Event Details
- What: SEC Championship
- When: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Georgia Dome
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Forty-three days ago, Tennessee's football team limped into the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.
Egos and bodies equally bruised, players arrived for treatment in the afternoon and a weight workout that Sunday afternoon.
Then they watched film - some of the ugliest cut-ups of the year - and then they talked about the embarrassing 41-17 loss at Alabama that happened less than 24 hours before.
What was usually a five-minute team meeting before practice on Monday took up some nearly 30 minutes that Sunday night.
Tennessee's season was at a tipping point.
"It could have very easily went the other way, if we weren't careful," tight end Chris Brown said.
Only it didn't.
Those 30 or so minutes played as big a role as anything in a five-game winning streak that led No. 14 Tennessee to a spot in Saturday's SEC championship game against No. 4 LSU in the Georgia Dome (TV: WVLT, 4 p.m.).
That night, UT coach Phillip Fulmer's message was exceedingly simple.
As players recount it now, Fulmer told the team quite simply to keep working and with a crazy season going on in the SEC, no one was out of the race.
But Fulmer's delivery had the most impact, according to quarterback Erik Ainge. Or rather the question Fulmer posed to his players.
"He challenged us and said for 35 days, what would you do for 35 days to win the SEC East championship and have a chance to go play for it all?" Ainge said. "What would you do?
"We're saying, 'You tell us what to do and we'll do it. We'll do anything.' We kind of took that challenge."
And the bait.
"Then he (Fulmer) said, 'If we do that, good things will happen,' " Ainge said. "He kind of set us up by that point in his speech. We were like, 'Yeah, good things will happen.' "
Good things happened that night at practice, UT's first of six consecutive Sunday night workouts.
The good vibes extended that week in practice, and held up through a nail-biting win that Saturday against then-No. 15 South Carolina.
That same day, Georgia dealt Florida its third SEC loss and the Vols were right back in the driver's seat.
As Ainge puts it now, everything was uphill from there.
"I think when the guys actually bought into it and things started going our way, it made it even easier for guys to buy into what the coaches were trying to preach to us," Brown said.
That momentum helped younger players buy in, first-year players like kick returner Dennis Rogan, cornerback DeAngelo Willingham, tailback Lennon Creer, receiver Gerald Jones and others who have had an impact during the stretch run.
"We have a lot of young guys on this team that haven't been through that situation," linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "Those guys really responded to that meeting and have been playing well since."
And since that third Saturday in October, Tennessee and Alabama have been on divergent paths.
The Crimson Tide lost four in a row to finish 6-6 and must wait to see if they merit an invitation to the Independence Bowl.
The Vols, of course, face LSU for a chance to win their first SEC championship since 1998.
Also on the line is UT's first BCS bowl berth since the 2000 Fiesta Bowl and its first Sugar Bowl appearance since 1991.
In one way or another, it all goes back to that Sunday night meeting and that lopsided loss to Alabama.
"We look back on it now, it's a totally different team," Brown says. "I think Alabama played as best as it could and we played as worst as we could, and you can't do that in the SEC. Things just went their way. I think that's what really turned it around for us, is us knowing that we could play a lot better."
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…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 208
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
Okay, so here we have quotes from the players stating that Fulmer motivated them to take care of business and win the east. Yet all the arm-chair coaches on this site would swear the coaching staff is terrible at motivating the players.
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
That speech renks right up there with the "Win One For The Gipper" speech. What a great motivator! It is because of CPF that the Vols are playing in the SEC Championship. If you believe that, i have some ocean front property in Arizona for you at a good price.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
So the 18-22 year old players coached themselves to the championship game?
martinvolfan writes:
We have all the right people on board the BIG ORANGE express. There's something to be said for the way this team has hung in there during adversity! We've had some ugly wins along the way this year and I for one am grateful for every single one of them! Does anyone remember the 98 championship season and how some ugly wins (Arkansas and Clint Sturnover) took us to the top of the college football world? I'm glad the coaches are keeping the players focused on the "big picture." The last time I checked, Georgia and Florida are going to be home on Saturday crying about their missed opportunities! Congratulations Coaches Richt and Meyer. You're in 2nd and 3rd place. That equals no trip to Hotlanta!
GO VOLS! BEAT the TIGERS!
chrisw2967 writes:
burntorangeVOLffle and your saying Fulmer is what got them to this point ? If he was so good at motivating players for games then tell what happened with Cal,Fla,Ala ? dont make me go back for the last 6 years. Motivate my butt.
I am glad that we are playing for the SEC championship and hope we win. But as far as giving credit to Fulmers motivating speech is a joke. I bet you was one of those people chopping his head off after Ala. game. I was and still think he sucks. But I will continue to cheer the players on.
Plus that Ky game should of never came down to overtime period , once again we go conservative on off. in the second half and once again it almost came back to bite us.Im still waiting for the off. to put together 1 complete game , we know they can do it , they did it against Ga.
CoverOrange writes:
Martin, but if West Virginia and Missouri lose this Saturday, Georgia could be in the NC game versus Ohio St.
chrisw2967 writes:
I heard on a talk show today that if LSU wins they would probably jump over Ga in the BCS poll surely they dont have 3 lives left lol
JETnTN writes:
NOTSO(FAST)SLIM How much do you want for that property??
martinvolfan writes:
WD40, that may happen (GA in the BCS NC) but Georgia in my non-professional opinion is over-ranked to the extreme. Remember the spanking at the hands of our beloved VOLS? The only time Georgia was in that ballgame was at kickoff. The VOLS have the tools, their main problem is between their ears!
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
You're right, chris. The coaching staff deserves zero credit for holding this team together to get to the title game. It was all the players doing it themselves despite them saying otherwise.
james#216392 writes:
Chavis has always played the "prevent" defense late in games. I watched LSU march down the field and score last year. I saw FLA do it in the past and KY almost done it. The prevent is short for "preventing you a chance to win". But one thing is clear, Chavis has the defense playing well up until he starts the prevent. Then the aggressiveness goes out the door and team kill the Vols. (GA, SC, KY all won the second half during the prevent.) My biggest complaint is going to the prevent too early and trying to hold on. However, I still think Chavis is one of the best defensive coaches around. Beat LSU.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
And all the naysayers who just KNEW we were going to lose to SC, ARK, Vandy and UK were just spot on post the Bama beat down. Man, I wish I had the crystal ball or the inside knowledge you guys have.
chrisw2967 writes:
burnt , Im starting to think to it was the players , but serious . If Fulmer was so good at motivating I dont think we would have struggled as much as we have over the years. If Fulmer is going to hang around and coach then he needs to get update and get out of the 90s. Im not saying he cant coach at one time he could coach the heck out of off linemen. but as a head coach I just have never thought he had it. he had alot of good talent is what he really had.
hueypilot writes:
Anybody want to make a line on how long this guy keeps his pleasegetrid......... handle? Just how stupid will he continue to look? I guess no more than he looks now.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
This speech, I suppose, is just about when Coach Fulmer handed the players their infamous charts.
Hmmm....I wonder if those charts had an "X" for "Win Eastern division and go to Atlanta"
Seems those charts may have worked after all.
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
Hueypilot- I'll tell you what. I will get rid of this handel when Tennessee finishes in the top 10 in the country (Something that the big motivator hasn't done in 6 years). Answer me this you "loyal" fan.
1. Does Tennessee have one of the top 10 facilities in the country?
2. Have they had top 10 recruiting classes since 2001?
3. Is their coach one of the top 10 highest paid coaches?
4. Is their fan base top 10 in the country?
The answer to all of these is yes. So what do you think the problem is?
chrisw2967 writes:
huey ? you talking about me ?
Its like this you have your opinion about Fulmer and I have mine and whats makes your opinion right ? because were headed to Atl ?
Im not saying my opinion is right thats why its called an opinion and as far as you calling me stupid and where do you get that ? cause Im not on here saying what all the Fulmer lovers want people to say , they only want people to say good things about Fulmer cause thats the right thing to do right now ?
well I will say what I feel , just like you do.
I bet you were one of them calling for Fulmers job after getting blowed out by Ala.
all is good for now . but before you call someone stupid you need to check your ownself cause not everybody on here is a Fulmer whorshiper.
chrisw2967 writes:
I owe you an apology huey I thought you was talking about me and maybe you was but Im not here to argue with anyone but Im like everyone else I will express my opinion.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
1. Does Tennessee have one of the top 10 facilities in the country?
....I would say yes, Neyland and the training facilities are among the top ten.
2. Have they had top 10 recruiting classes since 2001?
.....Yes and so has 20 or more other schools (since 2001)
3. Is their coach one of the top 10 highest paid coaches?
.....Yes he is
4. Is their fan base top 10 in the country?
.....Absolutely not. Their are at LEAST 10 schools with larger, wealthier, more generous fan bases. In fact, UT would probably rank BARELY IN the top 25 if fan base is measured by population, OUTSIDE the top 25 if measured by wealth. Enthusiasm? That's subjective.
"The answer to all of these is yes. So what do you think the problem is?"
Actually, the answer to ALL of these is NOT yes.
You weren't asking me, but what do I think the problem is? There is no problem...it is all a figment of your unrealistic imagination. I think UT has a quite robust and healthy football program.
You see I am not some bohunk high school drop out fan who judges UT and Phil Fulmer by what Lee Corso or Kirk Herbstreet have to say. I know there is more to UT athletics than scoreboards and BCS standings. UT is an educational facility and these players are students.
Phil Fulmer has more integrity in his little pinky toe than guys like you have in your entire being. He is a mentor, a parent, a teacher, and a counselor to these HUMAN BEINGS that so happen to be UT athletes.
I was watching the Philip Fulmer show on the UT website multimedia section. I am truly honored to have this man as a coach. He talks about every player like he is his own son.
Tennessee has done very well under Fulmer's watch. His record speaks for itself, second only to General Neyland in the anals of UT history...some would even argue it surpasses Neyland. Yes, there has been a 6 year drout without a conference crown....I'm not certain about the no top 10 finish thing but I can believe that. So what? We've also won the SEC-E 4 times in seven years.
In a sport where an entire season pinges on 12 games, it is difficult to qualify a 9 win,10 win, or even 11 win season...rankings are subjective, all based on opinion.
But see "pleasegetridofwhatever", I wouldn't expect you to understand these abstract concepts. I apologize if any of this went over your head.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
"Posted by chrisw2967 on November 26, 2007 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
huey ? you talking about me ?
Its like this you have your opinion about Fulmer and I have mine and whats makes your opinion right ? because were headed to Atl ?
Im not saying my opinion is right thats why its called an opinion and as far as you calling me stupid and where do you get that ? cause Im not on here saying what all the Fulmer lovers want people to say , they only want people to say good things about Fulmer cause thats the right thing to do right now ?
well I will say what I feel , just like you do.
I bet you were one of them calling for Fulmers job after getting blowed out by Ala.
all is good for now . but before you call someone stupid you need to check your ownself cause not everybody on here is a Fulmer whorshiper."
Dude, if you don't want people calling you stupid, please learn how to spell and use reasonably good grammar. How does one get "blowed out" by something or someone? I believe "Blown out" is the appropriate term. And what is a "whor-shiper"? Does that have anything to do with a house of ill repute? LMAO!!!
Seriously, one common thread I've noticed among the Fulmer bashers is a heavy dose of illiteracy. Which doesn't surprise me at all.
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
vol_in_lsu_land-.
2. Have they had top 10 recruiting classes since 2001?.....Yes and so has 20 or more other schools (since 2001)
-And those 20 teams have finished in the top 10 in the country the past 6 years.
4. Is their fan base top 10 in the country?
.....Absolutely not. Their are at LEAST 10 schools with larger, wealthier, more generous fan bases. In fact, UT would probably rank BARELY IN the top 25 if fan base is measured by population, OUTSIDE the top 25 if measured by wealth. Enthusiasm? That's subjective
-You are crazy! I have lived in 3 states outside the state of Tennessee and there are tons of fans in each of them.
"Phil Fulmer has more integrity in his little pinky toe than guys like you have in your entire being. He is a mentor, a parent, a teacher, and a counselor to these HUMAN BEINGS that so happen to be UT athletes."
-Are you saying that if Steve Spurier said he wanted the job in Knoxville, you wouldn't want him over Fulmer? I never said that Fulmer wasn't a great guy. But if having a "great guy" is what you want in a coach, I am sure that there are many better people that would do it for far less than $2 million. And for all of those former and current teammates who think of Fulmer as a Dad, there are those who think that he is a clown. I have seen 3 former Tennessee players who wouldn't even claim the university in the pregame linups on ESPN. They used their high school teams instead. What does this say about the great motivator?
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
"Seriously, one common thread I've noticed among the Fulmer bashers is a heavy dose of illiteracy. Which doesn't surprise me at all."
Well I guess vol_in_lsu_land was the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee champion. Better yet, I bet he was one of the favorites going into it but he misspelled 3 words vey badly and was still happy with his results. Remind you of anybody?
utclassof1992 writes:
And those players were Stallworth, Garner and Washington, right?
troubleinc writes:
Fulmer haters ... get over it, you lost ... Phil is staying right where he belongs, coaching the Vols. GO VOLS, BEAT LSU!
utclassof1992 writes:
I had wondered what was up with that. Before the NE=BUF game, I was stunned to hear Donte say "Grant High School"
volfan73120#211815 writes:
pleasegtridof_____. You demostsrate a "no class attitude" every time you post Your handle gives you away. I believe vol_in_lsu has has you pegged correctly.
THANKYOU4GETTINGRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE writes:
volfan73120- Mark this day down please and get back to me 5 years from now and let me know if you still feel the same. If you are content with 8-4 and 9-3 seasons, then Tennessee and Fulmer are for you. I know it, you know it , everyone knows it. Why wait 5 years to get out of mediocracy? I think I have you pegged correctly as one who accepts mediocracy.
BigOrangeJeeper writes:
PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE
I wonder how long it took you to come up with that name. It is quite creative for someone who really lacks any true intelligence.
Oenoboy writes:
He everyone, if you haven't been paying attention, the debate is over. Fulmer is going to keep his job no matter what any of you say, think, or believe. Not only that, he's getting a raise and an extension. So, can you guys just let it go and talk about football? Christ, all of you are so eaten up with Fulmer's demise; you can't even enjoy what's going on.
If the players say Fulmer's speech is what motivated them to turn the corner, who the hell are any of you to dispute it? How freaking arrogantly stupid it is to even try? It goes to reason that they probably know a great deal more about what's going on than any of you blowhards.
So, for once in your lives, if you don't know what you are talking about...SHUT THE @!#% UP!!
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Interesting to read what Hamilton had to say about Coach Fulmer just one month ago...
http://tennessee.scout.com/2/694992.html
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Q: "How do you find the best-looking women in the state of Louisiana?"
A: "Follow the cars with out-of-state license plates."
volfan73120#211815 writes:
pleasegetrid-----.I can accept mediocracy if that is all that is available at the time. I don't think winning the SEC is mediocracy. Be that as it may, I am a true Vol fan. I have been with them through the good and the bad. I saw my first Vol game in 1939. I was six years old and went with my father. We played Alabama and beat them 20-0. Johnny Butler made a serpentine touchdown run in that game. His 56 yard run was estimated to be 150 yards. I can still see it. It has been used in several movies. I became a Vol fan then, and nothing has changed me in 68 years. I have joy when we win, and I am sad when we lose. I will never be a traitor to the players, coaches, or the school. I hope I am here 5 years from now to get back with you. I can assure you I will still be a True Vol Fan.. Go Vols.
FWBVol writes:
A lot of NFL players, not just former UT guys, started doing that several years ago. So what if a guy wants to give his old high school some pub? Everyone that follows football knows about UT, but not everyone might know about someone's old high school.
But if a guy doesn't want to associated himself with Tennessee so be it, but don't blame it on Phillip Fulmer.
Getridof...I'll say it, if Steve Superior wanted the UT job, no I wouldn't want him as our coach. South Carolina was No. 6 in the country at one time this year, higher than UT has been at any time this season, and the Gamecocks are in the midst of the longest losing streak of Spurrier's career -- five games. Guess what, Phillip Fulmer's longest losing streak as a head coach is four games. Tennessee has beaten South Carolina the last two years, and in 2001 his final year at Florida, we beat the Gators.
In three years at South Carolina Spurrier is now 21-16 and hasn't won the division title. During that same period the Fulmer led Vols are now SEC East champs and even with the disaster of 2005, are 23-14.
Yes, Spurrier did some great things with the superior talent available to him in the Sunshine State, but he's never had a reputation as being a great recruiter even when his teams have recruited well.
writer#358485 writes:
Not only that, FWBVol, Spurrier has absolutely no "class". Many, probably most, of us very-long-time Vol vans shudder at the thought of Spurrier in Knoxville. I realize our "popular culture", and many of these posters, don't remember, but there was a day in our land when such words as "dignity," "honor," "decorum" and "respect" had meaning, even in football. Gen. Neyland knew those words. Like me, Fulmer remembers. Spurrier and many of these posters, never learned those words, or their definitions.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
I'm just as proud of these boys as anyone but we all know that we're three plays away from being 6-6 and praying for a call from the Independence Bowl.
We also all know we have NOT played good football this season -- with the exception of two games, GA and AR, when we played real Tennessee football.
Nonetheless, here we are about to play LSU for the SEC crown. Go figure.
Just like on the golf course, I'll take luck over skill any day.
jhen713#212078 writes:
Has anyone heard anything about Cuttcliff leaving? I live in ATL and he is listed as a possible replacement at GT. the article says that he wants to be a HC again. If he does go somewhere who would be in line to run the offence. He is a good OC but he is probably the best QB coach around.
RemembertheAlamo writes:
Please get rid of the "PLEASEGETRIDOFTHENOTSOSLIMONE"..........in the last ten years we have finish 1st, 9th, 4th....that is 3 out of 10 years in the top 10....how many other schools were loved to have finish that high 3 out 10 years.....and 6 out of the 10 years we finished in the top 25......6 out of 10 years in the top 25....by your standards only the top 10 counts and there are 119 schools and only 10 out of 119 can finish as not being a failure.....that leaves 109 schools that are a failure every year....I am glad you don't sign my paycheck....
VOLinDAWGland writes:
why36knot...the anti-Fulmer cry babies are annoying but don't give them so much credit. Yes, folks the debate is over...you're just crying over spilled milk at this point...now back to football.
I like Spurrier, he's a great prep and game day coach and a fun personality. However, I don't want him coaching UT at this point in his carear.
It's easy to screech for change when you don't have to take responsibility for the consequences.
Great to see some people talking some sense on this board...it was becoming overwelmed with idiocy.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
Why can't people express their opinion without being personally attacked? Half of the so-called Fulmer supports would be calling for his head if we had lost to KY and you all know it....and please get rid of the "True Vol Fan". 99% of the people on this website support the team and the players, but there is clearly a group that is not in CPF's camp...yet. Does that make them idiots or stupid? It's an opinion and everyone is free to offer it.
wkjq#213863 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
phi0129 writes:
I'm so glad this team turned the season around and ended up making something positive of what was a disastrous start to what looked like might be a great season. Now we have earned the chance for redemption, and this TN team has more heart than any team I can remember. I might have had a few heart attacks along the way (and I'm only 24!), but the ends definitely justify the means for me. I'm still skeptical about Fulmer, but at this point I really don't care as long as the team plays with as much heart as they have been. They make me proud to be a fan of TN football! It's about time the national media start recognizing this football team and what they have done to turn it around (which they would if it was anyone except TN). Now GA and FL are sitting at home watching us prepare to take on the once mighty LSU (who have lost 2 games to 2 teams we beat...hmm). One of my best friends is a GA fan and is glad they aren't going to the SEC championship as it could negatively impact their BCS bid.
The only way we are going to beat LSU is to play a FULL GAME of hardnosed, aggressive football. Why not? We have NOTHING TO LOSE and everything to gain. I hope the coaching staff lets our guys run wild and give it their all since they haven't let them play a complete game all year. None of this nammy pammy prevent O and D phooey. All out the entire game! And we have a chance at victory. Hopefully Dorsey will be hurt too.
TN - 27
LSU - 24
txsvol#372416 writes:
Can't remember the specific source, but I read an article a year or so ago, possibly from Sports Illustrated, that Ohio State, Texas, and Tennessee have the largest athletic department budgets of US universities. (That may allow for the separation of our women's budget from the men's). But, PGROTSO's post is erroneous. Go Vols!
txsvol#372416 writes:
Can't remember the specific source, but I read an article a year or so ago, possibly from Sports Illustrated, that Ohio State, Texas, and Tennessee have the largest athletic department budgets of US universities. (That may allow for the separation of our women's budget from the men's). But, PGROTSO's post is erroneous. Go Vols!
jdcvols#230433 writes:
It's perfectly fine to disagree about CPF. There are credible arguments on both sides...when we win the Fulmer backers dominate and vice versa. I really believe all of us wanted to play in Atlanta and that is the first goal of every season. The controversy is how we got there. I was in CPF camp until we lost that bowl game last year....and futher away with the unacceptable performances against FLA and ALA. I'm slowly coming back but believe we need to win this game Saturday and the bowl game to regain confidence and to realize that 2005 was really a bad dream. Maybe all of the negative talk motivated to some extent CPF and he is more focused on the program.
DadwasaVol writes:
volfan71320 saw his first game in 1939. That was an excellent post. Listen to him.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Biggest bunch of crock I've heard. Where was Fulmer and his staff's motivation/coaching during the CAL, FLA, and BAMA games? Where was the motivation/coaching during the second half against CAROLINA, three quarters against mighty VANDY, and the fourth quarter against KY? None of these games were flukes...it's called a pattern. Our coaching is still horrible. It absolutely amazes me that our secondary is still considered young. They have played twelve games and they are still lost. Our defense and secondary are no better now than they were at the beginning of the season. Chavis and Larry Slade: keep up the good work!!
lnbadger320 writes:
i was listening to a sports talk show and they were saying how, though they were up big at half time, everyone knew that they wouldn't play the same way the second half. everyone was saying that UT really only plays 2 quarters of good football. we did it against SC, Vandy, KY. we could have easily lost those games. i give our coaching staff no credit for this year, especially chavis. that man must go, or we'll have the same type of year, 3 losses and 3 toss up games.
BigOrangeJeff writes:
It's always the same... When we win, it's only because of the players. When we lose, it's all the coaches' faults.
OK, geniuses, you are the AD. I assume you've already fired Fulmer, in advance of the SECCG and the bowl game. I have two questions for you, 1) who coaches the team for the remainder of the season, and 2) who will be the new head coach?
BOJ
mtnvol writes:
I listen to Mike & Mike on ESPN coming to work. They had Holtz on this AM and surpisingly, he made a few good points. In the old days, it was only the sports writers a coach had to deal with. Now the Internet allows anybody to start a rumor with NO ACCOUNTABILITY and it can grow like wildfire.
Secondly, he said that a coach is a hero the day he is hired. On the second day, he has to turn someone down for a speaking engagement and makes one mad. Then he doesn't recruit a kid from someone else's hometown and now two are mad. Doesn't take long to go from hero to goat.
National championships are great and we all enjoyed ours. But they don't come around that often! Ask Miami, Nebraska, bama. Lofty goals are one thing, but as others have said here... take a breath and enjoy the ride, folks. Wins are wins.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Errr....vols76- those fans of the "109" schools probably consider that season a failure. I know two of my Vandy friends that consider each season w/o a bowl game a failure and look at their games as a social event. To keep the 100,000 plus in Neyland we need to win the SEC, not go play in the game. That said, everyone has a right to their opinion, yours and mine included. Can the 71st ranked defense in the country compete with the 3rd ranked defense? We're about to find out. We all want the Vols to win. 1998 has been a LONG time ago. We've cashed that check and spent the money. Ck recruiting reports (Rivals,etc) to see how our future prospects look. Go Vols, beat the Tigers. Realism is about to tell us how we do, one way or the other!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.