Vol Report
Event Details
- What: Tennessee at Kentucky
- When: Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Commonwealth Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Tennessee defensive tackle Walter Fisher doesn't remember the last time the Vols lost to Kentucky.
Of course he doesn't. He was three days old.
Think about it. A generation of college football players have been born, developed into prospects, taken official visits, been assigned one to five stars by recruiting services, landed on depth charts, taken 'em one game at a time, and been scrutinized to death on talk radio and message boards since the last time Tennessee tasted defeat at the hands of Kentucky.
That would have been on Nov. 24, 1984.
Antonio Gaines, UT's injured cornerback, was born the next day.
Only seven members of Tennessee's squad were alive when Kentucky knocked off the Vols 17-12 in Neyland Stadium in 1984, and they were crawling around in diapers.
Since then, Tennessee has annually chalked up a win in this border war, come hell or high water, for 22 years.
When Navy beat Notre Dame on Nov. 3, ending 43 years of futility, Tennessee took ownership of the longest domination over a rival in college football.
"Every season stands on its own,'' UT head coach Phillip Fulmer said Sunday night. "It's always different circumstances, different players.
"We just try to play the games as they happen.''
The next one happens Saturday. The incentive for the Vols to extend the streak to 23 is considerable - an Eastern Division title and a trip to the SEC championship game in Atlanta on Dec. 1.
Kentucky's incentive, though, should be even stronger.
Tennessee fans, pause and reflect on how excruciating that 11-year losing streak to Alabama (1971-81) was. Now double it.
Four Kentucky coaches have never experienced victory against UT: Bill Curry, Hal Mumme, Guy Morriss, and the current one, Rich Brooks.
Since Kentucky's last victory over UT, the Vols are 210-67-6. The Cats are 105-154-1.
Since Kentucky's last victory, the Vols have fielded 23 first-team All-Americans, the Cats five.
Since Kentucky's last victory, 93 Vols have been named first-team All-SEC to 32 Wildcats.
The cumulative score of Tennessee's 22 consecutive victories is 763-340. Four times, Kentucky didn't score.
Tennessee's heyday was 1993-2000 when the average margin of victory over Kentucky was 36.1 points. Only one of those games was closer than 28 points.
But the Vols haven't always been laughing at the final horn.
In 1987, UT had to stop All-SEC back Mark Higgs on four tries inside the 5 to hold on 24-22.
This scenario from 1995 sounds strangely familiar (like roughly 48 hours old). Kentucky led 24-9 in the third quarter. Peyton Manning rallied the Vols to a 34-31 lead. But to preserve it, Tennessee had to block a 48-yard field-goal attempt.
Truth is, the Wildcats have been knocking on the door for several years now.
Tennessee needed a 44-yard Alex Walls field goal to pull out a 38-35 squeaker in 2001. In 2004, the Wildcats led almost the entire game until Gerald Riggs scored with 38 seconds to play. The 31-29 win sent Tennessee to the SEC championship game.
Last year, Kentucky outplayed the Vols much of the game. Yet Tennessee rallied, then preserved a 17-12 win with a pair of fourth-quarter defensive stops.
The law of averages, it seems, is closing in on Tennessee's domination. More significantly, so is the talent comparison.
Kentucky can at least match UT at a number of positions. The Wildcats are the only team in the nation to beat No. 1 LSU.
In fact, Kentucky is opening as a slight favorite in the early betting lines.
"We know we have to go up there and play well to win the game,'' said Fulmer, "but I don't worry about laws of averages or anything like that.''
He shouldn't. Still, if Tennessee prevails on Saturday, No. 23 might be the hardest one of all.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
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Comments » 109
troubleinc writes:
Go Vols!! ... to steal Al Davis' line ... Just win baby! I live up here in Lex, and do not want the streak to stop this year. Let's take the 23rd straight win over UK and get to Atlanta.
alfrizzle097 writes:
If Kentucky can't get it this year it will probably be another 23 years before they get this good of odds.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
I was in Neyland Stadium in 1984 when Kentucky beat us. I was also at Commonwealth Stadium in 1995 when we came from behind to win.
Law of averages aside, Kentucky has been pushing us the past years--much like Vandy had done before they upset us in 2005.
I love the way our guys have fought back this season and put themselves in control of their own destiny; but, I believe UK will win--the 22 year streak combined with recent losses will fire them up. I really hate that prediction because our hunger for the right to play in the SEC championship should exceed theirs; we've been a li'l too inconsistent this year for my taste.
Nonetheless, it'll be close. UK wins 38-35.
(NOTE: my prediction is not an anti-Fulmer slap--just what it is, a prediction. I will be pulling for my beloved Vols, believe me.)
FWBVol writes:
Forget the law of averages stuff. It makes nice copy and everything else, but the only way that comes into play is if the same group of players had played each of the 22 years. With each new class there's a different formula that has nothing to do with the year before. It's not like flipping the same quarter and the law of averages says it will come up heads 50 percent of the time and tails 50 percent of the time. Even it comes up heads the first time, there's still a 50-50 chance it will come up heads the next time.
If you put a set of numbers 1-10 in a bag on the same size square and the same texture and had someone blindly draw those numbers out and place them back in the bag, if you drew 7 the first time, once you placed it back in the bag, you would still have one in 10 chances of drawing 7 again.
Please, some of you math and physics guys, help me out if I'm wrong. I was a Speech Communications major for a reason.
The variables Mike mentioned such as closing the gap talent wise, and a veteran quarterback throwing the ball against a still young secondary will come into play a lot more than any law of averages.
Perhaps the biggest advantage UT has is the 22-game streak. In a close game the Vols know they've beaten Kentucky and should expect to win. Even with the win over LSU, Kentucky players should know the last time the Cats beat the Vols, current KY quarterbacks coach and former Vol player and coach, Randy Sanders was a high school senior in Morristown.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
THE VOLS MUST REALIZE THAT KENTUCKY STRONGLY THINKS THIS IS THE YEAR TO BEAT THE VOLS. Will THE VOLS BE UP MENTALLY TO MATCH THE WILDCATS GREAT INTENSITY TO POUND THE VOLS? HISTORICLAY. THE CATS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN "UP" TO CHALLENGE THE VOLS AT LEXINGTON, ESPECIALLY. ONLY GEN. NEYLAND CONTAINED THE WILCATS...HE NEVER LOST TO KENTUCKY IN HIS LONG CAREER AS THE VOLUNTEER COACH.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
thanksgiving is here ....serve up the KENTURKEY
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
If our pathetic coaching doesn't cost us a shot at the SEC title, Ainge will. Ainge isn't nothing but a below average q/back. Rush him a few times, and he goes to pieces. Only in a handful of games has he played like a senior q/back!
chrisw2967 writes:
I just hope for once that tenns off. cant put together 4 qts of football , we either play good the first half and fall asleep in the 2nd or its the other way around , if they are able to put it together for 4 qts then I think we will win , but if Woodson gets pass happy , which he will and we make there recievers look like we made Hall of bama look then it will be a long day.
But maybe Hamilton has put the pressure on Fulmer again and Fulmer will coach them up like he did against Ga, Ark.
TommyJack writes:
firefulmer...I agree, but you will be eviscerated for saying so.
volfan73120#211815 writes:
firefulmer: You are the biggest jerk on here, and a sorry excuse for a human being.
tnvolfan4ever writes:
firefulmer..Your'e one of those idiots that would bad mouth Tn. if we won every game.
I bet you can't even spell football!!!
snafu14u#241639 writes:
make the UGA victory mean something.bonzaivol
Vol_N_Texas writes:
firefulmer... FIND SOME OTHER TEAM TO BASH. I'm sick of seeing your negative comments on everything associated with TN.
imnotwithphil writes:
A well coached, well-disciplined Vols team would easily win this game… and that’s why my prediction is: 42-37 Kentucky. As always, I’ll be pulling for the boys in Orange to prove me wrong.
mbradshaw1#655539 writes:
TDTN is right. You never know which orange clad vols team will show up but I think the good one will. Is it just me or does Ainge seem to be off since his pinky got better?
mbradshaw1#655539 writes:
hiresanders; Do you by any chance live in Morristown Or Mohawk?
Ironcity writes:
I get the felling that Ainge is more concerned about setting some sack record then about making throws. As the game goes on he just gets worse and starts getting rid of the ball when anyone getrs within 3 yards of him. I would like to see him sometime step up in the pocket and actually deliver a ball downfield instead of throwing the ball at someones feet.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Perhaps greatest factor is 90% of Cats fans are talking basketball! forums.kentucky.com is amazing. They're talking about prospects, etc. Maybe right approach, we need prospects for defense for sure. Any linebackers out there want to come to UT and start!! Need talent and athleticism to go with "heart". I have "heart", but I'd look like Ned in the first reader playing linebacker. Its not against NCAA rules for an opposing LB to cross the line of scrimmage! Oh well, I digress, Fear the Phil, Cats! Win big, Vols and carry us on to ole' Atlanter to see what fate awaits us. Want to see praying, ck out onlineathens.com for the most recent Cat fan converts! Play like Tennessee and erase the memories of games un-preparation we've witnessed! Go Vols! (un-preparation will drive the pocket protector crowd crazy)....
inquiry writes:
The Kentucky game could be made into a Jack Daniels advertisement.."The last time Kentucky beat Tennessee in Football, etc, we were just putting on Jack in the barrel here in Lynchburg.
Let's wear the orange pants this week, that should do it.. they hate orange up there so bring plenty with you.
GoVol writes:
Ironcity - I agree with your assessment also. It appears he only cares about not getting sacked, instead of making a play. Ainge has a 'hot' receiver for every pass play, but if he is covered Ainge will throw it away. Many times he does have the time to look at 2nd or 3rd guy, but he throws the ball away. He will never make it in the NFL. I was actually wanting Crompton to play in the 2nd half, just to shake things up. Ainge had a horrible game....2 in a row.
OldNumber7 writes:
inquiry - nice. Bring back the barrel!
KENVOL writes:
I can't believe how lucky we got to beat Vandy. We had better be ready to play come Sat. The Cats will be ready for us. I just pray the good team from Tenn. shows up. If anyone want to discuss further try goteamsgo.com
SFOrange writes:
I think the Barrel finally goes north. Vols have been shaky on the road all year--I don't see this game being any different...a fast, spread offense has burned us @ Cal, UF, and Bama....UK 41 UT 21.
Go Vols.
troubleinc writes:
AirForce: I work for IBM and was transferred up here to finish a project ... will be moving back to Nashville shortly (and I have to pay the bills dumb a$$) ... what's your post even have to do with the article?
jweaver3#395614 writes:
firefulmer and hiresanders, thank you for your predictions since you are always wrong. This is great Karma for us real fans.
hiresanders, sanders will never be a head coach at a D1 school, he doesn't have the talent. Except it and move on. He is a terrible coach with an awesome quarterback he is making look average now!!!
GO VOLS!!!
ROLL THE CATS
TXVOLSFAN
pdhuff#552644 writes:
jwray1, everyone knows that all ready, especially the bailers on the Titantic! Lord, they'll head for the bunkers IF Woodson puts 425 yds and 41 points on us! We should beat the Cats, emphasis on should!
JAGVOL writes:
Wake up and recognize that Coach Fulmer is making Chicken Salad out of Chicken Sh$%! Even after bad losses, he has motivated an average team team talent-wise to a "win one game and play for the SEC Championship" scenario. Think those idiot Bammer fans wish they had that shot for $4 million a year?
Colliervol writes:
Hiresanders, guess it's kind of like that double digit loss you predicted against Arkansas huh? As noted before, don't quit your day job. I guess if you say it often enough though, you are bound to hit one every now and then. Could be this Saturday but it won't because of your "expert" analysis. Sanders has done a good job developing Woodson (just like he did with several UT QB's) but that's about all I'll give him. Rich Brooks deserves the credit for turning that team around.
I'm sure KY will be sky high to spoil it for the Vols, but UT should be even more jacked up. Weather the emotional storm in the first quarter and get it into a grinder of a game and I think UT prevails. (Run the ball and run it some more and keep Woodson off the field. Sounds reminiscent of the Arkansas game plan, doesn't it?) Just don't think we want to get into a shoot-out with them.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
TommyJack, at least a few of us have some intelligence. I just hope we can find a way to win.
volfan73120 and tnvolfan4ever--the truth hurts!
Germany_Vol, Only the coaching and occasionally our quarterback. If you are serving in the military...thanks. If not, go eat some more kraut and sausage.
rootin4volz writes:
Wow...firefulmer is not not only an idiot, he's a racist too!
dfreeman writes:
Firefulmer, "Germany_Vol, Only the coaching and occasionally our quarterback. If you are serving in the military...thanks. If not, go eat some more kraut and sausage." That's a pathetic way of saying thanks if he is in the military and one I'm sure he would tell you to stick up your own A$$!!!
As for the we got lucky against Vanderbilt croud, Georgia had to escape Vandy as well with a field goal!
Anyone want to see what Nick Saban is doing with the talent in Tuscaloosa?? LA MONROE anyone??
Florida has lost 3 games as well, and with loads more talent than us!! We'll be just fine with the team we have and the coach. Bottom line is he ain't going anywhere!! Go Vols and win or lose Saturday I'm all Vol!!!
dfreeman writes:
Surprisingly in Firefulmer's defense the kraut and sausage comment doesn't make him a racist. It's a German Cuisine!!!!
pete.broockman#629092 writes:
IF TN coaches stick to the game plan they will win. Look at what Vandy did, changed the game plan and ended up losing ( by 6 inches ). Imagine who would be packing up the phooey in thier offices this morning if that kick had gone 6 inches to the right!! We lucked out against Vandy, lets pray luck has nothing to do with this weeks outcome.
jlange#632002 writes:
UT wins a close one and they're lucky. UT loses a close one and it's poor coaching. Whiners and raggers, you can't have it both ways.
Volunatic writes:
If our Defensive Tackles play well, we WILL win. If not, it could be a long day for the Vols.
GO JT Mapu, Demonte Bolden, Dan Williams, and Walter Fisher! We need every one of y'all to play your best game so far this season!
GO VOLS!!! Beat Kentucky!
dfreeman writes:
sjt18, I think right at the moment they do. I also think that's because some of the recruits we had haven't made it on campus yet to give us the other options we needed this year! That also includes the players kicked off this team. Morley would have been a huge difference maker for us this year! Inky Johnson would have also made a huge difference for us as well! Next year I think you're right we do have equal talent and much needed help on defense!!
calvolfromkingsport writes:
Lol! The flamers on this site are soooo funny! They really have brought the ol citizens band radio "smack" talk to a new level. I don't believe the Vols were favored to win in the three losses they had. No doubt they overachieved in a couple of the victories(UGA and Ark.). It seems they are actually a little ahead of where most prognosticators predicted. Good ol Vol fans...never too happy.
hoskinsfive#468391 writes:
I hate KY more than any other human being on this planet. The thought of losing to them makes me want to jump off the henley st bridge. They are a sorry bunch of cheaters who lead the NCAA in probations. Just like I told a drunk in lexington in 95 (before causing him some serious dental bills), cream always rises and we will prevail.
TommyJack writes:
Hoskins: How do you really feel? Punched anyone lately? Maybe you SHOULD consider doing that half gainer off the Henley St. bridge.
hoskinsfive#468391 writes:
Thanks man GO VOLS!
dfreeman writes:
sjt18, I can agree with that!! Warren I think is going to be huge for us!! Bowden must've kicked his dog over that loss!! Morley was a stud when he was playing for us and getting him back will be huge! I too think that having our young defensive backs get the SEC intro without the sugar coating is going to help us incredibly next year!! We'll need it until Crompton get's into game form!!
DCVol writes:
Go Vols, bring home the Beer Barrel!
dfreeman writes:
rootin4volz, Surprisingly in Firefulmer's defense the kraut and sausage comment doesn't make him a racist. It's a German Cuisine!!!! Try using your head before making a comment about that!!
govolsfan#214750 writes:
Hell yeah, lets bring the orange pants to the game. Im already working on drinking the Vols to victory this weekend. GO VOLS!
Colliervol writes:
The operative phrase, Mark, is they haven't gotten to the top of the castle yet. If they make it, they will have satisfied me and it should satify 99.9% of all Vol fans. (There is always going to be a vocal minority who hate Fulmer for their own sad reasons.) All most of us have asked for is improvement. And I'm not even asking that they beat LSU. That would be icing on the cake to me. There is a lot of question in my mind whether this team is better than last year, but due to the breaks of the game and other teams' ups and downs, we are in position to show better results.
HOWEVER, if they lose Saturday, it cannot be construed as improvement. It will be another 8 and 4 regular season with no Atlanta appearance since 2004, no title since 1998 and an appearance in another meaningless bowl game. I could care less about "potential shots". Again, close doesn't count. Either they do it or they don't. And, if they don't, the debate will continue (only louder) and the pressure on Phil to produce next year takes a quantum leap.
GoVol writes:
Our 'D' line has to have one of its best games to beat KY. They showed up against GA & AR and you all saw the results. If we do not have several key sacks and keep a lot a pressure on Woodson then he will pick us apart. GA only won against KY because they had 6 sacks and very good running game. We must do the exact same.
We are capable, but we'll see what TN team shows up on Saturday?? The team that played AL & FL or the team that played GA & AR??
JAGVOL writes:
Everybody seems to forget that KY has dropped 3 of the last 4 games, including to Miss. State. Also, that's a HUGE 22 game Monkey thats on their back, and that coaching staff a UK isn't going to set records on the Wonderlick test.
Colliervol writes:
Agreed govol. Keeping KY off the field (as the Vols did with McFadden) will be a big key in addition to pressure on Woodson.
murrayvol writes:
Well put Collier. This is the time of year (November) that Kentucky and other habitual bottom feeders begin to wear thin. They've got (or at least had) 22 pretty good players. What they have now is a bunch of nicked up starters and some second tier players getting significant minutes. The Vols may not be as deep or talented as in years past but we're better off than the Cats. Can UK win Saturday? Sure! (See ULa Monroe 21-Bama 14) Will they? I doubt it. As for "#23 might be the hardest one of all" I thought last year was a pretty tough out and that one was in Knoxville.
The good news is if we do get to Atlanta as a double digit underdog (and we will be), I actually like our chances with LSU. This is the type game and circumstance that for whatever reason brings out the best in Phil and the Vols. And we sure as hell owe them one for 2001.
Ugogetum writes:
Now that Michigans coach Carr has retired,And Les Miles is proably headed to fill in.Maybe coach Fulmer should follow suit and we could grab up John Gruden from Tampa Bay Buc,s,What an interesting future for UT Football.Go KY.
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