Vols were stopped when freshman receiver Denarius Moore dropped what would have been first down reception.
Rising Rogan: Defensive coordinator John Chavis said freshman cornerback Dennis Rogan was inserted into the game in place of junior DeAngelo Willingham based on Rogan's play, not an injury to Willingham.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Notre Dame beats Tennessee 72-44…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 100
Volfan1 writes:
But you can spell SEC East Champs without UF
Volfan1 writes:
You would never know we had anyone injured according to CBS. They were too busy kissing up to LSU.
orange71 writes:
hillybilly trustee bluffed and hamilton flinched; it's the same as the battle era. this continues until powers that be feel the heat of losing their beloved vicariousness.
BubbaTN writes:
Still out-coached. Sure, Ainge made a couple of bad throws but why would you throw the ball on your own ten yard line with 9 minutes to go and the lead?
volfaninchattanooga writes:
CBS never even discussed what was going on at or near the Tennessee sideline. I've never seen such biased coverage, except for Notre Dame of course.
Volfan1 writes:
Sitting home the night of the SECCG and watching THE SEC EAST CHAMPION VOLS instead of the third place swamp lizards.
Nuff said.
Must be a slow night in hogtown.
WLE1 writes:
firephillipfulmer.com
yeavols#228407 writes:
Better yet..why throw a ball when you are at the 18 yard line with 2 minutes to go? Run the ball in and send the game into overtime. At least you have an opportunity to win.
DenverVol writes:
mcbrim1998 - step out of Spurrier's shadow and get some originality.
after today, I think it'd be great to see us in the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin. Give Crompton the ball and let's see some hard nose football.
Volfan1 writes:
Any of the whiners that don't want your Outback tickets, I want 4.
CoverOrange writes:
yeavols, Foster had been averaging slightly over 2 yards per carry in the second half. How do you score from the 18 with that? Plus, I thought there was over 4 mintues to go.
orange71 writes:
the NewAgeVol:
it's greaUT to be in a nonBcsBOWL!
it's greaUT to be in a nonBcsBOWL!
it's greaUT to be in a nonBcsBOWL!
Ralph_Crampton writes:
OUTB ACK BETTER THAN PEACH OR COTTON BOWL..PLEASE DON'T EVEN THINK OF COTTON OR CHICA-FILA BOWL>>>CVOTTON BOWL TOO COLD ON NEW YEARS DAY...PEACH BOWL IS NO REWARD FOR PLAYERS...THE OUTBACK IS THE ONE I WOULD ATTEND AND SPEND MY MONEY...THE PEACH OR COTTON, I'LL PASS ON THOSE TWO AND STAY HOME.
billadcock#209476 writes:
How sad that Mcbrim1998 has all his self esteem tied up in the gators. Get a life, man! There's more to it than football. Tonight's game had nothing to do with the gators....
jdcvols#230433 writes:
Please do not take the Outback Bowl. Last year the game kicked off at 11:00AM and our team played like they were hung over. Hamilton, go for ANY bowl that starts after 4:00PM..PLEASE!!!
writer#358485 writes:
Tennessee played well. Surprisingly, the defense held LSU to 14 points. That was good enough to win. The offense didn't have quite enough at the end and Ainge made a couple of bad throws. But we were in the game all the way. Great job considering where we started the season--there was some hitting tackling going on, which was missing early on. Disappointing end, but the game really could have gone either way, so the nay-sayers have little to gripe about. It certainly was no blow-out and LSU knows it was in a fight. Win the bowl game and finish with a a 10-win season. Lot of talent returning; next year should be great! Go Vols.
budrhon writes:
Less Ainge and more anybody in the backfield running the damn pill. I stated that last week after observing Ainge against Kentucky. VolnFla - I hope it isn't Clemson although they mirror UT pretty much this year after losing a chance to go to the ACC Championship. Either way I just wonder if the Coaching staff can get this team up for a Bowl. Does anyone know the Vols record during the month of Dec the last 7 years?
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Guys, VOLS SHOULD PLAY A BIG TEN TEAM IN THE OUTBACK ..
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
McBrim, I have been in and out of the house today... who was it that the lizards played today? I'm sorry-who? Isn't it about time for you to go into your "happy room" and bow to your Tim Teabag Fathead?
Huntingdonvol writes:
Very nice coaching job staff! Jones should start at QB our next bowl game !All i ask of tennessee players going into this game was blood and guts !!!!!they did but came up short!!!!go vols
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
Who said something about Chief? He going somewhere?
WCT59 writes:
Tennessee was lucky that LSU had so many players out with injuries. I just loved seeing the fat pumpkin's reaction throughout the game.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
What's an SEC East Championship, we getting rings for that now. Ridiclious.
budrhon writes:
I believe the CBS Cameraman or person must have a Jones for Les Miles cause they kept him on screen more than anybody off the field. Didn't take much to see that during the game. But we still loss so it really doesn't matter, right?
orange71 writes:
R IT A JONES OR A JOHNSON?
KCSD writes:
Fulmer didn't want to wear orange pants - they make him look fat....
jdcvols#230433 writes:
I'm serious, we do NOT want the OUTBACK BOWL with the 11:00 AM kickoff on New Years Day. If we do, then expect the same performance as last year.
KCSD writes:
Amen Sauderman
Mr_Brownstone writes:
Couple of points:
No way no how should anyone come down on Fulmer for this one. Same with the D. The O was the problem. Then again, what Cut has done with this program since 5-6, even it has come along way. We lost to a better team, face it. I've been discouraged with the D all year and Fulmer since the past two seasons. Again we lost to a better team.
Kudos to the all orange uni's. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 8 years to see them.
Pullingguard writes:
Hope the Vols go to Outback to play Wisconsin, for they would have a very difficult time with Clemson in the Peach Bowl.. Clemson has excellent balanced attack on offense and good defensive team.. UT needs a win in the bowl game regardless.. If they were to lose, again they will probably finish out of the top 20 which does not help recruting.
eduardo writes:
Keeping on keeping on, Fire Fooooooooooooooooooooolmer and his lame brain zanies he calls coaches! Get them ouuuuuuuutta heeeeeeere!
Southland writes:
hey Florida fan get ready to play second fiddle to South Florida Your coach will leave just as soon as his talent runs out or Tebow leaves At least Tebow has class and dignity sure doesn't represent the Florida fans. Florida has been good for a while but in the 100+ years of football they are a wannabe and will return to that state in the future enjoy it while you can. You had Spurrier but you will never have a coach that accomplished what General Neyland did on a part time basis. Part time because he had to take off to serve his country.
Southland writes:
hey Florida fan get ready to play second fiddle to South Florida Your coach will leave just as soon as his talent runs out or Tebow leaves At least Tebow has class and dignity sure doesn't represent the Florida fans. Florida has been good for a while but in the 100+ years of football they are a wannabe and will return to that state in the future enjoy it while you can. You had Spurrier but you will never have a coach that accomplished what General Neyland did on a part time basis. Part time because he had to take off to serve his country.
fullbackless writes:
What is with all of the passing on first and second down. First and 10 at lsu's 15 with 2:40 left and come out passing on first down. I dont know, good year i guess if we go to outback and beat wisc. Hopefully we can get Curtis, Pryor, Guy, Walls, and Page.
ONUV writes:
whoopty doo
djstatik writes:
Chik-fil-a bowl sounds better than Outback. I just LOVE them chicken sandwiches, and I can drive down. Tickets should be cheap.
fullbackless writes:
I think if Fulmer does not beat FL and win east again next year at the very least it may be time to look to new direction, but he deserves at least one more year.
andy112382#209793 writes:
I know I posted this on another article, but just wanted to share my take.....
Well I just got back from the game at the dome, what an atmosphere, that was my first title game to attend and I now know what they mean when it is said 'championship atmosphere'.....and there was a TON of orange there, it was about 30,000+ less people in that place than Tennessee has on any given day, but the Tennessee fans that were there were just deafening, at least as loud as Neyland Stadium, my ears were literally popping from the noise.
Great game, great fight throughout, defense was awesome to watch, we just literally threw the game away. First loss in 20 games attended I have ever witnesses, but I left more upbeat than I ever imagined I could because of how the team came together throughout the season and we held a team averaging 45 ppg to 13 points offensively, 21 overall. This is such a young team and I just can't wait to see the games we can get out of them. I hate it we loss but still a chance for a 10 win season and a very bright future.
GO VOLS!!!
kb7398#233189 writes:
I think if Fulmer does not beat FL and win east again next year at the very least it may be time to look to new direction, but he deserves at least one more year.
Geez...you guys don't get it. He's not on the hot seat...his job is not in jeopardy. As much as most of you want him gone tell me right now WHO REPLACES HIM?
That's what I thought...
asleep#212036 writes:
The game result was disappointing for many reasons until I sober up and realize the better team won. Not my team, but the better team. Of course I wanted to win and felt like we had a great chance. But in the end, a 7 point loss to what may be the national champions, considering where this team has come from (ask our Florida buddy - he'll remind you), is nothing to be ashamed of. What this loss does, IMO, is put Fulmer and staff on notice that next year will be the acid-test. Nine returning offensive starters. Returning 17 our of our 2-deep defensive roster. Hefney graduates. Colquitt and Lincoln back. Better schedule. I hope we do get Wisconsin - BC, Clemson, or Missouri would be much tougher matchups for us. go vols!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
Apparently kb7398, Fulmer's seat is no longer even warm. To hear Hamilton talk, he's giving him a big raise and a decent extension. If that's the case, then I hope Fulmer will at least fire Slade and get Cut to be a little more creative on offense. Back when Fulmer was OC, we were one of the highest scoring teams in Division I. We've completely lost our offensive swagger. Watch Florida or LSU on offense - never a doubt in their minds about what happens next. We used to have that to and we need it back. I was glad Cut returned and the offense is worlds better than it was but still, in crunch time, no swagger. Go Vols!!!
andy112382#209793 writes:
How about the job that Chief did with that offense throughout the year? Keeping in mind the injuries and lack of depth on the dline, that man did a tremendous job, in my opinion at least.
If there is any talk about Fulmer and a hot seat, that just needs to stop, he guided his very young team from what could have been a disaster to an SEC east crown and title game in a year we were picked to finish 4th in our division. Yes, I certainly agree we need to win the title, not just go to the game, but facts are facts, and the fact of the matter is no one has played for more SEC titles in the past, 10 years I believe it is, than Tennessee, plus as asked above, who the heck do you bring in? Look at bama, brining in a big name doesn't gurantee victories by any stretch of the imagination, what if you get a new coach and win less???? What then??? Be proud and satisfied with the consistency Fulmer has provided, and I can gurantee no one wants to win, not just play for, the SEC and national title more than him.
GO VOLS!!!
rootin4volz writes:
Hey hiresanders...Another 9 win season in the books (and maybe 10!)...Stir that with your swizzle stick and drink it...Oh, wait, that's right...your glass is half empty!
MemphisVol writes:
WIN THE BOWL GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nextyear writes:
I was at the SEC Championship game. I went to the Outback last year. Great setting and nice beach hotel. But UT found a way to lose AGAIN. No way am I going back. Fulmer sucks in games like this! The offense plays for as few points as possible to win and any mistake costs them the game. It's hard to get excited with this coaching staff in place.
imnotwithphil writes:
Today’s loss was a tough one… despite the fact that I think the loss validates all of us advocating a coaching change (not that we really needed validation)… I *really* wanted to see the kids make it to Atlanta.
That said… once again, Phil-a-puss Maximus fails to win the big game. Once again, our program is heading to a non-BCS Bowl where we will once again lose to an ACC/Big 12/Big 10 “powerhouse” program… think Clemson… think Maryland… think K State… think Penn State… hey, just think!
Once again, Fulmer has made Fools out of his supporters with the Fulmer two-step… lose the hard games… win the easy ones… lose the bowl game… dance to the bank.
So what did today’s loss teach us? Here are some key take-aways:
(1) This program is still mediocre
(2) Our problems on defense and offense are real and will extend well into next year
(3) Our “run” at the SEC championship was an illusion visible only to those who still believe in jolly ole St. Phil…
But don’t worry your little broken Foolmore hearts Philbillies… your man will be back next year. He’s achieved mediocrity and that’s good ‘nuf for Hamilton. Besides, Phil is just a good ole boy, makin' his way, the only way he knows how... unfortunately that's just a little bit less than a SEC championship will allow...
PS – Nextyear – I love the name – did you steal it from Texas A&M? That’s been their war cry since the 1930s…
fencevol writes:
I am not a Fulmer basher,but this is at least, our third straight 4 loss season.(could easily be 5) If 4 loss seasons are acceptable at UT, Our program has really gone in the wrong direction. The "we'young excuse is really getting old". If you look at the other SEC schools, most are much younger, especially FL,Ga,LSU and Sc. Yes, we won the SEC EAST,but we did not play LSU or AUBURN. I really do not think a 4 or 5 loss season, deserves a raise OR extension.
PRNDL writes:
fencevol...where is your head? Hamilton says 9-3 (75%) is good enough for TN and Fulmer will get a raise and extension no matter what happens in Atlanta or our bowl game.. He apparently thinks SECCG and bowl WIN's are only icing on the cake. The AD doesn't care that for three games we were totally non-competitive. Barely beat a 5-5 Vandy and it took four OT's to beat a KY that finished our how?? He is not looking at the whole body of work for the last 10 years. As long as we have a decent game or two and are 75%...that is all that is expected. We still sell the tickets and the mechandise. Your expectations are just unrealistic and if you want more...well you're just not a true fan. Folks, this is an elite program that has the potential to be so much more, but it's always..."next year". Maybe we need a new AD, too.
Smokey57 writes:
I hope it's the Outback for us. We have no business going to the Georgia Dome again. We can't win in the dome for some reason- bright lights, big city?
Friends ask me why I never go to the dome to see UT play (yes, I'm in Atl.). Last night is the reason!
99gator writes:
sorry about the outcome for y'all. i am also sorry for people who came on here to talk trash that you lost.
a couple of things.
1. i don't understand (i know the whole win/loss thing) why so many of you are angry today... but were not ticked off after the ky, vandy, and sc games.
2. i actually think fulmer and the staff did more with less than anyone will give them credit for. after watching tenn all season, i don't think they have some of the difference makers that are on some other schools in the SEC. they almost got it done yesterday. they also beat the heck out of georgia and arkansas.
3. as far as cbs goes, i think you just were screwed by the fact that lsu had so many story lines surrounding their team before the game and during the game with the injuries
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