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Pennington: 2007 not Fulmer's best ... yet

By John Pennington
Originally published 01:21 p.m., November 23, 2007
Updated 07:50 p.m., November 23, 2007

Gameday podcast

  • Dave Hooker provides a complete breakdown of the Kentucky game with interviews from Erik Ainge, David Cutcliffe, Jerod Mayo and more.

“I’m sitting here consuming your post-Bama show today and marveling at all you guys ducking the obvious question about Fulmer’s job status. You have seven or so personalities on your show but not a single one of you guys will man up and say Fulmer should go.”

That’s an e-mail I received from a viewer following my Alabama postgame TV show on Oct. 21. He was upset that when asked by a caller if Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer should go, I said, “Tennessee can still finish 11-3 as SEC and Sugar Bowl champions.”

It was far-fetched, as I admitted, but it was possible. The point was this: you don’t make your final judgments in the middle of a season. That would be over-reacting.

Today, there is over-reaction again. This time from the other camp. One side has been vocal in its criticisms. Now, the other side is trying to out-shout the critics.

“If Tennessee beats Kentucky, this will be one of Fulmer’s greatest coaching jobs.” That’s the idea. Only it’s not true. But more on that in a second. Let’s talk about making big declarations mid-season. Those who called for Fulmer’s head on a plate after the Florida or Alabama games are having to eat a lot of crow.

And those who are singing the praises of a nailbiter of a home win over Vanderbilt could possibly join them at the Blackbird Buffet by January.

What if the Vols beat Kentucky (just run the football, Vols), reach Atlanta, lose to LSU and then lose their bowl game? Is a 9-5 season a “great” coaching job?

Still, the battle lines are drawn. In one camp sit the negatives. Every loss is a reason to fire the coach. They’re the ones who branded me and my co-hosts cowards for not calling for a coach to be fired in mid-October.

In the other camp sit the positives. Every win, no matter how fluky, is proof of their man’s coaching acumen. “Vandy roughing Tennessee’s punter? All part of the master plan, of course.”

Back and forth it goes, getting louder and louder. Each group touting wins and losses as bigger and bigger achievements or disasters. For the folks in the middle ground, it’s all they can do not to ping pong back and forth between the extremists.

After the Alabama loss, it was the end of days around here. Now we’ve done a 180.

“If Tennessee beats Kentucky, this will be one of Fulmer’s greatest coaching jobs.” “Everyone knew that this was a rebuilding year.”

Those statements are as off-base as the mid-season calls for dismissal. Try to keep the facts in mind and forget about the spin.

The gathered journalists at July’s SEC Media Days picked Tennessee to finish second in the SEC East to Florida. Not fifth or sixth, second. The Vols also received 16 first-place votes. I guess all those folks failed to get the “rebuilding” memo.

Florida had a new quarterback and nine new starters on defense. Georgia had to rebuild its offensive line with a bunch of true freshmen. South Carolina had no playmakers on offense. Kentucky was supposed to have a good offense, but their defense would be suspect. Vandy, well, they were supposed to maybe, kinda, sorta compete for a bowl.

Tennessee had questions at receiver and in the secondary. They were supposed to be better on the lines and they were expected to rely on their senior quarterback, their stable of running backs and their outstanding linebackers.

For the most part, things seem to have shaken out pretty darn close to what those media hacks predicted in July.

The Vols did indeed lose to Florida and beat Georgia. Historically, that’s a second-place finish in the East (as predicted), but the Gators went on to drop three conference games, opening and re-opening the door for the Vols.

Tennessee lost their head-to-head match-up with Florida, 59-20, blew their second chance with a loss a 41-17 loss at Alabama, and is today trying to capitalize on its third chance.

From a national standpoint, Tennessee was picked to finish 15th in the nation. They’re 19th. Lindy’s pre-season guide even had the Vols ranked seventh. Apparently no one nationally seemed to think UT was in a rebuilding mode, either.

That’s why getting to Atlanta would be a “good” season and a good job by the head coach. UT would finish slightly ahead of expectations standings-wise, just about dead-on in terms of record.

But it’s not a “great” coaching job. Yet.

A win Saturday gives Tennessee a shot at greatness. Conference championships are the true measure of greatness around here. Beat Kentucky (just run the football, Vols) and Tennessee will get a shot at LSU.

Beat LSU and yes indeedy this will be one of Fulmer’s greatest coaching jobs. Not because this was a rebuilding year (it wasn’t before the season and you can’t reset the stage mid-season), but because he will have won the SEC’s ultimate prize.

It would be his first title since 1998. It would quiet all but the wildest of his critics.

And it would surely result in an extension and a raise.

A title would put Fulmer’s 2007 work on par with the work he did in 1994 (having to play four quarterbacks and correctly choose Peyton Manning over Branndon Stewart), 1998 (National Title), and 2004 (reaching the SEC title game while having to play three inexperienced quarterbacks).

Reaching Atlanta at 9-3 with this team is finishing just about where most folks expected them to finish. That’s a good season. But win the whole darn thing? Now that’s a great coaching job. That’s a championship coaching job.

John Pennington hosts the Hall’s Salvage Sports Source on Sunday at 11 a.m. on WATE.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       98 Comments

Posted by pdhuff on November 23, 2007 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed! Reaching Atl at all was the goal and once there, just possibly win. Is that possible? Yes, Probable, no! Was it possible to lose to Fla, yes! Was it probable to manage to look that bad doing it, no! Is it possible to win at Ky with a Vandy-Fla-Bama-Cal effort on defense? No! Agree beating Ky and Lsu back-to-back would be a great coaching job! I just made my ninth payment on that oceanfront property in Chattanooga, so I know what I'm talking about! Some positives this season include more reasons to drink than usual, more chances to dream of fast linebackers and maybe live long enuf to see the Vols sack a QB! Lordy, Cats, get ready, here we come! You can't gameplan us, we're not sure what we're going to do! Go Vols!

Posted by memphisvolman on November 23, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point Touchdown TN: I think the last few years of inconsistent play is where most of the resentment stems. We all hate to lose games but it's really not about those losses to me it's about being competative and at the very least being in the game until the end. With Bama and Florida we never had a chance and that lack of physical play and poor coaching showed in both of those games. We are very fortunate to not hasve those SC and Vandy games as losses because we didn't play to win in either game.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on November 23, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree, John: get to Atlanta and it's "good." Get to Atlanta and win, it's "great."

But winning the SEC championship "would surely result in an extension and a raise." Are you serious? I surely hope and pray Mike Hamilton isn't thinking that way.

For Pete's sake, Hamilton just extended his contract back in March!

Even if we win the SEC and then win the Sugar bowl, I won't yet be convinced that this program has turned around, that we've found our groove again, that the coaching staff has its mojo back.

Ask me again a few games into next season. Only then will we have enough evidence of a bonafide turnaround.

Fulmer's contract runs through 2013. He's paid an annual salary of $2.05 million per year.

He can also earn an additional $37,500 for a berth in a non-BCS bowl, $50,000 for a first-place finish in the SEC Eastern Division, $75,000 for an SEC Championship game appearance, and $100,000 for winning the SEC or appearing in a BCS game. He can also get $150,000 for appearing in the BCS National Championship game and $250,000 for winning the BCS title.

This seems fair, based on Coach Fulmer's results. But giving him a raise and ANOTHER contract extension if we win the SEC and the Sugar Bowl? Gimme a break.

As far as I'm concerned, the entire coaching staff is on probation -- and will start next season on probation as well, no matter what happens the next two games.

Based on the past four games, they've earned the chance to prove themselves again next year -- at the same compensation levels.

Posted by IPOrange on November 23, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"We're going to turn this team around 360 degrees." - Jason Kidd.

I'm not sure we've done a 180 yet - our season has gone more like the Jason Kidd quote above. However, the rest of Pennington's article is pretty much dead on - you have two extremes posting often and loud, but neither is 100% accurate. It's not as bad as it could be (and I am referring here to the coaching staff as well as where we stand in the SEC East right now), and it is also not as good as others want us to believe.

But either way, I'll be cheering loudly for the Vols tomorrow. GO BIG ORANGE!

Posted by Hunter on November 23, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington, as usual you are articulate, insightful, and dead-on point. While you are not a "full-time" KNS staffer, you should be. Your articles are much more thoughtfully constructed, more inetersting to read, and more realistic (not a Hooker homer or an Adams Chicken Little).

Whoever makes this call (preferably above John "Hold That Tiger" Adams), please get JP on full-time!

Posted by mj54 on November 23, 2007 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

memphisvolman, you are exactly right. While I hated losing to UF and LSU last year, we were competitive and in the game right down to the last minutes and in LSU's case, the last seconds. Arkansas loss Fulmer was rightly given a pass because of Ainge not playing, but the only game I was annoyed with last year was the Bowl game. That looked like the same ol UT of the past 7 years. Lethargic, uninspired, and emotionless.

This year, we were barely competitive with California and not in the same ball park with UF and Bama. We also got lucky to beat USC and Vandy when we got outplayed for much of the game.

Posted by rparham on November 23, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One of the reasons that I am all for a playoff for Div 1 football is that teams improve over a season. If we had selected the BCS Championship game after the first couple of weeks, LSU would have been a unanimous choice. Huge wins over MSU and VaTech. Now they are losing to Arkansas 14-6. LSU has not improved over the season. Yes, injuries have their part, just ask California.

Tennessee today is much better then the team that played against Cal and UF. No, I can't explain Alabama. Are they the best team in the nation? Not even close. But the merits of a coach is how they adjust during the game and during the season. Anyone want Charlie Weiss right now?

Fulmer has proven over the years that he can make the changes. My only real complaint is that he is too loyal to those around him, from Randy Sanders to Kelly Washington to the numerous players in the NFL. I want Fulmer at Tennessee for as long as he wants to be here.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 23, 2007 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Look out Ark is up 21 -6 over LSU in mid 3rd qtr.

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike121212, you are a jerk. Why don't you post some comments instead of getting personal. You have not idea who you are messing with!

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Teller Boy? That is a good one TDTN.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 23, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My bad 14 - 14 Ark and LSU. Cutting back on the Kool-aid intake now. :-)

Posted by eefor10c on November 23, 2007 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow John!!!!! Almost totally anit-Fulmer and Vol downers responding on this article. Just confirms that you are their kind! At least now we have some identification of the "unnamed former players" who gave you insight into the problems with Fulmer and the other coaches and the problems in the program.

Posted by skyhawk836 on November 23, 2007 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike121212, you are a jerk. Why don't you post some comments instead of getting personal. You have not idea who you are messing with!

Enlighten us.

Posted by scvolalum on November 23, 2007 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, TDgatorboy and jdcvols. Considering all the trash talking you're always spewing out, you should expect to annoy some folks. Losers are customarily the most annoying of all girl scouts. OK, so Mike121212 went a little overboard, but now you've got YOUR bowels in an uproar. Just settle down and take some Viagara so's you can handle your manly wives. You'll be alright. As for my friends and myself; We're going to settle in and watch the Vols whoop the kitties. May Coach phillip outlive you both.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 23, 2007 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.....

Hey man! How are you! I enjoy reading your posts! You always seem so excited! I'm not sure if you are a hater or not! It's hard to tell when you are so excited! I'm glad though! We need excited fans! Hey, does your period key work (.)!!!

Ok Go Vols! Beat the kitties!

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 23, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All tied up down here in Bayou Bengal country...I'm not sure who I'm pulling for. I am a Vol fan first and a Tiger fan second. Of course I want Tenn to beat LSU when they are down, and losing the NC opportunity at the end of the regular season will leave a lot of players bummed, but it'll also leave some angry and hungry to prove something, even if it is just getting that SEC title. OK it just went to OT!!!

For my friends down here I want LSU to have a good season so I'm not sure what I want LOL

Posted by Feared_Mustang_Package on November 23, 2007 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington, I don't care what they say, you're the best sports writer at KNS.

Posted by tngeoff on November 23, 2007 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good column. Go Vols!

Posted by BigManVolFan on November 23, 2007 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arkansas 50 LSU 48!!!!!

Posted by CrankE on November 23, 2007 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was really pulling for LSU to win it. Then they could enter Atlanta a tired #1 ranked 12-1 team with that monkey on their backs.

Now they'll enter as a tired, angry SEC West Champ with nothing else to play for except the SEC.

Posted by Titan on November 23, 2007 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TNTN - WHICH missed FG are you talking about in the Vandy game? Oh yeah, the one Lincoln doinked off the upright. If he hadn't missed it, Vandy couldn't have gone for a FG at the end. If he hadn't missed a nearly automatic EP, Vandy's FG at the end would have only been for a tie since we would have kicked the EP after the last TD and would have been up by three. If you want to play the what if game, you've got to play it the whole way. Last time I checked stats, turnovers were listed. Hard to argue that USC outplayed us (see stats) unless your set of stats doesn't include the turnover line. I'll thoroughly agree that we got our clocked cleaned by Cal, FL, and AL. However, I can't play the what if game the way you're playing it.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on November 23, 2007 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If -- and that's still a big if -- we reach the title game against LSU, they don't look so formidable now after this Arkansas loss. It looked they were getting beaten up pretty bad in a very physical game. They may not be at full strength next week and the team that once looked invincible may now have a chink in its armor.

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW, too many posts removed tonight. SCVOLalum, I was only defending TouchdownTN. He seems to be one of the few that is the real world.

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike121212, did you count your money correctly today?

Posted by kaplan on November 23, 2007 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike121212:
This a warning. You will be removed from the site if you continue with off topic and abusive comments.

Phil Kaplan

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol in Lsu land, I'm really concerned about our game before thinking about LSU. One game at a time.

Posted by kaplan on November 23, 2007 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can go up step further and have your IP banned. Would that be cool?

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mike121212, go to bed. Let's discuss the game tomorrow.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 23, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unbelievable, Arkansas beats the number 1 team in the country on the road. The VOLS shut MCfad and company down completely and they roll for over 500 yards on LSU. I guess they are inconsistent too. And what about Miles, losing to KY and a 4 loss Ark team with all the marbles on the table. Now #13 Texas loses for the second straight year to un-ranked A&M, #7 Arizona St. loses by 20 to a lower ranked USC all of this on a Friday with #14 Hawaii likely to join them later tonight. I guess there will be tons of fan haters on their web-sites tonight. Poorly prepared, not ready to play, out coached, players quit, blah blah blah. Maybe we could loan them some of of our excess of negative doom seers (seekers). Our team has not lost in over a month and is less than 18 hours away from clinching an SEC-E title. It is hard to believe we are still arguing about statistics from a WIN from nearly a month ago. Get out of the past and focus on the future which is beating KY tomorrow. Go Big Orange!!

Posted by threehundredbowler on November 23, 2007 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN,sorry sweetie but I will have to pass on your invitation .I already have a date tonight.Thanks anyway.

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange, we know it is Friday night, but lay off the Kool-aid. We could get hammered tomorrow. While it is great to be playing for the chance to go to Atlanta, we still are stuck in mediocrity.

Posted by jdcvols on November 23, 2007 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

seven_pin? Please leave your sexual preferences off this sight. We do not need to know them.

Posted by kaplan on November 23, 2007 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can bash Fulmer or the Vols.

Just follow the rules.
You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned.

Posted by eefor10c on November 23, 2007 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kaplin, I did not see what Mike121212 wrote but it seems inconsistent that he should get a warning with all the crap that I have seen from all of the Fulmer haters and Tennessee downers on these "articles". From what I have seen in the past Mike is a supporter of the Vols and that doesn't go with the story line that John and Co. want to push. Why hasn't TouchdownTN been given the same treatment with all of his personal insults,taunts, and irrelevant posts that he makes.

Posted by kaplan on November 23, 2007 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bye Mike121212

Posted by LargeOrange on November 23, 2007 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, in all of this madness your post about what we need to do to beat KY is right on, if not original, but correct. BTW, did you just misspell the word "misspelled"? LOL
jdcvols- of course we could get hammered tomorrow. I just choose to believe we will continue to hold up our tradition and win out, if we don't there is plenty of time for you guys to be negative, you don't have to do it in advance.

Posted by chrisw2967 on November 23, 2007 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2007 not Fulmer's best ... yet
anything after the 98 NC has not been his best year.
I hope he dont get a raise or anything if we luck up and win out , a hand shake will do.
I still cant believe that the Fulmer lovers still thinks he can turn this fiasco around , I just dont see it happening.He hasnt done it in the last 6 years and its not going to happen as long as he is here. Like I have said before you put him ay any other school and he wont win 3 or 4 games a year.

Posted by threehundredbowler on November 23, 2007 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

td,I simply was refering to you because of your post about me.I want you to know this one time and do not forget it.I am more of a man than you will ever be.My wife read some of the things you wrote and she was very upset.If you have to try and bring people down to your level then I believe you have major problems.Calling people gay when you do not even know them is very inmature.

Posted by tngeoff on November 23, 2007 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Bye Mike121212"

For any who don't realize:

Phil Kaplan
Deputy Sports Editor
KNS

Hey...he gace the guy a chance and didn't have to. I'm glad somebody is on the guerd here. It should be enjoyable and not have to be lewd or ignorant. Keep up the great job Phil.

Posted by kaplan on November 23, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

After I warned him his response to me was "up yours". I don't have time be a kindergarten cop.

Posted by why36knot on November 23, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does any one here Marvel at the probabilty that Pennington gets paid for writing this kind of article? I have not heard anyone say that this is Fulmer's best coaching job. I have heard and read what a lot of people including Pennington have said about the Coach and the team this fall. Pennington strikes me as the kind of writer who wants to appear "fair and balanced" while at the same time I read the bias in his columns every time he writes. The E-mail sounds like one he sent himself so he could so magnanimously point out where both sides are wrong. However like I said earlier I have heard a lot about how bad Fulmer has been this season but I have heard no one say that this is his best Coaching job. That idea , I believe found life in Pennington's mind.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 23, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kaplan - You shouldn't have to, I agree. I wish KNS would go back to this being a pay site. At least people would have to give up their real name and own a credit card to participate so it would be harder to hide behind all of these anonymous and likely multiple identities. I paid for my access to this site for a long time and while I rarely posted until this year, I don't remember seeing all of these negative and hateful attacks being thrown about like is common on here now. Just a suggestion, but I would gladly pay again to have only serious Vol supporters on here that could agree to disagree without all of the childish fat jokes, and stupid insults being hurled.

Posted by TurboFan on November 23, 2007 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil, do we get to call you Ahh-nold from now on?

Posted by TommyJack on November 23, 2007 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Me 2. I would pay. I'm no bumb.

Posted by tngeoff on November 23, 2007 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange,

I had never been to this site when it was for a fee, but I clearly see your point and would happily agree to pay for it. That would certainly help and eliminate some who seem to post under multiple screen names.

Posted by IPOrange on November 23, 2007 at 10:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd pay. It would be a bumber to have to do it, though.

Posted by IPOrange on November 23, 2007 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Same here, brother. I had to wipe tears from my eyes after your last post.

Posted by TommyJack on November 23, 2007 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I suggest we call Bumb Phillips out of retirement.

Posted by tngeoff on November 23, 2007 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack,

Bumb Phillips

I think he got hit with a tennis racquet.

Posted by brauhuff on November 23, 2007 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer will pull a Tubby Smith and wind up at Nebraska next year and work for his hero and mentor Tom Osbourne. He will coach another 4-6 years there and retire and come back to Tennessee as famous or mose so than Johnny Majors has.

Posted by brauhuff on November 23, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil is probably as over the fans here as they are of him. That is why I say he leaves for another job and we get Jon Gruden of Tampa Bay and we will be happy for a while then it will start all over again. By the way Arkansas probably knocked us out of the Cotton Bowl vs Kansas by beating LSU but it was worth it. I would love to get another crack at Penn State in the Outback or Capital One bowl anyway, but it will probably be Clemson in the Chick fil a Bowl

Posted by firefulmer on November 24, 2007 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IF the Vols lay an egg like they did against Cal, Fla, and Bama, is it the players lack of emotion, or is the coaches making them uptight? Could it be both?

Posted by pdhuff on November 24, 2007 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Huh, someone said "don't be lewd and ignorant"! Lewd we can handle, the other, well.... Thats a mountain to climb, myself included. Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord! Oh for Tech to let the air out of the Dawg Nation! I'd even settle for 18 Buds for Christmas instead of my usual 24. LSU losing let the air out of the SEC nation. Man if Arkie had Colt Brennan at QB along with McFadden and company! Well, maybe Phil will get a chance to put a SEC champ ring on. Don't rightly know, remember the ignorant part.122 lb black lab has right idea, still asleep! Go Vols, stumble on, you orange horde!

Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on November 24, 2007 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Time for UT to skin the 'Cats! I'm feelin' it today! Ainge 4 TDs, UT Defense sacks Woodson 7 times!!

Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on November 24, 2007 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That was Tropicana I saw in the fridge, right??

Posted by movol77 on November 24, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are some important selective facts here to the article's conclusion:
1. The article concluded that TN was picked to finish #2 in SEC East based upon July's SEC Media days is selective. Why didn't it quote from magazines that had them picked fourth? (Answer: It didn't fit the slant.)
2. The article concluded that TN was pre-season ranked #15 ("Lindy's preseason guide even had the Vols ranked seventh") but failed to quote the source. There were some preseason polls that didn't have the Vols in the top 20. Why weren't they quoted from? (Answer: It didn't fit the slant.)
3. The article also fails to note that two key defenders and last year's top rusher, who were assumed players by preseason predictions, failed to begin and end the season with the Vols.
4. Etc., etc., etc.

The selective fact quotes made a "great" article just a "good" artilce.

Posted by slovog on November 24, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great points, movol77. What you state in your comments illustrate Pennington's chronic lack of originality and dearth of football acumen.

Why does this paper continue to feature this joker's writing?

Posted by missrvrvol on November 24, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He needs to win out. Lose to KY and we are headed to Shreveport.

Posted by tngeoff on November 24, 2007 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN,

I think kaplan said it best, "Bye Mike121212." That guy had to be impaired. Oh well...you reap what you sew! Go Vols! Rip Kentucky!

Posted by AllVol on November 24, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Pennington,

I think that is the best article I have ever read on this site. You are absolutely dead on right in your assessment. I have never, ever been anti-Fulmer. I think he is one of the finest men in college football, and a true son of this glorious state.

I agree, though, with someone who wrote that he needs to catch up with the current college game (whether himself or through his staff). If he can do that, he will coach at UT until he's 90; if he won't adjust, we need a new coach. GO VOLS! Just run the ball . . . .

Posted by movol77 on November 24, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why did the writer choose to use only the sources that supported his attempt to win reader fans and yet raise the bar on excellence? Is this the new "mediocrity?"

Posted by IPOrange on November 24, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I still believe we need to run the ball more today. Foster is averaging over 5 yards per carry, isn't he? I'd also like to see more of Lennon Creer.

Go Vols! Move the ball, run the clock, and keep Woodson off the field.

Posted by Volfan1 on November 24, 2007 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange....AMEN!!!!
KNS, take this back to a pay site, and it will return to being much more pleasant, informative, and enjoyable.
I was here before it was a pay site, during the entire time of being a pay site, and now. Believe it, this place was much more civil when it was a pay site.

Posted by TommyJack on November 24, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

llowry1000: I wasn't here when this was a PPpost. Are you telling me no one challenged CPF or the program then?

Posted by movol77 on November 24, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Are you telling me no one challenged CPF or the program then?"

No, but:
1. The challenges were more legitimate.
2. The challenger could not masquerade under multiple user names without having to pay for it.

Posted by TommyJack on November 24, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess I don't get the idea of masquerading under another name...what's the point?

Posted by jweaver3 on November 24, 2007 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great article, I think you see the whole body of work for the season before you make any decisions.
We are right now in a position to still be in the outhouse of 7-5 to the penthouse of 11-3. The 3 losses were bad I will have to admit but this has been the craziest college football season I remember in the last 25 years. Dang I'm getting old.
I'll support the Vols today and the rest of the season!!!
GO VOLS!!!!
BEAT THE MILDCATS!!!
P.S. I don't support Fulmer getting fired unless we lose the last two games!!!
I would throw one interesting name in for a future head coach.
JASON GARRETT (Dallas Cowboys O-coordinator) this guy is one of the sharpest young offensive minds in the game right now!!!
TXVOLSFAN

Posted by dvols on November 24, 2007 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

don't we all wish we could earn a living by writing articles about who should be fired?

nice job to have, hope you feel rewarded at the end of the day.

go vols!

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I guess I don't get the idea of masquerading under another name...what's the point?"

I think the point is that people who have an agenda can make their points APPEAR more legitimate by making multiple posts under different user names, thus the opinion seems more widely accepted than it really is. It's a pretty common technique on message boards. BTW, this can work for both sides of an argument.

I do suspect that some of the more extreme posters on this site are posting under multiple user names.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another down side with free anonymous registration is posers who can drop in that are really bama or fla or ga fans. All they have to do is put "vol" in their moniker and they can ridicule our coach call our player anything they want and actual VOL fans who are dissatisfied jump in to defend their right to criticize the "team" or the coaches. Read a few of the more harsh posts that predict a certain loss against the next opponent or talk abut how every win was lucky or the other teams fault, and then imagine that their posting name was DAWGFAN or GOBAMA etc. The reaction would be fierce with nearly everyone telling them to get off of our site and take their smack talk with them, but all they have to do is insert a "VOL" in their name and claim to be a life long VOl and they can run down the team and program all they want.

Posted by TommyJack on November 24, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN: Correct. Nothing wrong with a little looney.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, you know we have had words in the past and have moved on, but you and your tailgate buddies are about 50% of the over the top negative posters on this site. If you say you guys are all VOL, then I believe you mean it. I think you guys feel like you are helping the team by your constant searching for the bad in Tennessee Football and think that somehow you are responsible for "firing up the team" or helping the greater good by trying to get Phil fired. Unfortunately in that process, you guys fall into personal attacks on CPF in particular and anyone who challenges you or make positive comments about their beloved team. If you guys could kill the kindergarten doughnut, fat, moron comments it would go a long way. As I have said before there is plenty of time after the season is over to throw rocks if that is what you want to do. In a military analogy, we are in a war right now with the next battle coming up today. If you go AWOL in peace time you go to the brig, if you go AWOL in battle you get shot. Let's focus on the Cats and winning the SEC-E. GO VOLS, GO BIG ORANGE!

Posted by eefor10c on November 24, 2007 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tdTN, Thanks for listing the worst of the worst. Birds of a feather and idiots get together.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN - I appreciate that, Take a big gulp of the kool-aid and strap on the 80 proof pads, it is GAME TIME. I will try not an rub it in after we take care of business in LEX. I know that both of us don't want your prediction to be right. GO BIG ORANGE!!

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, well, well...looks like today was a good day to fire a coach.

Orgeron at Ole Miss: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

Reckon they regret letting Cut go?

Callahan gets the boot from Tom Osborne:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

Solich wasn't so bad in hind-sight

Franchione "steps down" at A&M on Friday:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/column...

Translation: He got a phone call for a Saturday meeting with the AD and beat him to the punch.

All of these coaches were supposed to be the saviors of the program, and the last coach wasn't so bad in retrospect. We could learn a few things Vol fans.

Posted by skyhawk836 on November 24, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by TouchdownTN on November 24, 2007 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange: I tailgate at every home game with many of the so called FOOLmer haters and "naysayers." I know them all personally and there is not one of them that would ever pull for another SEC program other than to help the Vols. Now I can't vouch for everyone on the boards, but I can for JCVET, JWray, DSA, JDCVOLs (who played at UT), and TommyJack. They are all Vol fans. All looney at times but Vol fans.
----

Hard to imagine a man that played for any coach resorting to infantile name-calling of that coach in the name of helping the program.

I don't argue his right to do so, but it's cheap.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

touchdown, Tennessee!!!!!! No flags, gets somma dat!!!

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This will be a shootout.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SHUTDOWN or Shootout, I don't care just win. By 1 or 100 just win baby! GO BIG ORANGE!!

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sack him Wilson!!!!! There you go.

Posted by movol77 on November 24, 2007 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just run the ball. Don't throw it for big yardage. :)

Posted by movol77 on November 24, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh no, another TD pass! Just run the ball. :)

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Touchdoooooooown! Taylor. Yeah baby, where are the Bama fans? What do you "Vol fans" say now?

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on November 24, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a CATCH!!! Chris Brown!!!!....LOL replay looks like incomplete dang.

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Luuuuuukkkkke 1st and 10. Use the force! 1st and 10

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another 3rd down sack!! Good call Chief! Stumble some more toward ATL. Overcome the coaching, GO BIG ORANGE! 17-7

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First and ten TENNESSEE! Stumble some more Erik. Somehow find a way to win. Overcome our idiot coaches. TD Cottam!! 31 - 14 !!! Fire all of them!! YOU IDIOTS!!

Posted by LargeOrange on November 24, 2007 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

6 SACKS OH, I WISH CHIEF COULD COACH!! PUNT UK

Posted by NCCOLTSFAN on November 24, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh Lord:
The 6-5 team showed up in the 2nd half.
Crossing my fingers we get lucky in OT.
Go VOLS!

Posted by DCSOvol on November 24, 2007 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And just to think, some people are happy with this level of mediocrity from our coaching staff. No matter what happens, our coaching staff was beaten by the opposite coaching staff AGAIN. This is disgusting, and I dont care if we do win. CPF and his stooges are lost, and if they do win, it was because of the players winning it for themselves, not that sorry excuse for a second half gameplan.

Posted by DCSOvol on November 24, 2007 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We won it through player heart and determination. The gameplan after halftime was awful.

Posted by movol77 on November 24, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"No matter what happens, our coaching staff was beaten by the opposite coaching staff AGAIN. "

Yep. The coaching staff dropped the fourth down pass to Taylor and the third down pass to Foster. They also threw all three INTs. And worst of all they dropped all three INTs. ;)

Posted by eefor10c on November 24, 2007 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DCSloser, Wow!!It must be miserable to not be able to enjoy a win because of the pathological hatred of the mediocre coaching staff. WE WON! No ifs about it. What a coaching staff you have. tdTN, DCS, JCvet, jwray, tommyJack. Think of their game plans. Whine and second guess.

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