Tennessee Stat Book
Wisconsin Stats
TAMPA, Fla. — Outback Bowl week has gone by too fast. I was just getting comfortable pronouncing Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema’s name, and now it’s game day.
In case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced “Bret” as in “get.”
Tennessee 31, Wisconsin 27: The Vols lost their last game by throwing two fourth-quarter interceptions against LSU. They lost their last Outback Bowl on a fumble.
Those are prominent reminders of what not to do against the Badgers. UT can’t afford to give up any easy scores against a balanced offense that’s capable of doing damage on its own.
Offensively, the Vols will need more than a fast start. They will need a strong finish in David Cutcliffe’s final game as offensive coordinator.
Florida 45, Michigan 30: Tim Tebow autograph seekers pose a greater threat to the Gators than the Wolverines do. They’re making such a nuisance of themselves, Tebow might have to go pro early just to lead a semblance of a normal life.
Unfortunately for Michigan, Tebow can’t go pro until after next season. Neither can Florida wide receiver/running back Percy Harvin.
If Harvin is healthy for the entire Capital One Bowl — and you never know from one play to the next with him — Michigan’s defense could be hurting just as much as it was in last year’s bowl game against Southern Cal, or the year before against Texas, or way back in 2002 against Tennessee.
Missouri 45, Arkansas 37: This could be one of the most entertaining bowls of the post-season, unless, of course, you’re Bobby Petrino, who at last report was still the incoming head coach at Arkansas.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas’ best offensive player, isn’t expected to stick around for Petrino’s first season with the Hogs. There’s also a possibility running back Felix Jones and center Jonathan Luigs could go pro after the Cotton Bowl.
What’s left for Petrino?
Answer: Quarterback Casey Dick, who is not to be confused with Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel.
Petrino, who won’t be coaching in the game, can sit back and watch a much better Arkansas team than he will see next year. The head-coaching responsibilities will fall to interim head coach Reggie Herring, who had enough trouble managing the defense in the last month.
The Razorbacks gave up 149 points in the last four regular-season games.
Georgia 48, Hawaii 27: The Sugar Bowl should be more entertaining than Arkansas vs. Missouri, but not as close.
Hawaii ranks third nationally in total offense. But it’s not as good as its 529.3-yard-per game average indicates.
The Warriors’ schedule is laughable. It included two Division I-AA teams, five teams with eight or more losses and only three teams with winning records.
Eight of Hawaii’s Division I-A opponents ranked 74th or worse in total defense.
Georgia ranks 19th in total defense. Moreover, it has exceptional depth in the secondary to match up against Hawaii’s outstanding corps of receivers.
More Bowl Picks: Texas Tech 38, Virginia 27; Southern Cal 30, Illinois 20; Oklahoma 34, West Virginia 23; Kansas 30, Virginia Tech 27.
Record: 204-65 overall, 128-117 against the spread.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 241
clausenforheisman writes:
"Trick to beating Wisconsin is avoiding mistakes"
Never thought of that, what a novel idea.
gohawks1 writes:
So, what does that make the Appy St. Coach - Coach of the Decade?
gohawks1 writes:
clausenforheisman, I'm beginning to think that Adams makes up these kinds of headlines and writes some of these articles just to get a rise out of some the posters on here.
Either that or he started celebrating the new year a little too early.
james#216392 writes:
Auburn, Mississppi State and KY have kept up their end. Come on SEC.
I think you may be right in not picking the Hogs. I think you missed the VA Tech Kansas game. I doubt think it will be close. V.T. 35 Kansas 10
DennisVols writes:
I want to be the first to wish all the Vols fans here, the lovers and haters, the moaners and the ones with the rose colored glasses a Happy New Year!!!!
May your year be successful and your health be good.
Go Vols!!!!!!
snafu14u#241639 writes:
All Vols. Happy New Year.See you on the other side of 07.bonzaivol
OwensboroVol writes:
Volndotham-who is more deserving than Sly Croom? I'd like to see the result if Tennessee's staff had Mississippi State's talent. I think Croom did one hell of a job and deserved the award more than anyone else. As a matter of fact, he should have won the national coach of the year.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The Dodd award was given for being smart enuf to see when the game is passing you by! Not all qualified for this noble trait. It was given for a job well done, more well done some time ago than now. Croom has done a yeoman-like job in a tought place to win. Happy New Year! I'm having my 1st glazed of 2008. Good!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Let's do it Vols!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
dlskaggs-may 2008 be a great year for you. Change rose-colored to orange, please. May the Vols play as well today as they can and I'll be happy, win or not. Give a Bama effort (lack thereof) and we'll know what to expect this fall.
My one resolution for the Vols is to recruit Chavis some decent SEC-capable D-linemen.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Give em hell for me volsfan...eeerr.nafslov. I disagree with you on rogers though, he may become something special before he is finished. Hope Ainge went to bed last night, TN will need him sharp to win.
james#216392 writes:
Happy New Year to everyone. This year is a new Dawning for the men in Orange. Beat those badgers. Anyone want to take bets that Trooper ends up the O.C.? For some reason the family stays together. I would have loved to have seen a spread/west coast guy but Trooper does have a lot of energy. I saw Auburn last night and they used the spread for the first time. Tubberville said you have to stay on top of the game to win.
Imagion that. Go Vols.
T0MMYJACK writes:
I'm glad that Tim Tebow can't go pro next year. He looks too cute in that orange and blue that the Gators wear.
I love the Gators AND Tebow.
Go Gators!! Tear 'em up, Tim!! XOXO
TommyJack writes:
Clearly there's an immature POSER on board. See above.
gohawks1 writes:
TJ, is that your evil twin? Sounds like he already has a Tim Tebow life size inflatable doll.
rockytopron writes:
Erik Ainge makes ammends and lead the Vols to a great victory 35-17!
GO VOLS!-
BoogiemanTN writes:
Okay. So I hear on Sports Talk yesterday a quick blurb that Trooper is still "in the mix" while the subject of O.C. was going on. Is he officially accepted and locked into Oklahoma State?
TommyJack writes:
IP: No relation, I'm sure. He does seem to have issues tho.
dgb63#654261 writes:
We are moving the ball not sure about the trick play.
dfreeman writes:
Why for the love of God and all that's holy do we keep going away from what seems to be working?? Everytime we start moving the ball we do something to screw it!! 3rd and 3 and we call a fade route??
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Touchdown! There is no reason we loose this game unless we do it to ourselves which at times we have been doing so far. Just throw the ball downfield. Their secondary can't stop us.
dfreeman writes:
That's right!!! Touchdown!!! NO More trick plays just play straight up football!!! It's working for us as long as we don't shoot ourselves in the foot!!
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Wisconsin QB has guts but is taking a pounding.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Quit your crying Wisconson coach.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
That was a catch and fumble. UT was screwed.
volfan_in_mississippi writes:
I agree jhmclain. Wisconsin coach whining way too much. There has not been a dirty hit on the quarterback yet.
mdvol writes:
What's wrong with the blog, Josh? Your version of a trick play?!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
I can't see the game. What the heck happened to Hardesty??? Did he just keep running right out of the stadium?
eduardo writes:
No cheap shot on qb! What game are you watching ole miss vol? Helmet to helmet is helmet to helmet! Definintely should have been a personal foul. Let's see how Phat Phil allows his cronies to screw up. Cutcliffe brought out that trick play for Dukies to see. You got a good one Dukies! ha ha
TexVolFan writes:
Wisconsin coach doped up their QB Donovan!
He went from a wobbly, gimacing kid to Superman in 1 series of downs off the field.
Even the ESPN announcers mentioned the use of "Doctor Feelgood".
I hope the coach and Donovans parents are proud of selling their boy's health for a game.
TexVolFan writes:
What happened to the Officials reviewing plays?
We were ROBBED on the catch/fumble by Wisconsin, would have given us 1st down inside their 15 yard line. We scored a TD anyway, just took time off the clock.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Boy, we can be hot and cold.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
What the phooey? A two yard pass on 3 and 16????
Watch that momentum change boys. Take it easy...
imw8n4u writes:
agreed nick - not a good start to 2nd half
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Can someone tell me? Have Foster or Hardesty been injured? It seems like we have thrown 30 straight passes.
imw8n4u writes:
nope - just typical Cutcliffe phooey - can't stand to just over power the other team, has to try to "dink and dunk" 'em, and what was up with that STUPID trick play that cost us at least 3????
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Man, that 3 and out was right on time. Now, how bout a 10 play drive to the endzone!!
TexVolFan writes:
The truth comes out!
ESPN announcers just said that Donovan is lowering his head when he anticipates a hit (while diving forward!).
Berry just lowers his shoulder and thusly lowers the boom.
Doesn't matter though, Donovan is so doped up he won't feel a thing until tonight, anyway.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Didn't see the trick play. I'm just watching the updater online. I'm in Malayisa and can't even get audio. The dang utsports.com site is locking everything up so I'm in silence here ant 2:20 in the morning.
imw8n4u writes:
We need points - we shouldn't be letting this inferior team be hanging around like this
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Just throw the ball downfield!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
phooey fire!!!
jhmclain#224991 writes:
The kicking game may be the difference - another good run back on our punt and so far not much from Rogan who seems to be in slow motion.
volfan_in_mississippi writes:
Posted by eduardo on January 1, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. )
"No cheap shot on qb! What game are you watching ole miss vol? Helmet to helmet is helmet to helmet! Definintely should have been a personal foul."
Eduardo: Take your anti-Fulmer glasses off and watch the replay again. Berry turned his head and hit the quarterback with his shoulder. And get another thing straight. Name says "in mississippi". I hate Ole-Miss and pull for them to lose every game they play like many on here pull against Alabama.
TexVolFan writes:
Lets see....
We cant run the ball.
Ainge is telegraphing his passes, and when he does throw, it is too short or too long, or hits an opponent in the chest.
We cant anticipate a blitz coming on 3rd and long.
When can we send in the 2nd string QB?
TommyJack writes:
jhmclain: throw the ball downfield?? We've proved that we can, so Cut won't repeat. Play calling is STILL asinine. Unbelievable.
imw8n4u writes:
nick - go to: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/boxscor...
then click GameChannel and it gives a graphic and play-by-play recaps.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
I'm no fan of the dink and dunk but we have yet to throw to our TE and when we have thrown across the middle to a wideout it has been open. The run sure isn't there.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
At our own goal line what do we have to lose with throwing the ball downfield??
TexVolFan writes:
3 plays, 1 yard gained, with a near safety.
Wow. If Wisconsin wasn't dropping all their passes, we would be down by at least a touchdown by now.
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