Vol Report
WVLT video
Audio
- Dave Hooker interviews offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe
- Dave Hooker interviews OG Jacques McClendon
- Dave Hooker interviews LB Nevin McKenzie about his punt block
- Dave Hooker interviews C Josh McNeil
- QB Erik Ainge talks to the media about the ULL game
- LB Ryan Karl talks to the media about UT’s defense
Tennessee Stat Book
Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Arkansas
- When: Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom didn't attempt to disguise his offensive intentions the week of the Tennessee game.
"We're going to line up and run the football," he said emphatically.
UT's defense took that as a challenge. It responded by holding the Bulldogs to 135 yards rushing.
Never mind that Anthony Dixon rushed for 108 yards. Almost any lead running back who plays four quarters gets 100 yards on UT's defense.
For example, even in UT's 59-7 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, the opponent had a 100-yard rusher. Tyrell Fenroy rushed for 113 yards and an 8.1-yard-average per carry. He's the second Sun Belt Conference runner to rush for more than 100 yards against the Vols.
That brings us to the next challenge. If UT can't hold the Sun Belt's finest under 100 yards, you're probably wondering how it can even slow down the two best running backs in the SEC - particularly since it gets them on the same afternoon.
Arkansas coach Houston Nutt doesn't have to issue a Croom-like statement before Saturday's game. The Razorbacks' numbers speak for themselves.
And the challenge is as obvious as the most recent stats.
Felix Jones rushed for 163 yards on 12 carries in Arkansas' 48-36 victory over South Carolina on Saturday night. He averaged 13 yards per carry and scored three touchdowns.
That was the second best performance of the evening. Teammate Darren McFadden tied an SEC single-game rushing record with 321 yards.
McFadden is fourth in the nation in rushing yards per game. Jones is 21st. They're also first and second in the SEC.
And Saturday in Neyland Stadium, they will be going against a rushing defense that ranks ninth in the conference. So is there any reason for UT fans to be optimistic?
Surprisingly, yes.
Remember what Georgia did the week before its game with UT? It looked virtually unstoppable in rushing for 328 yards against Ole Miss.
A week later, the Bulldogs managed 69 yards rushing against UT.
Why do you think the Vols did so well?
Possible answer: An open date gave them two weeks to prepare for the Bulldogs.
Better answer: The fear factor.
In its last game before Georgia, UT gave up 130 yards rushing to Arkansas State's Reggie Arnold. The week before that, it gave up 59 points to Florida.
The Vols weren't just in danger of losing to Georgia. They were in danger of being embarrassed.
Their defense responded with its best game of the season.
Another possible embarrassment - and I think South Carolina defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix will back me up on this - is looming Saturday.
"It's embarrassing," Nix told The State newspaper after watching Arkansas rush for 541 yards on his team. "It's sad that somebody can run the ball like they did. I hope both of those guys come out in the (NFL) draft early."
The next draft will be too late for the Vols. They need Arkansas' junior stars to go pro before Saturday. Otherwise, the Vols will be left to their own devices, the greatest of which should be the fear factor.
The defense is in danger of being embarrassed again. That should be all the motivation it needs.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 77
ThurmondEppy writes:
I hope you're right John. GO BIG ORANGE!!!
chipper10 writes:
I would be willing to bet Houston Nutt could direct snap to McFadden or Jones every play and win this game. No confidence UT defense can stop them.
inquiry writes:
OMG God John, we're doomed..
IF Arkansas is going to rush and run the clock, the ONLY way we have to win this game is on the arm of Ainge and our great receivers. (Arkansas players can't even spell Ainge, much less PASS)..
I hope our D finally shows up this week, but this is a heck of team to show up D wise finally against, especially against the run..
Show me wrong, Please.. I'll be there..
huntwithmojo writes:
My thoughts EXACTLY Plasticman.
alfrizzle097 writes:
At least our rush defence hasn't been as bad as the pass.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Great headline, great article, John. Absolutely spot on.
Fairly or not, this game will define John Chavis's immediate future at the University of Tennessee.
Southland writes:
Chavis is still the man and still a great coach with the worst excuse for talent that he has had to work with in a long time. Our defense is the only part of the Vols that was fun watching for the past ten years. Now it is sad to watch. My guess is that we will put McFadden back in the lead for the Heisman. But at least we can stop...no I don't guess we can stop UK or outscore them either. But there is always Vandy. I hope I am wrong but 7-5 plus a nothing bowl loss is what I had at the beggining of the season. I just did not forsee the humilating losses that we had. Man, I wish I would be wrong at least about the bowl game. It would be wonderful to finish the year on a positive note.
Volunteered writes:
The only way the Vols defense is likely to stop the Hogs' rushing attack is if Al Wilson, John Henderson and Albert Haynesworth are allowed to suit up for us on Saturday. Alternatively, if McFadden and Jones are ruled ineligible for the game, we might have a chance. Otherwise they're going to run unimpeded, stopping only because of exhaustion (60 minutes of wind sprints can be quite tiring).
Hunter writes:
I heard today that McFadden is suspended for an NCAA rules violation.
No, I didn't. Man, it made me feel warm and fuzzy, though. Any chance they don't rush for 300 as a team?
utvols1 writes:
beat down #4 coming to K-town this Saturday. They have the ability and will hang over 50 on this defense. Book it. UT's only hope is to keep them off the field. Run Forest, run. I wish it weren't so.
murrayvol writes:
It's really quite simple my fellow Vol fans:
1)Our offensive team must concentrate fully on putting together 15 play drives removing 8-9 minutes from the clock (starting at our own 15 yard line would help) on each possession with zero turnovers.
2)Lotsa luck coupled with a generous portion of divine intervention on defense.
Hey, it's doable if not probable. And let's face it: McFadden and Jones are a lot of fun to watch when you're not playing against them.
tennisvol writes:
Sorry for ole Phil that there are not more Sun Belt teams on the schedule. Now it's time to start earning that 2 million or more you make against the better teams on the schedule. We'll see this Saturday!
phi0129 writes:
I'm very nervous about this game as well. But I'd rather have to play a team that runs all the time compared to a team that can pass all over us. This year we have performed at our worst against teams that passed all over us. Granted they ran all over us too, but that seemed to be after they got us off balance. Let's put everyone in the box and hope the D has enough heart to let the possibility of an SEC championship game appearance provide all the motivation they need.
The only reason I can think of that we might have a prayer is that the only two truly great halfs our team has played this year were both at home...and we beat two top 20 teams at home while remaining undefeated...let's hope this keeps up
VolMoment writes:
I remember when the "great' Bo Jackson came to Knoxville and the naysayers said we would be blown out. Dale Kelly took care of Bo and he refused to come back in the game in late in the third qtr. We did not have a chance against Miami in the Sugar Bowl....hum. hum.hum
Come on fans be loud Sat.
hueypilot writes:
Dale Jones was the defensive leader on that team, Buck. I think he is now the DC at Appalachian State. As for our chances Saturday, like they say in Texas, never was a horse that couldn't be rode, never was a rider that couldn't be throwed.
One of my fondest memories of Bo Jackson was when he took himself out of the game. Too much punishment.
vscebail#247785 writes:
Let's hope that our football team can find something more than fear to motivate them. Animals are motivated by fear all the time, but it doesn't keep them from ending up on the dinner table.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
the burden will not be for our offense to be on the field a long time, we just need to score when we do have the ball, the reason is our defense will not be on the field very long, Arkansas will score faster than it takes to hold a team to 3 and out.....how long does it take to run 30 to 40 yards at a clip?
Basketball_Jones writes:
The only problem with the Dale Jones comment i we don't have a linebacker on this team that has the heart and desire that Jones had. He played every game like it was his last, I don't see that in many players on this current team. I hope UT wins but I think Ark wins by 21
asleep#212036 writes:
Arkansas can't throw, period. Man to man or not, make them beat you with the pass. Get a lttle crazy on offense and put 9 guys in the box on defense, including a spy/rover for McFadden and take what you get. Remember Auburn, 2004? Williams/Brown only rushed for about 150. Campbell beat us with his arm (plus the 4 turnovers) but we took a shot at our best chance to win and they countered, which is what great teams do. Arkansas is not a great team, else they would be where LSU is now. They are stoppable/beatable. Am I predicting victory? With our D, of course not. But 300 yards rushing may not be enough if Cut/Ainge do their jobs. Remember, they rushed for over 500 against SC and had to hang on. We'll see. Go Vols!!!
GoVol writes:
McFadden could run with a cast on one leg and still get 200 yards against us!! Our only hope is to outscore them and hope we have the ball last.
LittleJohnny writes:
In the second half, Arkansas will be limited to running down the sidelines ... only way for their coaches to hand them a cup of water during the play.
Volchaz writes:
November has ALWAYS been our month to shine. I wonder if this has more to do with our scheduling, or that we are just a slow starting team sometimes. Marc-ash, i'm hardly scared of Arky's passing attack, didn't DMC throw a TD Saturday? hmm.
vol4jesus writes:
Don't forget the Marcus Monk factor. Casey Dick has a reliable wr to use to keep us off balance. Although why would Houston Nutt pass when he has a two-headed juggernaut in the backfield? Hope we rise to the occasion and pen the hog in. GO VOLS!!!
CoverOrange writes:
Plastic, would agree to bring up the safeties as long as neither of them is named Hefney.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
This is another big/very important game, so Fulmer, Cutcliffe, Chavis, Slade will have our players so scared/uptight, that we will struggle to score 20 points. Being a big game, Ainge will have his normal missed TD passes and underthrown balls. **Hey Ainge, just ONCE prove me wrong during a big game.** The defense will give up over 500 yards and ONCE AGAIN allow over 40 points. We will then get to hear Fulmer tell us how we got beat by a "darn good football team."
If I am wrong, please feel free to blast me!!
1974Vol writes:
If Heffney & Berry can tackle McFadden & Jones in open field 4-6 yards beyond line of scimmage and make Hogs go 60-80 yards without big plays maybe we have a chance. Ainge really needs to show up and receiving corp needs to get healthy and play well, catching the ball & blocking down field on running plays. Vol running game & short passing game may help them play ball control and keep Hog offense on the side lines. Honestly after the display Ark. put on Sat. night I don't see how this defense slows them down much less stops them. Our only chance is another 4-5 turnover night like we got from SC. But hey that's why they play the games.
volunteerTY23 writes:
we have to score off a pick or fumble or maybe even a blocked punt, I think we can run the ball on them also..........big game for foster, he could still the headline and run wild on the hogs.........I am a confident fan that thinks we woop the hogs....no nerves here, just orange blood
invisiblekid writes:
Punishment is the key word against McFadden, Jones, and let's not forget Mr. Monk who scored a couple of early TDs last year. They have to hit these guys, hit them hard, and gang tackle every play. Problem is, the toughness and discipline needed to do that has been in short supply with the defense this year. Instead of going for a kill shot or stripping the ball when they actually are in position to do something, they need to simply wrap up and trust that their teammates are on the way. I don't see another 500 yard performance out of the Hogs next week, but they'll get more than enough if the Vols play defense like they have most of the year.
Agent_longball writes:
They are going to beat us withoug having to throw a pass! USC was just as good or better than our D.
Get out the record books, this one could be ugly!
iowavol writes:
Marc_ash and Chaz, I say go ahead and put 9ITB and play man on the outside. Monk isn't the old Monk and whoever the QB is isn't that good. I wouldn't mind seeing our speed guys play straight up man coverage. Heck, at least they wouldn't get confused on when to pass off coverage to another dback and look lost half they time. Hey Brent, you got no.82, don't lose him.
imnotwithphil writes:
In theory, we should be able to stop the run. AR ranks 112th in passing offense - which means we should be able to play man and load the box... AR also does not have a great run defense... I see a low scoring game with lots of rock pounding... It may be ugly... but it's winnable.
asleep#212036 writes:
Actually, according to NCAA statistics, we rank 9th against the run in the SEC (167 ypg), USC is 11th (206 ypg). Now, in total defense, we are 11th because of our pass defense, giving up about 250 ypg for a total of 415 yards per game. Still, you can't predict week to week how any given part of your team (or any other team)will perform, or how the matchups will go. Plus, the best team they have beaten in conference now has 4 losses (and headed for more). They are just as much a sham in the West as we likely are in the East. I say it's a toss-up. And I'm sorry, I'll accept Spurrier and Saban out-coaching us but Houston Nutt has never out-coached anyone. Go Vols!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
Marc-ash
I agree with the Georgia comparison, except that GA has many more 4 and 5 stars on their team. The only position Ark has the advantage is tailback and I'm not so sure Moreno won't end his career nearly as good as McFadden. SC did fill the box in the second half and closed the gap but the damage was done. Too much chasing by their D in the first half gassed 'em and they were in position, but just a half step too slow. I still say if I had to choose, with our D, I'm more scared of facing Kentucky's passing attack than the Arkansas' run. Of course, we could get spanked in both! Go Vols!!!
invisiblekid writes:
"THERE IS NO TRANSITIVE PROPERTY IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL." SJT18, I understand your point with this statement, the law of averages dictates that it's highly unlikely that McFadden and Jones can put together back-to-back record setting games. However, the law of averages also dictates that it's likely McFadden, Jones, or maybe both will eclipse 100 yards given that the Vols have given up a 100 yard rusher in 6 of 9 games. The GA game is looking to be the outlier at this point in the season.
TommyJack writes:
transitive property, huh. wow
sgtvols writes:
cahvis will run the same defense he always runs, he always does. some of you may be surprised to learn that it is chavis who recruits the talent and then coach them, bad talent = bad recruiting = bad coaching = last in sec in defense. this is pretty much where we have been for the last 8-9 years. anybody taking ut and 1 point? some pretty sad little teams are ranked in the top ten in the nation indefense, their head coah doesn't make what chavis makes.
sgtvols writes:
fear of embarrasment? that must be some pep talk from Phat Fil. Shame it didn't work with Florida, Bama, Calif. (more to follow)
madcow26#524674 writes:
Though I hope I am wrong, I think Arkansas will absolutely shred Tennessee's defense...and with Ainge playing the way he has the past 3 games..I dont see a win on the horizon..
socalvol writes:
I'm heckuva nervous about this dang ole game..
Colliervol writes:
I agree that their running game is certainly good but let's not make this team out to be the second coming of Southern Cal or Nebraska (from the '70's). They have one of the worst schedules in the country and have piled up some impressive stats against some not-so-impressive teams. They certainly can be beaten and have been beaten. I watched that game Saturday night and their defense is a sieve just like ours is. I think this game comes down to turnovers and maybe who has the ball last. Track meet at Neyland Saturday.
arkyvol writes:
please, please, please don't make me suffer another year of teasing, vols. play this game like its the bcs championship. for gosh sakes, don't let the hogs walk over you like they did last year. go vols!
Colliervol writes:
You know I'm not happy with the state of the program but let's be a little objective when analyzing our chances. If the Hogs were as good as folks are making them out to be, they'd be favored by three touchdowns. The last I saw the game is a pick 'em which is about where it should be. Going to come down to turnovers, penalties, etc. We should be able to throw on that defense and, if so, we'll stay with 'em.
TDTN, serious question for you. What are you going to say IF the Vols win the last three and make it to Atlanta? (And don't say it couldn't happen because this year has shown that ANYTHING can happen.) Because if they somehow pull it off, Fulmer is with us until he chooses to retire. My hope is that, if they do win the East, he will decide this is as good as it will get and he goes out on a high note. As opposed to getting dragged out, kicking and screaming.
Colliervol writes:
The way this year has gone, I'm not going to predict anything. Who would have thought Kansas would be undefeated and hang 76 on Nebraska? Who'd have thought an Appy State could beat Michigan in Ann Arbor? Who would have thought that people would be talking about Les Miles as if he was a great coach? Just when you think it won't happen, it probably will.
But, regarding retiring, don't make promises you can't keep. JW already said he was getting off the football board and he reneged within a week.
Colliervol writes:
Guess we're going to find out. I figure either way that there is going to be a war on this site regardless of which direction it goes. Should be interesting.
invisiblekid writes:
Collier, I agree with the calls for objectivity but I gotta say, I don't like our chances. I'll never completely write the Vols off or pull for them to lose but I was at that game Saturday and this is as bad a defensive team as I can recall. Berry was the only player who really stood out for me and that doesn't bode well going against the horses that AR will be bringing Saturday. Lafayette was opening holes that you could send an oil tanker through. If it wasn't for the decided advantage we had in speed allowing the defense to recover, that game is closer than it should have been.
The only aspect of the Vols that can be considered a strength has been the passing game and it's been a month since that has looked really sharp. All that being said, turnovers can be the great equalizer as the game against SC and LSU last year proved. I think our best chance comes from a decided advantage in turnovers. I like the idea of playing ball-control to keep the dynamic duo off the field but that just hasn't been Cut's style. In a straight up shootout, I don't think we have enough bullets to stay with them. Any way it shakes out, it's been an interesting season.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Like it or not, fair or not, this game will be a referendum on John Chavis as a coach. It will define his immediate future at UT, rightly or wrongly.
If our defense gets run all over and we lose, we're out of the SEC race. Chavis probably won't survive. Fulmer will throw him under the bus.
DarthVol writes:
I don't usually make predictions. But I think we'll be ok in this game (feeling based on nothing more than a Nostradamus quatraine). But I will say this...we could lose this game, not go to the SECC and Fulmer would be back next year if he finsihes 2-0. However, if we win this game and then turn around and lose to either Vandy or Ky...bad things. And that's based on the psychology of fans and the timing of losses.
Colliervol writes:
Oh I agree with the doubts about our defense being able to stop anybody IVK. (Although they did muster up enough to stop Moreno and Georgia. Maybe that was just an aberration.) But I also saw SC shred that Arkansas defense too. I'm just not going to get into thinking that Arkansas is the greatest thing since sliced bread because they are not.
I also agree that our best shot is to keep McFadden and Jones off the field as much as we can. If we can't, I just see a track meet with turnovers, penalties and special teams deciding the winner of this one. Hopefully, we are on the good side of those three things.
TommyJack writes:
TD: How bout it? You and Arkie should square off on the 50 at halftime! (I love this stuff!)
TommyJack writes:
Arkie: Dunno, but he's a crafty wordsmith
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