Vol Report
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- Phillip Fulmer, QB Erik Ainge and LB Jerod Mayo address the media
- Offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe talks to the media
- Defensive coordinator John Chavis talks to the media
- DT Demonte’ Bolden talks to the media – Part I
- DT Demonte’ Bolden talks to the media – Part II
- Dave Hooker interviews WR coach Trooper Taylor
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For the second year in a row, Tennessee's football team will spend the holidays in Florida.
A day after falling to LSU in the SEC championship game, Tennessee accepted a bid to the Outback Bowl on Sunday, marking the second consecutive year UT will spend New Year's Day in Tampa.
The 16th-ranked Vols (9-4) will face No. 18 Wisconsin (9-3) at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
ESPN will televise the game, which kicks off at 11 a.m.
Tennessee lost to Penn State in last year's Outback Bowl, which dropped the Vols' record to 2-5 in its last seven bowl games.
UT coach Phillip Fulmer wants to see that result change on this return visit to Tampa.
"We'll kind of put closure on this season and make it a kick off to next year," Fulmer said Sunday. "We have a chance to win 10 ballgames and send the seniors out in fine fashion."
Having the same team two years in a row hasn't been an issue for the Outback Bowl's selection committee, as evidenced by repeat trips for South Carolina (2001, 2002), Florida (2003, 2004) and Ohio State (2001, 2002).
It wasn't an issue this year, either.
"There was no question we'd love to have a team like this back," Outback Bowl president/CEO Jim McVay said. "Very successful team, fun to watch, huge fan following. That's the reason why you bring these guys back.
"In some situations, you really don't want to bring someone back. But Tennessee, it was just too clear that everyone was just enamored with the Volunteers. The experience we had last year was just so positive. These guys are exceptional."
Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton said that UT's strong finish was a major selling point.
Despite Saturday's loss, the Vols have won eight of their last 10 games after starting the season 1-2.
"I think that says something," Hamilton said. "I think our team deserved to play on New Year's Day. I think the conference concurred with that and the bowl executive directors that I talked to felt that way as well."
Per an agreement with the SEC, the Outback, Capital One and Cotton bowls must select the SEC championship game loser once every four years.
The Cotton Bowl, which selected Arkansas for this year's game, must select the championship game loser in either 2009 or 2010.
UT will receive about $1.25 million for its Outback Bowl appearance, including its share of the SEC payout for the bowl and a mileage allowance.
"That's the budget we'll operate off of," Hamilton said. "We'll budget to break even on this bowl."
UT's share of the $3.1-million payout from the Outback Bowl will be $1.04 million, the same total it received last year.
Tennessee's ticket allotment is 11,000. As of Thursday, UT had Internet pre-orders for about 4,000.
UT received more pre-orders for only the Sugar Bowl and Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Tickets are $65 and available through the UT ticket office beginning today, online at UTSports.com.
Once UT's allotment is sold out, remaining tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Injury Update: Linebacker Ryan Karl appears to have chipped a bone in his right elbow, Fulmer said.
Defensive back Nevin McKenzie likely suffered a small fracture in his right ankle.
Both will be evaluated further today, which will determine their status for the Outback Bowl.
Contract Update: Hamilton said when Fulmer's forthcoming contract extension is completed, Fulmer will have seven years remaining on his deal.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 160
AllVol writes:
2 and 7?! Gee, that sucks. Ten wins sure would ease some pain. That and keeping Georgia from the SEC Championship and the NC.
invisiblekid writes:
Glad to see Hamilton was able to lobby them into a New Year's Day game. We should have an athletic advantage on the Badgers and it should be a good matchup for us. Of course, we should have been able to use our athletic advantage over Penn St last year and we should have been able to steal one from LSU last night. For some reason, the performance last night and that 2-7 record leaves me a little less than confident at this point.
smashmouth98 writes:
I'm glad that we are heading back to Tampa. Hopefully this year we will be more prepared and actually win. Let's get next year started with a win against the Badgers!!!
volcam writes:
GREAT NEWS! This '07 team that refused to quit down the homestretch of the regular season and gave LSU all it could handle deserves a New Year's Day bowl berth. As a longtime fan and contributor, I am extremely proud of how our coaches and players did not fold after the disastrous loss at Bama but instead found a way to win the SEC East. A win in the Outback Bowl will be a fitting end to one of the craziest SEC football seasons ever.
BigOrangeJeeper writes:
VolCR get in your car and go somewhere else I don’t won’t to hear anymore of your filth flowing onto to this site.
rbull23#216019 writes:
Since 1990 the VOLS have won nine and lost eight bowl games having beaten such teams as Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Teach, Boston College, and Florida State. Lets make it
ten wins since 1990 with a victory over another Big Ten team (overrated conference).
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Apparently we have succeeded in reaching the only goal Hamilton wants. A New Years day bowl. Oh well, I digress. Congrats Phil. PS - you'll have to get up early for this one. I think it kicks off at 7:00 AM for West Coast Vol fans. Merry Christmas!
jaxvol75 writes:
That 2-7 record out of the last nine is pure awful. We are at a serious turning point with our football program. I heard Coach Fulmer say something to the extent that, "People thought Tennessee was going to go away." This was sometime during or shortly after last years campaign following the debacle in 05'. I think the sad fact of the matter is people don't really care about what's going on in Big Orange Country. Last nights game would have meant so much...maybe even more so than any of the previous S.E.C. titles since the conference broke into divisions given our recent shortcomings. I hope Coach Fulmer knows something we don't. I am glad he is still our football coach. He represents class at a time when I think young athletes need it most. Best of luck against the Big Slow Pokes of the Big 10!
MrBamSeydu writes:
If we get solid QB play out of Crompton next year, and if O'Neil / D. Moore / Ahmad Paige and the other young recievers can step up and take at least 2 of the 3 or 4 starting WR spots.... I think we'll be much better next year. Our defense should be stout, barring major injuries. Eric Berry will be pre-season ALL SEC 1st team. If Chris Donaldson, Chris Walker, and Ben Martin step into major roles it will only add to our depth and speed up front. The lack of pass rush killed us all season long. That's one of the reasons our young secondary looked so bad. Brent Vinson will start over Antonio Gaines (who is coming back for a 6th year of eligibility for some reason) and Marsalous Johnson will be back in for DeAngelo Willingham. But the main thing is, we will finally have depth in the secondary.
I'm going to be glad to see Hefney, Antonio Reynolds, Ryan Karl, and yes even the X-man leave. Hefney's senior season was a huge letdown and Ryan Karl is not an SEC starter. He'd have been a great LB for Carson Newman though. Antonio Reynolds was non-existent. The X-man barely so.
GO VOLS 2008! CANT WAIT FOR THE 2ND YEAR OF THE G-GUN!!!!
volfanjustin writes:
We may have a chance if Ainge and Hefney miss the plane to Tampa.
kdaff51 writes:
Can't spell "O ut back" withwout UT
kdaff51 writes:
Can't spell "O ut back" without UT
Pullingguard writes:
Vols now 9/4, lose to Wisconsin and you go 9/5 and out of the top 20... Not a very flattering season. Everyone was so high after the Ky win, and now some of that air is being let out of the tank. Think it's a necessity to win the Outback bowl to protect what image is left and to help recruiting. Other than that, another bad season.. UT can say we won the east, however, we all know that Fla and Ga have better records and better teams presently.
Without doubt they will play Ainge the entire game lose or win. Will be interesting.
ONUV writes:
whoopty doo
outermonvolia.com
volcam writes:
FROM WHERE THIS TEAM WAS AFTER THE BAMA GAME, I AND LEGIONS OF TRUE FANS ARE VERY PROUD OF THEM! I really feel sorry for a lot of you extremely negative "fans"; you must not be able to keep perspective in your lives. If you cannot support Tennessee through thick and thin, why don't you do the rest of us a favor and go find another team to denigrate, ridicule and nitpick to death!
cdldoc#211897 writes:
VolCR put TouchdownTN in the car with you when you leave and drive off a cliff. Go Vols!
CRFVols writes:
2 and 7 in bowl appearances.....do ya think we need to change something maybe???
MemphisVol writes:
WIN THE BOWL GAME!!!
dfreeman writes:
jwraymond1 - getting decked in the Peach Bowl. you can get deck at home with the relatives can't you?? Backwoods hillbubba!!
Oenoboy writes:
Every one of these whiners predicted us to be in a much lesser bowl with no more than six or seven wins. It simply proves there is no pleasing them and they are dedicated members of the Legion of Miserables.
dfreeman writes:
amen oenoboy!!
bshell12 writes:
Let crompton get plenty of playing time so we can get ready for next year....he can't do any worse than ainge
jweaver3#395614 writes:
VOLC(phooey)R(RETARD)
Y-YOU
A-ARE
W-WINNING
N-NOW
Thanks for your support phooey retard
We wish you were not a Vol Fan but I'm sure Bama wishes you were not a Bama fan.
GO VOLS
BEAT THE BADGERS!!!
Thanks for a memorable and weird season
THANKS COACH PHIL
Glad to see you are getting your raise and your extension!!!!!
TXVOLSFAN
jweaver3#395614 writes:
VOLC(phooey)R(RETARD)
Y-YOU
A-ARE
W-WINNING
N-NOW
Thanks for your support phooey retard
We wish you were not a Vol Fan but I'm sure Bama wishes you were not a Bama fan.
GO VOLS
BEAT THE BADGERS!!!
Thanks for a memorable and weird season
THANKS COACH PHIL
Glad to see you are getting your raise and your extension!!!!!
TXVOLSFAN
DennisVols writes:
With a win in the Outback we have a 10 win season. UT played a very good LSU team tough. Yes the mistakes cost us the game, but we showed we good play with the best ib the conference.
UT matches up well against the Bagers. Their schedule and conference is much weaker.
Take the high road and support the Vols.
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
Oenoboy
dfreeman
cdldoc
volcam
These guys are "TRUE" Vol fans. Even in 2005 they were happy with the team and the coach. We should all strive to be like them and be happy finishing outside the top 10 for the past 6 years even with top 4 top 10 recruiting classes.
volsfaninkpt writes:
give me a break crfvols, volcr, and especially you kingsportvol. i hope you didn't graduate from The Dobyns-Bennett High School, because then i might be ashamed of the best high school in all the land.
VolFan4Life writes:
jcvet, what game were you watching? How can you say LSU was flat and tentative in the 1st half?
Four of their five possessions in the first half went for 50+ yards (64 yards - FG, 58 yards - FG, 56 yards - turned over on downs, 76 yards - missed FG). If that's flat and tentative, I'd hate to see them amped up.
DennisVols writes:
jwraymond1
Come on down here to Atlanta and I'll be more than happy to fulfill your dream of getting decked at the Peachbowl.
As a retired soldier I always got a rush from beating the $##t out of traditors and enemies
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
Classy "REAL" Vol fan you are dlskaggs.
BIGEJ writes:
The WEB offers an avenue unlike any other; a place to opinionate (remember what opinions are akin to and everyone has one that smells or not); anyone can be an expert without others knowing their “resume” on the subject (experience, qualifications, background, etc.) The vast majority of those who blog, did not play the sport, have not coached the sport and could not play or coach. Everyone, fans, coaches and players want to win to be a part of something “bigger” than themselves. Whether the part is to recapture the “glory” days to just being a fan of a great team….WE WANT TO WIN; and when UT does not win, it does not “fit” what we think we need.
This 2007 season like many others, has been eventful…down right electric to "turn out the lights the part is over." As a former D1 athlete, a “volunteer” coach of a football team, and small business owner, I think this team, from coaches to players DID NOT aspire to NOT win "pivotal" games, the SEC East outright, the SEC championship and be in the NC; this team wanted to win but did not all the time; the reasoning can be down right complicated.
Finally, I WANT the following from UT football: UT-38 Wis-12;
…great recruiting, …spectacular spring time practice/games, summer and ……then football time in Beating Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, heck anybody in the SEC and everybody outside the SEC, SEC EAST and SEC and another NC; it will add a little more enjoyment to life……..
…..if it does not happen every year I want it to happen (and that would be every year) my family will still go to school, work to live, eat with family and friends, help family members through bouts of cancer, worship God,.........you know live…so as a Vol fan….that little extra spice….GO VOLS….
mfisher722002#213805 writes:
Looks like the stage is set for us to lay yet another New Years Day egg. I can see how this will play out. Our offense will do their customary big game sputter with Ainge dinking & dunking for 2 or 3 yard gains w/ our receivers dropping balls or our qb misfiring on the key conversions. We'll either never get the rushing game going or we'll abandon it after the first couple of series. We'll see Crompton for a play or two to run an option. Our defense will play well initially and hold Wisconsin for couple of series but will get worn down because our "O" can't convert a 1st down when it matters leaving them on the field for too long. In spite of all of this the game will remain close until we have some stupid turnover (either an Ainge pick six or some other disastrous fumble). We'll lose this in the 4th quarter and Fulmer & Co will promise to "work like heck" in the offseason with his nice contract extension and big fat raise.
eduardo writes:
This team is LUCKY they are even in bowl game with this lame brain coaching staff! Join the rebellion FIRE FOOLMER AND STAFF!
thevol writes:
CR, touchdowntn, DSA, JW- Congrats your predictions and wishes came true, we lost against LSU. Hope you enjoyed it. If you didn't the solution is easy, shut the hell up or leave. Don't watch the bowl game and find a new team. Go Big Orange!
invisiblekid writes:
Nice post jaxvol75, I agree completely. A win last night would have put us back in the national discussion as a contender looking torward next year. Unfortunately, the loss makes it look like more of the same from the Vols. At some point, the bowl record, lack of BCS games, and lack of conference titles is going to catch up with the program. Hopefully, Fulmer and company have enough in the tank for the turnaround we were promised after '05. If not, I think things will get worse before they get better.
VolFan4Life writes:
Tennessee has come a long way since the first half of the season. In the losses to Cal, Florida, and Alabama, it looked like they quit. They didn't quit yesterday -- in fact they got better as the game went along.
Unfortunately, some bad decisions on Ainge's part undid Tennessee's chances, but even after the interception for a TD, he drove the team deep into LSU territory twice in the 4th quarter.
And after looking like a sieve for a half and one drive, the defense held LSU to 84 total yards on their last 6 possessions. And let's not forget that while giving up lots of yards in the first half, three trips into the red zone produced only six points for the Tigers.
The Vols need to take these positives and use them to get ready to throttle Wisconsin. And the fans need to support them in their efforts.
Does this mean that we should be satisfied with 9-4 (hopefully 10-4)? No, what it means is that true fans, no matter how frustrated or disappointed, should still support their team, especially one that has turned around a lot since that awful third Saturday in October.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
as a vol fan and alum and vet and a very hard working american I have the right to write or think whatever i want... As a fan everyone has different expectations of team, season or coach but my personal expectation is that when you pay a coach 2M a year I expect him to perfom like a top paid CEO..... and give me some return on my investment..... losing to every top 15 team you've played in a season and half is not cutting it... you go 5-6, 9-4/5 lose to a BS penn state team and this year you'll be 9-5.....
if you chose to be positive and drink the kool aid that's fine but I look at our vols with an open mind and if they sux I say they sux.. no sugar coating.. just being honest...... good god anyone at tenn will win 8 or 9 games..... so get over the 9 win season look at the schedule
yeavols#228407 writes:
I went to the game yesterday..I just still can't get over throwing the ball with 2:40 left at the 15 on a first down only to be intercepted. At least my dream came true, no PEACH BOWL this year! Yahoooo!
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
I love all of the "TRUE" Vol Fans!
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Jones ran twice and almost had the same yardage as Foster. We never see Jones again. When we got the turnovers, Cutcliffe tries to run the ball and doesn't even try to take advantage. Near the end of the game, we're backed up and knowing how Ainge gets rattled, Cutcliffe elects to throw the ball three times. We all know what happened. My question is: Just how stupid are our coaches? I've voiced my opinion about Fulmer, but now it might be time for Cutcliffe to go. Seriously, are they just plain stupid?
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Cutcliffe even had the nerve to state "maybe we should have used Jones more." What's wrong with our coaches? Are they stupid?
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Remember Fulmer's comments after the Bama game? (regarding Hardesty) Fulmer was quoted as saying he didn't realize Hardesty didn't play. Examples like that make me ask: Are our coaches stupid? Somebody please explain.
tenndave writes:
If LSU is No. 1 then I am a monkey's uncle. I was there and we should have won but we didn't but not because we didn't play hard. I was proud even in defeat. Eric Berry is a stud. First time I have seen him live and I don't remember a dback with that speed and hitting power in a long time. Can we find a few more just like him. Suspect that we will have a great 08. Eric will do well and I am proud of him but feel deeply for what he must be going through. Our team showed class standing up for him but he is hurting right now. Can we show the class our team showed and back him up or be rednecks and cut him down. Dbacks, oline, running backs are all ready to go. Jonathan can you lead us to the promised land. Hope so. We are pulling for you already.
New Year's day bowl, sun, beach, never thought it would happen back in mid Oct. It is good to be a Tennessee Vol and all you bad mouther can kiss my (labrador retriever).
jobrando#216494 writes:
I think vol fans have been trained to expect to lose bowl games under this coaching staff. It's the players reward to go to a bowl game. Have fun and play half speed. I always look at it as a measuring stick of the differant conferences. I want all SEC teams to win there bowl game even the Gators.
volsfaninkpt writes:
kingsportvol, no you're wrong about that one buddy. i went to DB class of 03. honestly though i am going to stop reading this stuff, because all it does is just tick me off even worse than was. yea i might be a little young 22 here, but i have been going to tn games since 91, when the goat (greatest of all time) Carl Pickens was killin fools whenever he wanted and know pretty much everything about tn football since then so all i can say is roll tribe and go vols!!
VolFan4Life writes:
firefulmer -- After reading your posts, I would ask myself "Is firefulmer stupid?", but then I just read the posts and already know the answer. The only thing that made any sense was that Jones could have been used more. The rest is just ... well, to be nice, let's just say not worth much.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
tenndave, I'm not attacking you, but I have not one bit of sympathy for Ainge. That's the problem with Ainge--he isn't nothing but a baby. The guy is scared to death to take a hit. He should be feeling bad. Both interceptions, he had other receivers open. He's a senior quarterback, and he needs to play like one. He performed the same way against FLA, BAMA and VANDY. During the bowl game, I hope they sit his rear on the bench. Let Jones and Crompton show us what they can do. With our great coaches, we might see Jones by his junior year.
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
VolFan4Life- I bet you are a "TRUE" fan aren't you?
asleep#212036 writes:
We could actually beat Wisconsin. I hate to think what Chase Daniel and Missouri or Colt Brennan and Hawaii could do to our secondary. Further, not to be a wet rag, but the only two things important about bowl games are the extra practice and positioning yourself for next year. Reasonable or not, had we beaten Penn State in Outback last year, we would have had a higher pre-season ranking this year. Same for next year. Win, and we likely enter next year ranked in the top 15 or better. Lose and we may start unranked. Let's hope Fulmer and company man up and play this game to win. I was in Tampa last year and I have never seen us so listless. We practically begged Penn State to take the game, and they finally obliged. Go Vols!!!
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
VolFan4Life, That's my point. Why wasn't Jones used more? If one will listen to our coaches comments, it doesn't take long to figure out they are clueless.
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