Watching with Ward
Postgame audio
Tennessee Stat Book
For the better part of a week, Tennessee's defense heard the questions.
In nearly every possible way it could be asked.
In one way or another, most centered around Arkansas tailbacks Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and the SEC's most powerful and productive running attack.
Following No. 22 Tennessee's emphatic 34-13 victory Saturday afternoon, Jerod Mayo had the most emphatic answer to all those questions.
"He's a great back," Mayo said. "But he's not going to win the Heisman Trophy in Neyland Stadium. I promise you that."
Mayo and his defensive teammates were men of their word.
After tying an SEC record with 321 rushing yards last weekend, McFadden finished with 117 Saturday.
The Razorbacks had just 289 yards as a team, their lowest output of the year save for a 193-yard showing in a loss to Auburn.
While the questions were unavoidable all week from the media and even from classmates, the Vols had a quiet confidence about stopping Arkansas' run game.
"I don't want this to come off wrong because I've got a tremendous amount of respect for Arkansas. They've got a fine football team," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "But I felt and we felt as a coaching staff that if we got lined up, they'd have a tough time moving the football on us."
So they thinned out the playbook - the smallest one Chavis said he's ever taken into a game - and focused on being in the right spot.
If the Vols were aligned right and played the right assignment, the rest would take care of itself.
Did it ever.
In the first half, Arkansas ran just 20 offensive plays and held the ball for a paltry 9:05.
The Razorbacks averaged 3 yards on 12 carries and their longest play went for 11 yards.
They had one first down in 30 minutes of football, and couldn't convert any of their six third- or fourth-down tries.
Arkansas didn't have a drive longer than six plays until the third quarter.
UT's defense forced six three-and-outs and had three interceptions.
In short, the Vols got Arkansas off script and off balance.
"Our game is getting a lot of yards on first down and keeping them off balance," Razorbacks coach Houston Nutt said. "It was the opposite."
And it was opposite of the way Tennessee's defense has played at times this season.
In losses to Cal, Florida and Alabama, UT's defense gave up more than 1,500 yards of total offense.
Lesser players than McFadden and Jones had shredded UT's defense.
But that was then. Saturday is the now for Tennessee's defense.
"I mentioned this last week, it's probably not a defense that will go down in Tennessee history, because we've had our struggles," Chavis said. "But it's a team, a defensive football team, that's gotten better each week. We've had some tough times, but we've gotten better each week."
The improvement on the defensive front appeared stunning Saturday.
Defensive tackles Demonte' Bolden, Dan Williams, J.T. Mapu and Walter Fisher plugged gaps.
Ends Xavier Mitchell, Robert Ayers, Antonio Reynolds and Wes Brown made Arkansas' backs run to the sideline.
And the cavalry made sure they didn't turn the corner.
"I think I might have taken on a lineman once all day," said Mayo, who led the Vols defense with nine tackles and scored on a 34-yard interception return in the fourth quarter.
Tennessee's secondary, depleted by injuries, rose to the occasion.
True freshman safety Eric Berry had two interceptions. Senior safety Jonathan Hefney, maligned at times for his play this season, had eight tackles and broke up a pass in the end zone.
A mix of DeAngelo Willingham, Brent Vinson and Dennis Rogan at cornerback held Marcus Monk to just three catches for 26 yards.
The Vols answered all the questions Saturday.
A fired-up Bolden even asked a few of his own after the game.
"We stopped the run. McFadden was going to the outside," he said. "How many yards did he rush for? 118? It wasn't up the middle.
"Anything else?"
Not Saturday.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 32
smashmouth98 writes:
what a game!!!! I'm making reservations for ATL.
WildWeasel writes:
Fantastic performance. I was aprehensive that the Vols would be able to stop the Hogs, but they did in magnificent fashion.
Wonder how long before the idiots show up trying to twist this into yet another anti-Fulmer/Chavis/et al hate fest?
In the meantime, Great Game! Go Vols!
IdahoVol writes:
Congrats Chief! After several years of outstanding defense, this year had a lot of people wondering what was going on. I guess today provided the answer - just tweaking and peaking!
Go Vols!!!
IceVol writes:
1.I thought the best part was that we out ran AK on the ground. We can hit ya in the mouth on the ground too.
2.I was shocked to see that D-Mac actually did rush for over a 100 yds. Seemed like he got stuffed every time i watched. Only a few good runs to the outside.
3.I wonder how much of an impact taking Jones out of the game actually played. Saw a few carries from a guy i didn't recognize. We wore McFadden out.
4. Great defensive effort great game plan with the ball control. I love Tennessee football.
tennesseekilt#206652 writes:
Note the part about keeping it simple. I think this coaching staff overcomplicates things too often. When we simplify the playbook (on both offense and defense) we do well with the good talent we have. They did this in '98 with new QB Tee Martin and look what happened.
BloneyBoy writes:
Posted by IceVol on November 10, 2007 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
4. Great defensive effort great game plan with the ball control. I love Tennessee football.
What you really love is seeing all those "yellow" jerseys converging on the ball carrier.;-)
The Vols played very well but we need to keep getting better and start believing in ourselves and we could beat anybody. Remember the SugarVols?
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
I wrote on here last week that this game would determine John Chavis's immediate future at the University of Tennessee.
Congrats to you, Chief, and the entire defense. That's the kind of performance you've spoiled us with over the years.
LargeOrange writes:
I have to say to the Hateraid drinkers, i told you so. Sorry that you didn't get the loss that you wanted so badly, so you could try and run CPF out on a rail.;-(CRvol or Volcr or what ever, TouchdumbTN, Greer and all the other negative naysayers, i hope you don't try and take credit for this win like tdtn tried to do after the GA game, "I have done more to get this team fired up than Foolmer has ..." Blah blah blah. The VOLS d' under Coach Chavis played an incredible game, shutting down the reincarnated "Hershal Walker" that we heard about adnausiem over the last week. I hope the haters will sulk away in depression over the VOLS win and give the loyal fans some peace and quiet so there can be some serious sports fans able to talk sports and not spending time trying to insult and degrade the coach and players of OUR team. I could go on, but I am at the hotel in Knoxvegas typing on my blackberry, which is a challenge after 8 hours of celebration of a great victory. Good night, go VOLS. Look out Vandy, you are next.
tnocvolfan writes:
Almost felt as good as it did in '98.....ALMOST...!!Need to chalk up 2 more W'S!!
utbaby#215635 writes:
If there ever was a game that the coaches put their stamp on, this was it. From the mental preparation to the game plan. All the coaches put their stamp on this win. Clearly, there was a plan, which was executed almost flawlessly. Great game. It ain't over yet. We've got to take care of Vandy and bring this same kind of planning and effort to KY. Arkansas was pretty one dimensional, which helped a lot. Kentucky won't be that way. We've got to find a way to crack the code against a pass oriented team. Maybe the DB's are ready to play press coverage. We'll find out in 2 weeks.
threehundredbowler writes:
Volcr,I believe you are due an apology from the Vol fans.You were treated unfairly at the game today.All the yelling and screaming caused you not to be able to get your afternoon nap and why would 104,500 people show up and cause you not to be able to streatch your legs?All I can say is there were a bunch of morons there today.If you will consider returning next week for the Vandy game,I will take it on myself to see that you are not disturbed like that again.There are no guarantees though .You know how it is when dealing with a bunch of morons and idiots.
jonathanlcate#221356 writes:
How' bout the BIG ORANGE?? Heck no Darren Mcfadden is not gonna win a Heisman in Neyland. Thanks to Coach Fulmer, Chavis, and Cutcliffe for leading the way as we truly showed the heart of a Volunteer today. Let's continue showing some pride these next two weeks and take care of Vandy and Kentucky. Looking forward to being in Neyland next weekend.
1974Vol writes:
It's a team game and defense did a great job, but hats off to offense as well who took the opening kickoff and went down the field and scored and ran 5+ minutes off the clock. The only time offense did not get it done was 3 possessions in late 3rd and early 4th when they were 3,3,& 5 and out. Otherwise they played great football. Yes naysayers this was not a great football team that TN beat, but as the season has shown the teams who spanked us , CA, FL & AL are not title contenders either, so lets savor our wins. This team has hung in against a whole lot of adversity on & off the field and has gotten better when it has mattered. If they do finish as East Champs they will will have earned a spot in TN lore and hopefully in the hearts of all true Vol fans. GO VOLS BEAT VANDY!
Hunter writes:
I loved to see the defense show up like it did today, but I would love to see it CONSISTENTLY. Today was a byproduct of a simpler playbook being executed to near perfection. Maybe Chief was giving them more than they could handle before - it looked great today.
Vanderbilt's bowl game is this week, and I can see the Vols looking ahead to Kentucky and/or "the Temple of Doom" on Dec 1st. Stay focused and "disrespected" (SO not a real word) and take care of business to go play for a championship.
OldNumber7 writes:
Coach Chavis - yes! You finally got it!
"So they thinned out the playbook - the smallest one Chavis said he's ever taken into a game - and focused on being in the right spot.
If the Vols were aligned right and played the right assignment, the rest would take care of itself."
It's about Motivation and Fundamentals...Fundamentals... Great Job!
Do it 4 more times in a row!
OldNumber7 writes:
Chavis 'explored the space'!
That was More Cowbell!
Smokey57 writes:
Rocket,
Way to go! You actually said "great job", with an exclamation point no less. I knew you had it in you...
vol88 writes:
where are the know-it-all, haters today? I guess they're over there on a Bama board pretending to be mad Tide fans.
Go Vols!!!
douglasawilliams#582863 writes:
Well done defense! I like RocketVol's perspective it is a simple game of fundamentals not schemes. If you get off blocks, maintain your assignment and DO NOT MISS TACKLES you will win. I personally believed thay would have to dedicate a safety in the box to stop McFadden. I was wrong the front 7 handled their business very well. If they missed any tackles yesterday I sure don't remember it!!!!!!!! We are not Atlanta bound yet must take care of business. But if we show up like this we will beat Vandy and Kentucky and gasp LSU. Keep the steam up Vandy would love to spoil our suddenly promising season and they have a very good receiver in Bennett. So the defense will have to pressure the pocket and force some hurried and off target throws. GO VOLS!! WELL DONE DEFENSE AND COACHING STAFF!!!!!
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
Okay Austin Rogers. You beat Arkansas. They should show you EARNED respect now. Is everyone happy?
Colliervol writes:
Slovog, we can all agree on your first post, no question. (I tend not to like Kool Aid or Hater Aid.) Well played AND well coached. Can't say that about every game and that's what's frustrating to me. But, for this one, they all did a great job.
jsaintge08 writes:
Thats the best comment by a player all year, I was let down when Hefney tapped Tebow on the butt after he ran him over. Jerod brought the pride back.
tractoronthepole writes:
Where is CRVOL?
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Austin Rogers, they respect you now. You made them pay.
Also, for everyone's benefit, if you want to see some seriously good highlights of big Vol games, check out a guy named Tubesox on YouTube...
http://www.youtube.com/user/Tubesox1969. He already has more than 7 minutes of yesterday's game up.
The official www.utsports.com website used to have decent highlight video posted but they've changed to a "student reporter" format and I don't like it.
I want to just see the plays as they're called, as they happen and in their entirety, on the broadcast. That's what Tubesox has done on YouTube and this Vol fan right here is grateful to him.
JETnTN writes:
Mayo backed it up.... and got a TD!!!
lilmoorevols writes:
"So they thinned out the playbook - the smallest one Chavis said he's ever taken into a game - and focused on being in the right spot."
Why can't they do that against Florida?
LargeOrange writes:
Apparently the 24 hour mourning period is over. The self styled "Detractors" and WHYners come back out. How can I explain it so that it will get through? These guys are still kids, they play on emotion, the coaches try to use that and cultivate it but it is not like they coach these these guys to come out flat and emotionless, it happens to all teams, this year more than ever. Ask Urban Meyer how he could have lost 3 games including a 12 pt blowout by arch rival UGA? I guess he just had 3 bad coaching days and forgot to prepare them. And what about the genius Steve Superior, losing 4 in a row? At least he is starting to establish some consistency. And what about the future governor of Tuskaloseya, Nick Saban, the one who walks on water, didn't prepare his team yesterday and they lose to Miss St. I believe that is the 4th time this year that he forgot to prepare his team. An what to do with Tommy Tuberville, here Texas A&M was about to give him a contract reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars and dang, he goes and totally forgets to prepare the Auburn players and they get get creamed by a Georgia team who Mark Richt apparently remembered to prepare this week, unlike the day he week he forgot to prepare for Tennessee where CPF apparently heard all of the "detractors" and remembered to prepare this week. I think we should take down the locker room sign that hangs over the door that says "I will give my all for Tennessee today" and replace it with one that says "I will remind my coach to properly prepare me today".
gohawks1 writes:
How about Hefney's solo tackle on McFadden out in the open field around the left end? That's what I'm talking about! Atta boy, Jonathan!
yeavols#228407 writes:
It must be tough for any team to be consistent when it comes to a vicious defense. No wonder teams have off weekends and lose. If the VOLS can be as good the next 2 games like they were at Arky, they will be in Atlanta. If not, like all one hit wonders, there's not much else to look forward to. Good job VOLS and good luck the next 2 weeks. Waiting in Atlanta.
asleep#212036 writes:
I believe the only game we have won where we did not score on our opening drive was SC. Maybe our D needs a psychological cushion or maybe Cutcliffe needs things to go well immediately but whatever the reason, scoring first seems to be a harbinger of good things to come. That said, let's get on the board early against the 'Dores. Against, Kentucky, we'll have to add "often" to the "early" to get it done. The consistency issue comes down to more than coaching - it's also about matchups. Cal, Florida, and Alabama present a balanced offense out of the spread. It is difficult enough to defend with experieced players and a hoss D line. This year, we have had neither, especially when we played those games. Kentucky is similar but without the NFL athletes (except Woodson) or the defense, so we should match up better than the 3 losses but not as good as against Georgia or Arkansas. And it's on the road. Tough game but a win would give them (and us) great confidence going forward to SEC championship game, bowl game, and next season. That is, of course, unless we gag against Vandy. Go Vols!!!
Smokey57 writes:
sphs_vol,
Why is it you say in your 2:26PM post "you can only celebrate a win on Sunday", but you female dog about a loss(es) all season?
Yeah, it hurts, and it sucks we lost so badly to Cal, Fla, Ala, but that's p.a.s.t. If the team wallowed in self-pity that much, we'd have Notre Dame's record!
And we "true Vols Fans" are concerned about the future, we just don't let it consume us!
ncvol17 writes:
Jekyl & Hyde team this year. let's keep Jekyl off the field and Mr Hyde on it. Crush the Commodores and mild cats....
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