Vol Report
Gameday podcast
Tennessee Stat Book
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
Kentucky Stats
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Like anything else, pressure simply becomes normal after a period of time.
Heading into today’s 1:30 p.m. kickoff at Kentucky (TV: WVLT), No. 19 Tennessee has plenty of reasons to feel pressure.
For starters, the Vols return to national television for the first time since nearly losing to South Carolina five weeks ago.
The Vols’ 22-game winning streak over Kentucky — the longest active streak in major college football — is at stake, too.
And, of course, there’s that business about winning a championship.
With a victory today, the Vols clinch the SEC East by virtue of a tiebreaker over Georgia.
With a win, the Vols will play for their first SEC championship since 1998 next week in Atlanta against No. 1 LSU.
“It’s the semifinals,” senior quarterback Erik Ainge said. “We know if we win, we’re going to the SEC championship. This is more important — not as important, this is more important — than any game we’ve ever played since I’ve been here.”
From the outside, Tennessee’s pressure meter would appear to be redlining.
But these Vols have been living these circumstances for going on six weeks — ever since they lost to Alabama on the road.
That’s the funny thing about pressure — you get used to it after a while.
“I don’t think this week will be any different from a pressure standpoint,” Ainge said. “We’ve been playing have-to-win the last almost month and a half.”
Since that 41-14 loss to Alabama, the Vols have won four in a row in almost every way possible.
Against South Carolina, they lost a 21-0 halftime lead and came back to win in overtime.
Against Louisiana-Lafayette, the Vols controlled the game from the opening kick.
Against Arkansas, Tennessee won decisively with its defense.
And last week against Vanderbilt, the Vols survived a flat performance with 16 unanswered fourth-quarter points to win 25-24.
Entering Saturday’s regular-season finale, Tennessee has been through it all.
“We’ve had some shortcomings because of some injuries and things, but heart and toughness and willingness to work is not one of them,” UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. “Fortunately this team has worked hard and improved and found a way to get it done in the last seven ballgames to put themselves in this position. They’re a tough bunch of guys.”
Tennessee (8-3, 5-2 SEC) will have several players banged up entering today’s game, chief among them starting defensive tackle Demonte’ Bolden, who despite being less than 100 percent with a toe injury is expected to play.
The only thing banged up about Kentucky (7-4, 3-4) is its pride.
Since rising to No. 8 in the polls after defeating LSU in triple-overtime, Kentucky has lost three of its last four games.
Last week the Wildcats had their worst offensive showing of the season in a 24-13 loss to Georgia.
Still, Kentucky boasts the SEC’s best passer in quarterback Andre’ Woodson and the conference’s most prolific pass offense.
“They’re really talented,” UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said. “They got a quarterback that knows how to play the game. A guy that’s proven he can win big games. He’s got the receivers to throw the ball to, as good of running backs as you’ll find in the SEC year in and year out.
“They’re a very talented football team. We’re a very talented defensive football team.”
Except on the road.
Tennessee has lost three of its four games away from Neyland Stadium and has been outscored by an average of 16 points in four road games.
Opponents have outgained the Vols by some 90 yards a game away from Neyland Stadium, and UT has forced just two turnovers in four road games.
The key, though, is to forget those games and forget about the opponent.
Forget about the 22-game winning streak.
Forget about the pressure.
Forget all those eyes watching across the country on television.
The Vols are solely focused on themselves. And, of course, packing those bags for Atlanta.
“I tell them like this, ‘You don’t go to be a circle and wake up a square,’ ” said wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor. “The same things you did to get here are the same things you need to continue to do to help us win a championship.”
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
UT's new $45 million football…
Images from Larry Murphy's book on…
Smokey undergoes physical therapy at UT
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 216
mtnvol writes:
Nothing but Ky! Keep your eyes on the prize and ATL will take care of itself. Go Vols!
PS: Geaux Tigers? hahahahaha
gohawks1 writes:
I was hoping they would go through about 5 or 6 overtimes, wear themselves out, and then still win, so they would remain #1. It's all good, though, as long as the VOLS take care of business tomorrow.
GO BIG ORANGE!
ThaiVolFan writes:
A LSU loss is not exactly what the doctor ordered for the Vols. We all knew that the Tigers were ripe for an upset. Now the ripeness might very well be gone. If we make it past Kentucky tonight (tonight for me as I live in Thailand)and meet LSU in ATL, the Tigers will have already been knocked off their high-horse. I'm not sure that is a good thing for us. Not to mention that we will no longer have the opportunity to knock off the number one team in the country.
At any rate. Go Vols, get a win at Commonwealth and let the chips fall where they may.
sundiver98#346449 writes:
I have been a Vol fan since I was a kid growing up in Morgan County and spent every weekend listening to John and Bill while helping my dad take care of some ole oil wells on Buck Ridge, and I lived throught the Alabama dominance with its wishbone, John Major's years, and the rise of Fulmer and I'm really troubled.
This is directed at the UT haters...
Been watch'in most of you bash the vols and their coaches all year, (if you critize the coaches you are also critizing the players in my book)fire Saben, Fire Miles, they lost a game they have to be replaceed, they can not use their talent, idiots I live in Indiana now and you ah's are the same ones that critized Peyton when he didn't win everything for you. You do not deserve UT. You not not deserve anything, a bunch of spoiled kids, fire Fulmer, hell Fire You AS Fans!!!
I proudly wear my orange reguardless of the scores, reguardless of the critizisms, reguardless of the results.
I'll be in Lexington tomorrow , I'll be in the No 16 Vol jersy screaming my heart ot for these outstanding kids and there coaches, I don't expect any of you critics will be there, instead you be sucking down beers and writing see I tolded you so's to show hold big a man you are , how wise you are , how everyting needs to be changed... ONLY BUMBS ASK FOR CHANGE, GOT ANY CHANGE, hold your hands out bumbs and get your change, you will regret it for Decades.
TommyJack writes:
SunDiver: What's a bumb? You ain't right, dude.
VolHooch14 writes:
I'm gonna throw this out to you guys...
There's only one thing that bothers me about LSU going down this evening. This puts the pansy schedule playing Ohio State friggin buckeyes in a position to possibly play for the National Championship.
I'd like to know how in the hell that you lose to UNRANKED Illinois, & still be ranked #5 in the BCS?
99gator writes:
maybe this starts a serious discussion for a playoff.
i don't think people will really accept missouri vs. west virginia for a national title.
probably not. i can dream can't i.
VOLnATL writes:
I guess I am a "BUMB"! LMAO. I have been critical of the staff all season (past four to be exact) but that does not mean I am not true to the orange! I bleed orange, bleeding to death more like it when I see a great program on the brinks of being just an average program.
Enough of that...Let's go Vols and tame those kittens! I will eat crow for Christmas if we can win the SEC! I am in FL for the holidays and cheering from the beach! Coaches - play to win! I have faith in the players that they can pull this out!
RTYAB
VolHooch14 writes:
TDTN....Thanks.
Re: Ohio State: I'm just bloody sick of them.
They enjoy sooo many free media props, & then get to sit back & rest at the end of their 'brutal' season, & watch the SEC & other conferences play championship games, & wear themselves out. I had a smile on my face for a week after Florida hung 40+ points in their a***** last year. They are STILL making excuses for that game.
I just hope that if Kansas is really that good, that they can take care of business.
GO VOLS!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Tommyjack - "What's a bumb"? Priceless! 5 star. I believe a bumb is what left of a bumblebee thats been hit with a tennis racket! Go Vols!!
andy112382#209793 writes:
I hope Arkansas beating LSU is a good omen, seeing how the only other loss for LSU was against kentucky and how we handled Arkansas. This will be another wild weekend of college football, three teams ahead of us already lost so far, so lets just go out and win our game and head to the SEC title game!
GO VOLS!!!
eefor10c writes:
What a sorry four loss Arkansas team the Vols beat. They were so sorry. My, My, Vol HATERS, why do you constantly change your tunes when something that reflects favorably on the Vol. Makes our win over Arkansas look better than you want to admit. Sundiver98, you are my kind of fan. These haters profess to be Vol fans then do everything in their meager powers to undermine them by posting constant negatives aimed at the coaching staffs, that is until the Vols win and then for a day or so they hide out in their caves until one of them ventures out and BAMB,they get brave. They have hit a new low since all they could criticize about Sundiver was a typo. Most of their posts are typos!
james#216392 writes:
Drew says Woodson is the best QB in the SEC. Cutcliffe says Ainge is the best. Who should we believe? Never, mind, there is a game tomorrow that could very well decide the issue. Ainge, show'em how to play. Go Vols.
CoverOrange writes:
Living here in the buckhead state, I find it amazing the number of red and gray bumper stickers, red and gray jackets, coats, sweaters, shirts, car emblem magnets, etc. that was so rare a couple of years ago. They almost equal the number of orange T's I still see around, even in these foggy days. I wear my orange, I watched every game, I read every article on here since KNS started posting them on the internet. And, yes, I questioned the capabilities of the coaches. I don't hate, we don't hate. WE want the best. Fulmer heard the drum beat, changes were made, because of us, we'll never know but he knows he has to work to provide the best. The orange nation expects it. No resting on laurels in this business.
LargeOrange writes:
Posted by KingsportVol "We haven't been to an SEC "championship game since 98"
The VOLS won the SEC-E and went to the SEC Championship in both 2001 and 2004.
chefjorge writes:
Another team ahead of us will lose too, with Boise St. and Hawaii playing right now. There's just no predicting CFB. How good did Cal look early in the season, not just against us? And then they lose to Washington to a backup QB. I live out here in Seattle and root for UW. So I'm happy with it, but friends that went to the game said Cal just looked beaten the whole game. LSU was a bit hobbled by injuries it seemed, but so what. Should we get to Atlanta we could and should beat them based on what I saw today.
I'm really torn between wanting a playoff. I mean we'd feel pretty good about our chances, no? Plus I just hate the idea of the Johnny Come Latelys winning the NC. I don't want to see Kansas or Missouri there. But, I am with all of you OSU haters. I've hated them since we beat Eddie George and John Cooper female doged about the length of the cleats. What I like about the current system is the requirement that a team be excellent all year. My poor challenged brain.
Cheers
writer#358485 writes:
Let's see Arkansas, who we beat soundly, just upset LSU in Baton Rouge. Georgia, who we beat soundly, is hoping Kentucky can handle us to sneak into the Championship game. It's been that kind of year. It's who plays best on a given Saturday and Fulmer has put us into a position everyone else in the East envies right now. And with the Hogs having upset LSU's apple cart, I wouldn't surprised if they come out very flat whether it is us or Georgia. Sounds like our "poor coaches" have taken a young team, made vast improvements and now have given them better than average chance to win the SEC. The only pressure they need to worry about is getting plenty on Woodson tomorrow. Go Vols!
gohawks1 writes:
A BUMB is a grenade that didn't detonate. It's a real bumber when that happens.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
I keep seeing this "resting on his laurels" business. I don't know CPF personally but I do know that he is a very available person considering his level of celebrity. I know a few people in Blount County who know the Fulmer family and have visited the Fulmer home. Everything I have ever heard indicates that Fulmer has a strong work ethic and a desire to compete year in and year out. This "resting on his laurels" business is almost an accusation that he hasn't put any effort forth because he knows he has a contract and that he is a championship coach so more difficult to fire. In other words, the implication his he only cares about the money and is milking UT for what it's worth.
Pure, unmitigated BS. Fulmer may have gotten a little too comfortable...he may have become too loyal to his staff to the point the program suffered, but I do not think he was resting on anything.
But most of you guys don't know football from foozball so it doesn't surprise me.
chefjorge writes:
what's a "bumber?"
TommyJack writes:
IPO: Like a dud?
TopperVol75 writes:
What a great SEC game from Baton Rouge today. It only reinforces what a topsy-turvy SEC season it has been with all teams experiencing the best and worst of times (sorry, Dickens). We THROTTLED Arkansas and their Wild Hog package and if we play with the same defensive intensity we can do the same with the Mild Cat package. Hope the D-Line has the game of their lives...that is where our future lies for this season. GOOOOO VOLS!!!!
gohawks1 writes:
Exactly.
chefjorge - for a better understanding of bumb and bumber, see the above post at 7:42 p.m.
Man, it's a real bumber when I have to explain my sarcasm.
ThaiVolFan writes:
Drew Edwards....Wake up!!
We've played in 2 SEC Champ. Games since 98'.
Where do these guys come from? Get a clue.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
"changes were made, because of us,...."
Yeah, I'm sure Fulmer rushes to the message boards every sunday to see what the fans thought of Saturday's coaching efforts. Keep up the hard work guys. This team wouldn't be where it is without you.
Oenoboy writes:
Well, he doesn't come from Thailand. He's saying we will be playing for our first Championship since `98 not in our first SEC Championship game.
Oenoboy writes:
Fact is, every antiFulmerite came out and said that Arkansas was a sub par victory over a sub par team even though they all predicted we would lose. Not one of them acknowledged the fact that our beating them by 21 points meant anything. And now that Arkansas beat the #1 team in the country in their own stadium, not one of them can man up and eat crow.
If we win tomorrow, I can guarantee they will all say we should have beat them even though they have all predicted we will lose. They will say that Kentucky’s victory over LSU just isn’t that impressive if Arkansas can do it. Then they will go on and on about the fact Vanderbilt and South Carolina should have won those games and should not count in our judgement of the coaches. And, in case you have not heard, did you know we lost big to Alabama and Florida?
Gloom, despair and agony on me. (wHOa)
Deep dark depression excessive misery. (wHOa)
If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all. (wHOa)
Gloom despair and agony on me. (wHOa)
Oh, did you also hear that there is no parity in the SEC? Just ask them.
ThaiVolFan writes:
Oenboy:
Thanks for clearing that up. I now see how he was intending it, with his wording, it could have been taken either way.
imnotwithphil writes:
sundiver98 -
Both Michigan and Texas A&M are making coaching changes... both have winning records this year... and both (I believe) will go to a bowl game. The difference between these programs and UT is that their fan base won't tolerate mediocrity and underperformance from overpaid coaches… even coaches with long ties to their universities (like Michigan).
BTW - you'll probably need some help reading my post... please consult http://dictionary.reference.com/ for the "big words."
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Go Vols! Just beat the Cats! Perfect day would be to win in Lexington, watch Techies upset Dawgs, Auburn roll up Bamer and Satan Nation, etc! Would warm the cockles of our heart. Also, go Vandy, beat Forest Lawn U. Rather LSU lose now, then stink up Natl Championship game, Tigers looked worn out! Go Kansas, win out, that state deserves something after Lord knows how long! Vols win 41-20! (pls play Hardesty, even a little)
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
I have made several negative comments about the Vols and the coaching staff this season--mostly about the thoughtless excuses that come out of their mouths after a big loss.
I would like nothing better than to eat my words. The crow is in the 'fridge marinating and I am about to fire up the grill.
Go big orange! Yum! Yum!
VOLinDAWGland writes:
imnotwithphil,
Pleeeeease...Texas A&M has been mediocre for years now and the endless coaching changes don't seem to help any. Yes I want to be just like Texas A&M. Based on your logic Michigan should have fired Carr a long time ago, but they didn't. They allowed him to retire on his own terms this year. Michigan has won far fewer big games over the past several years than TN and TN kicked their buts the last time they played in a bowl game. I don't think Michigan is the example that you're looking for.
I'm not with imnotwithphil.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Thaivolfan - correct, we've "been" to 2 SEC championship games, played, yep , er, competed, yep! Second place trophies, yep! Good post, oenoboy - you can clear most things up. But if (just if) we stumble in Lexington, it will take one of your better efforts to turn back the lemmings with little orange sweaters heading for the cliff. That said, I think we win by 14-18 points, same # of Buds it will take, I'm sure! Fear the Phil, Cats, he comes for you!
chefjorge writes:
Found this on CBS. Anyone care to pile on?
http://cbs.sportsline.com/mcc/message...
The administration at AM was going to fire Fran anyway - the e-mail scandal was a huge black eye for the Texas AM program and after having a class coach like RC Slocum - coach fran was more then they could stand. Good riddance - you reap what you sow just like when he left Alabama after a 2 year stay - the guy is a joke and not respected in the coaching ranks. No I am not a Bama fan but the way Fran has done things shows a lack of character.
For you Hog fans I know your pain - I was hoping that Tennessee was going to tank after the Alabama game so that we could send Fulmer on his way - hanging on and winning just enough not to lose his job .............. YET
I'm also not with imnotwithphil.
IPOrange, do you mean like "it's going to be a bumber when the physician diagnoses you with a urinary tract or kidney infection and says 'it might be a bumb, but you never know.'"
rockytopron writes:
A win today almost assures Tennessee of being the SEC champion...how so you ask. After Arkansas beat LSU yesterday I expect the SEC championship game to be a let down for the tigers. They will be emotionally tired, physically spent and for the most part banged up. The big, bad tigers have proven they can be beat with physicalness.
Look for UT to win today 27-19, look for UT to beat LSU 31-27 and win the SEC championship.
GO VOLS!
CoverOrange writes:
burntorange, don't exaggerate, please. Fulmer hears the general rancor of fans via the media, i.e., them asking him questions about the general rancor of the fans. Remember before the Georgia game when he blew up over the Pennington article? Fulmer knows what's going on in the general populace. As does Mike Hamilton. Not saying he based his game plan on anything we say, but at some conscious level he has to react.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I agree that the Overrated State Buckeyes should not play for the BCS title. If they were in the SEC, they'd probably be 4-3 right now. The SEC has been a huge rock-paper-scissors game this year, and I for one will not accept OSU with it's less than stellar schedule strength competing for the national title. It should be a battle of the two best teams in the country.
I used to be against a playoff, just because it would take too long, but now I have to think hard about it... I don't know how else you can get the two best teams in the country to play for the title.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
By the way, anyone know what got mike121212 kicked off?
missrvrvol writes:
I too have my crow marinating and will gladly eat it after this game. This is truely a must win, not only for the SEC East Title, but for a decent bowl and to save Fulmer's job. Lose and we are headed to Shreveport (Music City does not want us) and an off season of Fulmer Bashing. That said, our defense can not contain Woodson on the road (See Alabama (Wilson). Ky in a laugher.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
missrvr
I beg to differ; I saw what our defense did to Mcfadden & Co.; Woodson is a fine QB, and truth be told, he'll be hard to contain. I think it could go either way, but I don't think it'll be a laugher;
By the way, what makes you think there won't be Fulmer bashing anyway? Never underestimate the power of negativity, especially on THIS blog!
TommyJack writes:
missrvrvol: CPF isn't going anywhere, either way.
missrvrvol writes:
TommyJack, you are correct, he is not going anywhere. Which is not a bad thing. With Nebraska, TX A&M, and LSU/Michigan looking for a coach, that is a poker party we need to stay out of for now.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
imnotwithphil,
Then Fla,LSU, GA,USC and everyother college team should switch coaches because outside of Kansas and Missouri, who has really lived up to their potential this year??? and neither of those teams have played anyone worth a phooey.
IMWITHUTANDPHIL as long as he is our coach!!!
This is my team and I will support them and our staff to try and beat UK and then on to the SEC championship!!!
TXVOLSFAN
BEAT THEM MILDCATS!!!!
Oenoboy writes:
Your lemming image is damn funny pdhuff other than I see them going off the edge of Neyland Stadium. Thing is, I don't know why I bother arguing against the negativites. There are and always will be that group of fans who are fans because they love to female dog about their teams. I was actually raised by one of them. The Vols could be up by three TDs in the fourth quarter and my dad would be screaming "Here comes that damn prevent D!" not noticing that most of the starters where on the bench. It rubbed off on my older brother so much that he doesn't watch many games anymore because he gets too upset. Fact is often stranger than fiction.
The most honest and revealing response I've gotten on this site was from GerryOP. I asked him what coach has he liked in his 45 years as a fan and who is it he holds as the shining example for Fulmer to live up to. His response was…
______________
“Good question Oenoboy and I am not sure I have an answer…”
“I love our Vols, but, in all reality I think it is hard to call UT an elite program over the past 45 years. Yes, we have had great successes, but, have we ever really gone more than a year or two at a time where our success was elevated to a level that was unchallenged for any length of time? I don't think so.”
_______________
His statement shows the big misconception about NCAA football and UT’s place in it. Fans remember what they want to remember. Thing is, dynasties are very, very rare and in “modern” football getting even rarer. Spurrier had the last true SEC dynasty in the early 90s and before that it was all Bear all Bama all the time in the SEC. Tennessee has never had the distinction, not even in the Neyland years. What is amazing about Tennessee is that we have enjoyed a CONSISTENT level of success that is unparalleled in the SEC. Since we’ve joined the SEC in `33, we’ve only had 8 loosing seasons and never had a season below 4 wins. Only two teams have won the SEC Championship more than two times in a row, Alabama and Florida.
Loosing Seasons since `33 (inception of the SEC)
UT - 8
ALA – 10 (1 no win season)
UGA – 14
UFL – 17 (2 no win seasons)
AUB – 18 (1 no win season)
LSU – 19
Other Greats in the same time frame
OhSt – 5 (impressive??)
OKL – 8 (not impressive considering the level of competition pre `95)
Mich – 9
ND – 11
USC – 12
NEB - 19
TommyJack writes:
usnavyvol: Besides that, he was a bumb.
imnotwithphil writes:
Phillip.Gilbert -
You wrote, "Based on your logic Michigan should have fired Carr a long time ago..."
Not sure who's logic your talking about... but it's not mine. In Carr's 11 years at Michigan, he won 5 (count 'em 5) Big 10 Championships and 1 National Championship. Yet, his performance still wasn't satisfactory for a fan base that demands to compete for national championships as a national power.
Fulmer on the other hand has been with us since '93 and has 2 (count 'em 2) SEC Championship and 1 National Championship.
Since 2000, Michigan has won 3 conference championships. Since 2000 Fulmer has... well.. Improved his golf game? Lost to Vandy? Had a losing season? Been blown out by just about any ACC team that happened to show up to the Peach Bowl? Continue our losing tradition to Joe Paterno? Pick your favorite answer - they're all correct.
Stop thinking son, it's not working for ya!
TommyJack writes:
Geoff: Were you here when this was a pay site? Hard to imagine there was no challenging of the program/coach....
CrankE writes:
Listening to ESPN Lameday got my blood pressure up.
On the one hand, we're all supposed to revise our Heisman ballots for McFadden's performance.
On the one hand, Georgia is really hot and no one would want to play them. They have two sets of jerseys and they celebrate! They could play for a national title!
Who stuffed McFadden a week after he rushed for 323 yards? Who crushed Georgia this season (and last)?
And then they're going to tell us how UT is merely lucky and not really any good, and why Kentucky will win today. That's what I'll remember most about 2007; The press pre-writing the storylines before game time, then having to scramble when reality didn't fit their predictions.
I hope UT will crush UK today and restore some order to the SEC. (Not to mention serving crow to every sports head out there.)
TommyJack writes:
imnotwithphil: I think Carr went out the the right way...dignity intact following a fine career.
imnotwithphil writes:
TommyJack: I couldn't agree more... which is why now would be a great time for Fulmer to follow suit...
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