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
Tennessee Stat Book
Go ahead and make Arkansas the favorite.
Talk all you want about Razorbacks tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
Gush about how good the Arkansas offense looked in rolling up 541 rushing yards Saturday against South Carolina.
Tennessee senior linebacker Ryan Karl doesn't mind.
Neither does junior offensive lineman Anthony Parker.
It all becomes grist for the mill when the 22nd-ranked Vols take on Arkansas on Saturday in Neyland Stadium (TV: WVLT, 12:30 p.m.).
"I think it gives anybody a little edge," Parker said Monday when asked about all the talk of Arkansas and its running game. "I guess they've got the upper hand now because of the game they had Saturday.
"When nobody is talking about us, we go out and it makes us want to play a little harder, I guess."
Still, all that talk seems justified, at least early in the week.
In its losses this season, Tennessee has had difficulty tackling and maintaining assignments on defense.
Cal's DeSean Jackson and Justin Forsett were the culprits in UT's season opener.
Two weeks later, it was Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow at Florida.
Against Alabama, it was all D.J. Hall.
But the equation has been the same: Big plays in big games equal big trouble.
In short, exactly what Arkansas did Saturday against the Gamecocks.
Jones averaged 13.6 yards per carry and scored on runs of 40 and 72 yards.
McFadden, who tied the SEC's single-game rushing record with 321 yards, ripped off an 80-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of a 48-36 victory.
"You know he's (McFadden's) going to get some yards, but you just have to hope to contain him. And stop Felix Jones, too," Karl said. "It's just a matter of us staying in our gaps, staying disciplined and making tackles."
In short, exactly what the Vols did when they held Georgia's Thomas Brown, Knowshon Moreno and Kregg Lumpkin to a combined 76 yards rushing last month in a 35-14 victory.
"We just tackled real well that game," Karl said. "We came out real fired up. People wrote us off that game. We ended up beating them real well, holding them to 60-something yards rushing."
A week after that game, Arkansas had its worst offensive outing of the season against Auburn.
McFadden and Jones were handcuffed most of the night, finishing with 85 yards between them.
The Razorbacks, owners of the SEC's most productive offense at 473 yards per game, were held to just 193 yards all game.
But that was then.
Wide receiver Marcus Monk, who had 137 yards and two touchdowns against the Vols last year, is healthy and demands attention.
So, too, does Arkansas' self-described "wildhog" package, which puts McFadden at quarterback.
"That's probably going to be the hardest thing to defend," Karl said. "We worked on it a lot (Sunday), and we're going to continue to work on it and get it down to where we'll be crisp at it."
Just how effective the Vols will be on Saturday is anybody's guess.
But there's no question about Tennessee's mindset.
"We know if we lose another one we'll pretty much be out of the race for the SEC championship game," Parker says. "As it was for the Georgia game, our backs were against the wall and they still are now.
"We control our own destiny. We better go get the job done."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 50
alfrizzle097 writes:
A little sarcasm, or are you seriously that down on them?
wyomingvol writes:
.....GO VOLS WIN,,,,,
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
alfrizzle097,
No, actually, he is that down on them. GO VOLS
ClearVol writes:
I just hope they keep em under 50pts.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Touch, please lay down the pipe, or coffee or whatever is going on.....Thanks....
ibvolman writes:
alkhall, don't know if you realize it or not, but ULL ain't Ark. It's easy to look great against a powderpuff team. Ark has a powerful run game. Now Monk is healthy, which gives Ark another powerful play maker. I'm not going to say the Vols can't win, but I'm not going to bet that they will win.
ClearVol writes:
Okay, 60pts.
TommyJack writes:
TD: Did you get off your meds today? You're practicing Jihad on your own team, dog.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
"makes us play a little harder"--who are these clowns? Did they play a little harder in the losses to Cal, Fla, Bama???? Does anyone honestly believe that our sorry, pathetic excuse for a coach will have them fired up and ready to play? He will have them scared to death!! Just like the Fla and Bama games, this one is already over. Our defense will probably allow Fadden to win the Heisman, and our defense might put Monk on the watch list. Another embarrassment for UT!
cphil writes:
As much as I want the Vols to win, I'm afraid McFadden will run through our defense like phooey through a goose. I just hope we can out score them. Last time I looked, the odds makers have them even.
newtonrail writes:
You know I have said here before that I'm not a big Fulmer fan for reasons that irrelevant to this discussion. However, as I've seen TD,firefulmer, CR and others spew out venom day after day, week after week, I've realized my mindset has turned to at least back Coach Fulmer. My point, you vitriolic Fulmer haters are having the opposite effect than that which you espouse. I can see it in other posters I've read for the last 4 years or so when this was a pay site. Some against Fulmer are getting defensive, especially when players are thrown into the mix. WHATS ALL THIS WORTH? Nothing really. Because what's said here will have no impact on Fulmer's future. Which by the way, he will be here for the foreseeable future unless another 2005 happens.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
newtonrail---Are we supposed to be impressed with your choice of words? "vitriolic" and "espouse" How long did it take you to look them up in the dictionary? I'm glad you realize how much I despise that arrogant, clueless, gutless, spineless, unprepared, pathetic excuse for a coach. After Saturday, you will get to read more!
snafu14u#241639 writes:
Tackle. It's a game of TACKLE football, treat it as such and we'll be fine.bonzaivol
fullbackless writes:
well said newton
imnotwithphil writes:
It *should* be a close game... we have an OK passing attack and an anemic rushing game... they have a good passing D and suspect rushing D. Likewise, they have no passing game to speak of and an outstanding rushing attack... we have a weak secondary and an "OK" rushing D. Seems like each team's strengths and weaknesses are pretty well lined up... Given that the game is at home and we are fighting for the SEC East - this should be a win...
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Hey fire. Put some shoes on so you're not tempted to try counting again.....and put that dictionary to better use than as kindling. Everything's going to be alright. We're going to Atlanta. We're going to Beat LSU, who will then be number one in the country. And you, my great unwashed friend, will tell everyone down at the swimmin' hole you believed in the Vols all along......
orange_glory writes:
Going to Atlanta, Going to beat LSU, man oh man what team have you been watching. We do good against a powderpuff team and everybody thinks the ship is righted. I guarantee we don't go to the SEC championship and even if we did we will get crushed by LSU.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Maybe we can be lucky this time just like we were against South Carolina. Someone was watching over the VOLS because it sure wasn't skill.
bigtimevol writes:
After viewing last week's Ark/SC game, I would think that McFadden and Co. will run thru our D like they're a bunch of 5th graders playing Red Rover. But, we are in a position to challenge for the SEC. And, we've shown the ability to step up in past years, when everyone doubts the Vols. I hope Chavis and Cutcliff come pull a rabbit out of their hats....or that we execute and tackle.
vol4good#206163 writes:
Hey Ark didnt have much of a passing game last year. But, Monk got 170yrds. We had decent DB's then. Nutt is no nut, if we load the box with 9 he will hit the big guy down the sidline. We have to tackle very well and try the prowler package. Auburn's D line moved and shifted the whole game and the O line from Ark didnt know who to block.
iowavol writes:
Well said Newtonrail. But the best part was the idiot who commented after you. Well, some people aren't too good with the English language. Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
As for this game, Ainge better come with it and keep the offense on the field. We need zero punts. Coach better take a dose of testosterone cause he needs to go for it on every 4th down. I like our guys on defense, good heart, but I am not convinced that having their backs against the wall will correct their technique. Let's hope we're wrong.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Lord, I love a sprinkling of optimists! Who knows, We may shut them down, we may win 34-6! What that you say? We don't have a single SEC-caliber defensive lineman against the #2 rushing offense in the nation! DOES THAT BODE WELL FOR THE VOLS AND THOSE TALKING OF PLAYING LSU!!! BUT WAIT, THERE's the LBs! NOT ONE SEC-CALIBER LB AGAINST JONES & CO. THE ONLY WAY WE'LL SEE LSU is to have a ticket to a Pearl-coached game. Believe we're doomed, just have to see Saturday! Moses parted the sea, maybe we can beat the Hawgs! Go Vols!
jweaver3#395614 writes:
I agree Newton, if Mike calls me, I will not give one penny to help buy Coach Fulmer out!!!
This is the first time I would say "NO" to a UT AD
but I'm sick of the negative fans and I'm more disqusted with the posters than the team!!!
GO VOLS!!!
BEAT THE PIGS!!!
TXVOLSFAN
jandjhome#228397 writes:
If we have any chance of outscoring them, Ainge has to keep from throwing the ball 2Feet over the receiver's head or on the turf just above the show laces. Some of his old traints have started to show.
TommyJack writes:
TD: Occasionally, you stumble across the truth, sir! :) Props from S.central TX
arkyvol writes:
i've read comment after comment here to the effect that 'arkansas does not have a passing game' (translated: it can be ignored). big mistake. casey dick is not a bad qb, just an underutilized one. he's no peyton manning, maybe not even john parker wilson, but he can hit a receiver. and now, he has a hell of a receiver back. i hope the vols don't go into this game thinking they can put all their chips on stopping the hog running game. if they do, dick and monk will get a lot of newsprint on sunday.
jopad#212858 writes:
Fire Fulmer and Touchdown, why don't you two get real!! PHIL FULMER WILL NOT BE FIRED BY THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR NO MATTER HOW MANY POSTS YOU TWO MAKE OR HOW MANY TIMES YOU CALL FOR HIS DISMISSAL. Coach Fulmer will only leave when he chooses or the big donors ask him to retire. Period. Coach Fulmer is friends with the Haslams, Thompsons, et all. He may choose to retire or resign but your garbage will have no effect on when this happens. Go Vols, concentrate on Arkansas and a big win on Saturday. Vols 31, Arkansas 24.
webbofconfusion writes:
I hate to hear the players say things like "hope to contain." They should be saying we will contain McFadden and Jones...
As for betting on your team to win? Shame on you if you do. Pick any other team, than the one you are a fan for and the one playing against your team.
As for the game... I want to see good open field tackling if it comes to that. I don't want to see eight men stuck in the box either. They are going to spread the field and try to break it outside. Force em up the middle and we will be ok.
Question for the haters... Will you pull for the team if they beat Ark? Please! Because win or lose I will still pull for the team next week and not come up with excuses as to why Mc Fadden is great or that Ark has yet to get a quality victory. I am a Vol fan and that is enough for me to always pull for the team.
And yes I agree... Phil should lose some weight, imagine the health benefits!
Let's have a PIG roast! I smell Barbeque!
Go Vols!
TommyJack writes:
Webb: To be fair, I don't sense that "the haters" are pulling against the Orange..Is it not ok to question the leadership? CFP is a big boy (har har) and I doubt he's losing any Z's over this board.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
the defense says the same phooey and i believe the players start the game intending to do well but has the game progresses they lose their heart and quit... and i think that's what will happen on sat... if they do what they did in the 2nd half at SC our offense will never step foot on the field since ark runs the ball on every play.. so the game will be quick and painless... have we ever lost two years in a row to ark????????
TommyJack writes:
Mangini...Now THERE'S a large coach
webbofconfusion writes:
I haven't seen any monkeys on here.
I say we fire Pat Summit for losing to the US National squad. Unacceptable. (I know unrelated story.) But, you get my point.
;)
Go Vols! I smell Barbeque.
webbofconfusion writes:
touchdown... a donut short in baking terms would leave 12... so technically still a dozen.
mattingly writes:
Sometimes, we writers are not as precise as we might be. I’ve been led to the gallows more than once by imprecise word usage. Occasionally, some faceless editor or cutline writer is the culprit. In the main, it's been my fault. Consider the sub-head from this story: “Vols have had trouble giving up big plays.” This is as much trouble as you can get into in eight words. That’s not really what the story’s about. The Vols have given up too many big plays. It hasn’t really been any trouble at all. That’s what fans are saying in and out of this newspaper. To be precise about it, maybe this is what Drew really meant: “Giving up big plays has given Vols trouble.” It is still eight words, but more to the point. Give that one some thought.
utclassof1992 writes:
Fantasy replay: 1985-Tennesse Volunteers stop Bo Jackson and the Auburn Tigers by totally selling out on the running game and making AU pass. We then kept throwing it over the Auburn D for one of the biggest upsets of the 80s.
Will it happen Saturday? Probably not. My heart says GO VOLS, but my head tells me Arkansas by 21.
utclassof1992 writes:
And yes, the Tigers had another couple of stellar backs in that game by the name of Tommie Agee and Brent Fullwood.
utclassof1992 writes:
Friedgen-now theres another large coach.
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
Well I see one of 2 things happening.
Ainge finally figures out he can throw a long ball and we keep the hogs off the field and outscore them.
Or.
We are down 21-0 in first quarter and Crompton comes in and rescues us.
Now!
Before you rant, rave, and call me crazy.
Either of those 2 things are more likely than us stopping the running game of the hogs.
Go Vols!
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
jopad, I hope your prediction holds true, but the way this year (AND THE LAST FIVE) has gone, I just don't feel it. Maybe one day, the Fulmer supporters will wake up and realize what has happened in Knoxville.
CoverOrange writes:
NCColt, if Ainge throws the long ball, that ain't keeping the Ark O off the field. And we can only outscore them IF (big if there) the UT D stops them at least once and that's assuming we score every possession.
thesavageorange writes:
I've never seen Fulmer as much of a motivator.Therefore we must be their motivation.LOUD AND PROUD.I have been wondering how a overweight coach can motivate his team to stay in shape, workout hard, run,and sweat.However Mangini seems to get a lot out of a very mediocre team!
webbofconfusion writes:
but mangini's team deos not play in the SEC.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Hey y'all, when you start feeling sorry for us Vol fans, just think of the shocking jolt that Jimmy Clausen (and the Clausen clan) must be feeling this year. Bet they didn't see this 1-8 start coming. Ouch!
thesavageorange writes:
webbofconfusion: Have to agree in the sense that if Tennessee played their identical schedule, we may also be undefeated ,and ranked in the top ten.However they neither have our talent or that of some of their opponents, and they still win, and are always competitive.
lilmoorevols writes:
Opponents are averaging 5.7 yards per play against UT, which is tied for worst in the SEC with Ole Miss. … The Vols are last in the SEC in sacks (12).
We can't stop DMAC we can only hope to contain him.
thesavageorange writes:
Al Wilson needs to come home, and give these young men a heart to heart.Right now we couldn't contain Freddy Kitchens in a padded cell.
ORANGEAND2 writes:
AS MUCH AS I'D LIKE TO THINK WE CAN CONTAIN THE HOGS RUNNING GAME--THE FACT IS OUR DEFENCE HAS NOT PROVED THEY CAN STOP ANY TEAM.I WISH IT COULD BE ATTAINABLE,BUT THE THING THAT MIGT SAVE THE DAY IS A BUNCH OF TURNOVERS,BUT THAT'S A LONGSHOT//HOGS 40+ VOLS 34. I HOPE I'M WRONG!!IF I AM AND WE GET BY THEM.WE WILL RUN THE TABLE--NO DOUBT--THAT'S THE FOREVER OPTIMIST IN ME--GO VOLS!!!!
ORANGEAND2 writes:
VOLS COME ALIVE--FANS GO CRAZY--AINGE HITS 8 DIFERENT RECEIVERS FOR 5TDs--HARDESCY & FOSTER COMBINE FOR 3TDs AND 300+ YARDS RUSHING-- HOGS TURN THE BALL OVER 4 TIMES 2 FOR DEFENSIVE SCORES--VOLS CONTROL BALL CLOSE TO 40 MIN.HOGS PANIC,CAN'T SUSTAIN DRIVES AND EITHER TURN BALL OVER OR ARE FORCED TO PUNT-- VOLS LOOK SOLID WITH WIN OVER HOGS--- VOLS 49 HOGS 6--
phi0129 writes:
Well...
I love how the Fulmer supporters are so quick to talk about how his critics say bad, childish things when THEY DO THE EXACT SAME THING. Some comments are enough to make me cringe at the thought of you trying to be a productive member of society. Not only were you all FINALLY agreeing after the AL game and switching your tune, but how blind do you have to be to understand that our program is in shambles and Fulmer quite possibly has been an underachiever since he stole the job. In particular, reflecting upon the past 7 years has to be obvious enough for even the most thickheaded moron.
Everyone has their own opinions and debates make our country great. So instead of mudslinging all the time why not judge the value and merit of posters comments and respond in a professional manner. REMEMBER WE ARE ALL TN FANS!
I do have to call one tiny thing out though...Webb, that comment about Summit was ridiculous. I know you were being sarcastic, but the fire Fulmer argument is absolutely nothing like that. It just proves that you can't fathom what the argument truly entails.
ORANGEAND2 writes:
LET'S BE REAL VOL FANS-- ALL WEEK,IN FACT ALL YEAR THE TALK ABOUT MCFADDEN IS MORE THAN JUST TALK.HAVE YOU SEEN HIM HIT THE HOLE ON MOST PLAYS?HE IS DOWN THE FIELD 6-8 YARDS BEFORE THE DEFENCES KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.WITH THAT IN MIND ALL THE STATEGIES COACH'S SAY IN WINNING ALL COME TOGETHER:"THE RUNNING GAME"BALL CONTROL"TIME OF POSSESION""WEARING OUT THE DEFENCE" ETC,ETC IF & PROBABLY THAT HAPPENS--LOOK TO SEE US BEING BEATEN AS BAD AS ANY LOSS THIS SEASON.PRAY I'M WRONG!!
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