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
Chris Brown knows LSU.
Being from New Orleans, the Tennessee tight end has ties to several Tiger defenders. Those relationships give him some insight into the mind-set of UT's upcoming opponent in the SEC championship game in Atlanta on Saturday.
"They're doing their talking like Louisiana people do," Brown said with a smile.
Brown spent a good portion of Sunday afternoon visiting with friends from Louisiana who are still reeling from last week's loss to Arkansas and being eliminated from national championship contention.
One of the LSU players Brown spoke to was Tiger cornerback Jai Eugene.
"He was upset, which I'm sure anyone would be," Brown said. "He said they're getting back focused."
That remains to be seen. Will LSU's players be broken hearted with a smaller crown to play for or will they be able to channel their emotions into an SEC championship?
Linebacker Jerod Mayo wants nothing but the Tigers' best effort.
"I hope those guys come out and play the best they can," the junior said. "I think if we go out there and play the best we can, we'll come out with a victory."
A victory at this point of the season often depends on a team's health. Star LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is recovered from a knee injury, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate, but a back bruise is expected to limit him this week. Brown said Dorsey's health is a factor.
"If he was 100 percent, then I think our whole scheme of things would have to change," Brown said. "With him not being 100 percent, I think it does change the way their defense plays. They can't be so aggressive."
Still, Dorsey at even 50 percent is better than most other defensive linemen the Vols have played this season, Brown said.
If UT wins Saturday, it would mean a homecoming for Brown, as the Vols would play in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 1.
"It would be great to go out in my hometown," Brown said. "…But we're taking each game one game at a time."
Playing in the Sugar Bowl also would be a way to quiet all those LSU fans who still chide Brown for choosing UT.
"Louisiana people are crazy," Brown said. "A lot of people don't realize how crazy Louisiana people are."
Honored: Mayo was named the SEC defensive player of the week Monday. Mayo was in on a career-high 19 tackles (11 solo), with 1.5 for a loss, including a shared sack and a pass deflection in UT's win at Kentucky. Mayo's pass deflection resulted in a UT interception.
Mayo got his second consecutive double- figure tackle game and sixth of the season. Mayo moved into a tie for fourth place among SEC tackle leaders this season with 112 stops.
Safety Eric Berry was named the SEC freshman of the week. Berry had a career-best 14 tackles (seven solos) with a pass deflection. He leads all SEC freshmen with 76 total tackles.
In Loux Of: Mayo said the Vols will have to be prepared for LSU backup quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who is known for his running ability.
"He brings a whole different dimension to the game," Mayo said.
That means an increased emphasis on gap control and discipline when Perrilloux is in the game.
How much Perrilloux plays is unknown. The sophomore has played in relief of senior Matt Flynn, whose health could be in question after playing through a shoulder injury last week against Arkansas.
Second Wind: Don't expect the Vols to be tired this week just because they've played eight consecutive games without a bye and are coming off a four-overtime win.
"We're not tired at all, especially when you're playing for a championship," Mayo said. "This team's ready to go and we'll be ready Saturday."
Mayo did concede he's glad LSU is coming off an overtime game as well, three extra periods against Arkansas last week.
Sneak Peek: With LSU wrapping up its spot in the SEC championship game on Nov. 10, there was plenty of the time for devout UT players to take an early look at the Tigers. Brown said a head start was the last thing from his mind.
"We couldn't look too much at them because we had some tough games to play," he said.
Lined Up: UT is a 7 1/2-point underdog to LSU.
"I like being in the underdog role. I think we play better as a team," Mayo said. "I wish it (the line) was more really."
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 52
JETnTN writes:
I can't wait to make that trip down I-75! once again.... Mayo Please come back next year!!!
GO VOLS!!!
Hunter writes:
Louisiana people ARE CRAZY! My family moved here in June (me for the second time) and these people are nuts. They have lost their perspective on the awful history of their program. I have hated LSU for years and will continue to do so. I hope our football team, band, cheerleaders, managers, Athletic Directors, and waterboys cokick the mess out of these idiot Cajuns (Saban has another word.....). Geaux Vols!!!
ElizabethtonvolnNC writes:
Just play like champs....
Get Brown involved, where was he in the Kentucky game?
GO VOLS!!! Bring it Home!!
DCVolFan writes:
Go get 'em Big Orange!!!! Punch them in the mouth in the first quarter and don't look back!
Gotta admit I'm a little concerned though. UT beat Georgia, who also beat Alabama & Florida. UT beat Arkansas and Kentucky, both of whom beat LSU. Is it a sign of parity or a bad omen?
utmdm writes:
OK, where does Brown say they are "Reeling". Looks like a bold heading for posting in the LSU lockerroom to me!
OrangeTint writes:
Man I'm excited. Found out today UT is sending my SEC tickets tomorrow. I'm excited for these players & coaches for what they accomplished this year.
It's nice to see the true Vol fans are excited too, and not looking at the past or saying negative things about our beloved Vols.
GO VOLS!!! Beat Tigers!!
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
EXACTLY, utmdm -- where did Brown use the word "reeling?"
This story reads like the only people to use that word in this story are Dave Hooker and the headline writer.
Thanks, KNS, for giving LSU some bulletin board material.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
I have to admit I've noticed the same thing Hunter.
I live right here in the heart of Tiger country in Baton Rouge. When I moved here in '99 Jerry DiNardo was still the coach. Up until Nick Saban's 2nd or 3rd season LSU was a "non-factor" on the national and even the conference level.
But since then these fans have become almost as bad as Tennessee fans in their outlandish expectations. As miserable at Tennessee fans are with an SEC-E champion team, these Tiger faithfull have been manic depressive even when their team was ranked number 1...The angst I heard today at work was unbelievable!
SEC fans will turn on a dime when it comes to their team and their coach. It's really pathetic.
BigOrangeInCarolina writes:
Nice job of the media up there in Knoxville turning somebody's words around to stir up stuff with somebody else... Here in SC, we know it all too well. LSU does not need any more bulletin board material. What they need is distraction and somebody to blow smoke up their rear-ends so they play flat, like the Vols did the other year in the Peach Bowl. Vols must have the right mind-set. If so, victory is entirely within reach!!!!! RTYAB!!!!
LSUfaninTennessee writes:
Hunter, you're an idiot. I love our crazy, Passionate fans who dont sit on their hands all the time and golf clap like UT fans do. I was born and raised in Big orange country and chose to go to LSU over UT...best decision of my life BTW. The people down in Louisiana know how to live life and have a good time. Saturday nights in Death valley are as good as it gets. Thanks for reminding me how much I despise Ut fans. If you hate Louisiana so much get out. The great citizens of the state dont want you there anyway. I still love my hometown of Brentwood back up in Tennessee, but I dont miss the delusional Ut fans that litter it.
FireJohnAdams writes:
Stupid Headline....and stupid story.....how does any team feel after any loss...?
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Yeah, LSU fan, fun is one thing. But class is another.
I seem to remember a bunch of drunken fools throwing bottles and phooey at our team bus and yelling obscenities at our fans down there a few years ago.
Tell your team to bring it.
writer#358485 writes:
Mr. Kaplan. In the interest of accuracy and preventing any unnecessary ill feeling, I suggest/request you get the headline off this story. It doesn't fully match the content and tone of the story and definitely is "bulletin-board" material. This game is going to be tough enough for the Vols without any unnecessary motivational help for LSU. Go Vols!
GreerVol22 writes:
FireJohnAdams and writer, you've heard of pressing in sports?...meaning trying a little too hard and getting out side your capabilities...
Hooker is a good example of that, its a slow Tuesday and don't forget..these guys write for KNS not the Times or the Post.
seaplane#216536 writes:
LSU has the worst fans in the SEC. Go Vols, put'em in their place
Southland writes:
I hope that our coaches realize that if we get a big lead we can not go on cruise control afterwards. We blew a lead to SC and UK and barely came out on top. Lets not do that again
VOLinDAWGland writes:
I've watched LSU several times this year and just never came away that impressed. They were much better, obviously, with Dorsey at 100%, but without him they are good, not great. They have a couple of playmakers on offense and a good OL, but otherwise are not that special. Perallouex (sp?) scares the heck out of me. He's just the type of QB that typically gives our defense fits.
Go VOLS!!!
Vandylaw07 writes:
I'm sorry, where does Chris Brown ever say that "LSU players are still reeling." He never comes close to saying that. Way to mischaracterize and mislabel a story. What are you trying to do? Stir up LSU for no good reason?
As for this game, we have nothing to lose. Use the dome and turf to our advantage by emphasizing more speed and quickness (Kenny O'Neal, Gerald Jones, Eric Berry, Lennon Creer) and stretching the field on offense. We'd better not hold anything back. Trick plays, onsides kicks, whatever. Just do it. Go all out. We're playing with house money, anyway, because no one expected us to be here and no one expects us to win.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Man, I hope Flynn plays. We don't need to make another hero out of a back-up Qb, ala SECCG! That said, let me drip a little cold water. Even with their last outing, Tigers are THIRD in NCAA in total defense. Vols are well, between 70th and 72nd. Mull that slowly. Lord knows what will happen, though. Fear the Phil, Tigers. He comes for you. Don't let this ride end this close to the grail. Give us cannon-balls to fire at Dawg fans who are trashing us, big-time. Jealous, perhaps. They point to our Fla outing while selective memory has erased their NO TD performance against Superior. I guess you don't get style points for moving between the 20s. Lord, hold them to field goal trys. We can block some of them, whew. Smite them Vols and head for mighty Rainbows or such ilk! I don't need any more free Chik-Fil-A coupons. Go Vols!
DennisVols writes:
Can we expect UT to win the SEC this year? Just as sure as we can expect some fans to complain about how they won. UT was the under-dog against UK and yet fans complained it took them 4 OT to do it. They were not supposed to win what is the problem. It took LSU 3 OT’s to lose to UK. The same thing happened against USC. Again UT was an under-dog (at home no less) and came away with a win in OT. Yes they had the lead at half but we play 60 min.s not 30 and we faulted UT because their opponents did not quit at halftime and let them breeze through. If UT wins this Saturday lets thank USC, Vandy and UK for teaching this team to be tough. To never quit and to not believe in what their critics say. What else could you expect?
Go Vols!!!!!!
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/Denn...
orangebloodgmc writes:
Some of my LSU fan co-workers said on Monday the season's over and there's no reason to even follow it any more. Maybe they have moderated some today. On the other hand they are scooping up tickets for the Sugar Bowl, assuming that of course they will be going there, game after next. Meanwhile they think head coach is going to Michigan and defensive coordinator Pellini is much discussed for the Nebraska job.
A bit of less-good news for us is little Trindon Holliday is back this week after missing ARK game. He can fly! And their ace in hole might be Chad Jones, a true freshman db who contributes on special teams too. He's kind of like Berry, just an incredibly athletic ball-player who makes plays.
movol77 writes:
"I still love my hometown of Brentwood back up in Tennessee, but I dont miss the delusional Ut fans that litter it."
LSUfaninTennessee, you've got yourself in a good 'ole "delusional" oxy moron. :) How many people in Brentwood are not UT fans? :0)) 5% maybe?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
LSU has been fun to watch.
Hell, guys, get a grip. The SEC champ might as well be the National champ. Oh, look, Ohio State may be back in the BCS title game....I will boycott the damn thing, for all that matters.
This has been a very exciting year for SEC football. The Bit East has been fun, the Pac 10, and the Big 12. All have had really tense, tough games.
It's just a damn shame that the BiG Ten keeps 'backing in' to the BCS title game, so screw the BCS title game.
Until we have a true playoff, the real football conferences will get hosed quite frequently.
mtnvol writes:
Several have mentioned the disconnect between the headline and actual words of Brown. Remember folks, John Adams (aka Jack A$$) is the sports editor who writes and/or approves all headlines in the sports section, hates CPF and the Vols, and is a "Loosyanna" native. I'm surprised the headline wasn't MORE off base!
BTW, in almost every Jack A$$ article, he mentions CPF's salary. Wonder what the KNS pays Jack A$$? I'd love to let the critics talk about his worth!
westennvol writes:
LSU fans r douchebags! I was there in 2001, and some drunkin a**h**e decided to cuss my dad for no reason before the game. OH YEAH LSUFANinTN, i got your Tigers swingn right here pal.... mbumburu has it right... NO CLASS REDNECKS! Why don't ya'll use your own buses next time instead of throwing garbage at ours! TIE 4 THE WORST FANS IN THE COUNTRY: VOTE LSU OR FLORIDA???? I HATE'EM BOTH EQUALLY! CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT THE STADIUM IS LIKE WHEN THEY PLAY EACH OTHER???????
westennvol writes:
p.s. LSU are a bunch of drunken bafoons!!!
orangebloodgmc writes:
People get caught up in the frenzy. I was at the 2000 game in Baton Rouge where we (Vols) lost in OT, 31-38. That was the only UT loss that I recall where I had a smile on my face afterwards even though I was pulling 100% for UT, because I really felt privileged to have witnessed a helluva ball game where we had rallied to send it into OT.
Exiting Tiger Stadium, their fans yelled in our faces "Tiger Bait, Tiger Bait!" But I was able to smile and just say, "helluva ballgame." They seemed taken aback and nodded and said, "y'all have safe trip home."
GreerVol22 writes:
mtnvol, hopefully they don't pay "Jack" what he thinks he's worth. If they did, this free stuff goes away...
rockytopron writes:
Check out this link if you want a little WOW factor about UT's season.
http://www.utsports.com/football/arti...
ACG writes:
I was at the 2000 game in Baton Rouge too - only the Tiger fans weren't so friendly to me. I'm a girl and I promise you several of them threatened/shoved/etc. I finally snuggled up arm in arm with my brother in law, who is a large guy and was wearing LSU colors. After that, they left me alone.
I live in Louisiana - you should hear the fans here that are so "thankful" that they get to play UT (instead of Georgia) since they think they can beat us easily. Trust me, I want UT to win so bad I can hardly stand it.
mtnvol writes:
Greer, if I could buy him for what he's worth and sell him for what he thinks he's worth, I'd retire today a rich man!
BTW, I think this went free 'cause they couldn't generate enough interest in the paper otherwise. It sure as heck isn't out of the goodness of their hearts.
orangebloodgmc writes:
ACG, I have observed same thing here, that the LSU fans are already chalking this up as a W for them. They lost to Arkansas in Baton Rouge despite getting more borderline calls go their way. Presumably there will be no "home cookin" factor for anybody in Atlanta.
Orange4life writes:
Just ask Arkansas about how different we are with Erik Ainge as QB. Come blitz us and get burt, I think this team is on a mission, and the mission is simple, erase the doubts. We have been doubted all year long and we will be again on Saturday. I hate to say it, but yes we need coaching, coaching to leadership, coaching to gameplan, and coaching TO WIN, NOT COACHING NOT TO LOSE! We need to get out in front and lay the wood if we can!
Go get em Vols!
inquiry writes:
LSU is reeling.. there is no doubt about it, and I think they're spooked already having to play us now and loose two times in a row in a very big game.. GO VOLS
DennisVols writes:
LSU Defensive Cord. Bo Pelini: Since Oct. 6, Pelini's defense has given up 209 points in seven games. That's 30 points a game.
Hoss44 writes:
Hooker,
Nice to see you pull yourself away from the all you can eat at Cici's to write an article, or did you really write this? Tell Pennington there's a 50 piece limit
Volfan1 writes:
TD, this is one time I agree with you. Florida fans are the most obnoxious. (Alabama are the most arrogant...there is a difference.) I live in FLA. I have a small UT sticker on my window. I was driving in downtown Jax on I-95 minding my own business on a Monday after UT played UF...a guy in a work van passed me and stuck his head and BOTH hands out of the window to yell and shake his hands at me...while driving...on an interstate....at around 55 mph....with other cars around!!!! And it wasn't "have a nice day," either. It was scary.
mtnvol writes:
llowry, I'm not saying you are wrong. That display was scary for any number of reasons and I've got a story or two of FLA fans both in Knoxville and Gainesville as well. But outside of Vandy, who has no fans, there would probably be an 11 way tie for the most obnoxious fans in the SEC. ;-)
kevn907 writes:
Ok so obviously alot of you like judging LSU fans for the way that you were treated and of what happened to the buses at the 2005 game. I guess it's east to forget about the UT players jumping on the tiger eye at midfield after the game and shouting curse words at lsu fans, or what about Clausen throwing the ball in the student section after the game (which BTW sent someone to the hospital)or all of the signs that UT fans made saying how we were gonna wish Hurricane Katrina had killed us, how we were hiding behind the hurricane as an excuse when we lost, and how LSU fans should have learned their lesson and evacuated before the game. UT fans even had shirts made saying this type of stuff. I mean come on, LSU students/fans may be mean at times, may be obnoxious, and may be "drunks", but we have never treated people the way UT fans and players did that day. I am an LSU fan and I have been to every stadium in the SEC. UT fans are just as rude, and drunk as any other school in the SEC including LSU. May the best team win gentelmen.
gov0ls#269718 writes:
Just got my tickets to the game. Where can an out of towner go to tailgate?
utvols1 writes:
Hey kevn907 -you couldn't be more wrong. How many times have you been to Neyland- or have you ever been to the swamp? Probably once at Rocky Top and never to Ben Hill. So who made you the expert-certainly wasn't personal experience! I've done 3 games at each stadium and I speak for most on this board that LSU and FL are -without a doubt the most obnoxious, rude and disgraceful fans in the SEC....BOOK IT!
GO VOLS
RobLCTN writes:
"Ignore the drunks"
You know what?
I can not wait for this game!! LOL
You guys are awesome! I'll be watching from home =(
but I'm still excited because "I believe" the VOLS do have a chance to win against LSU and win the championship.
Be positive!!Play hard!!Run fast!!Stay focus!!Discipline!!
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!
invisiblekid writes:
I'm betting LSUfaninwherethehellever will like us UT fans less after this weekend.
TDTN, I agree with most of your 6:50 post except for the part regarding the arKANSAS win. I'm also betting Less Miles knows how to say the name of the state correctly at this point. I believe if LSU would have won, being one win away from the BCS title game would have been all the motivation needed for them to show up and play their best game.
invisiblekid writes:
kevn907, there are jackasses in any crowd. It doesn't matter what color shirt they are wearing. First I have ever heard of any of the claims you are making regarding the signs, shirts, etc. related to Katrina. Not that it counts for much, but I'll apologize for anyone that did that, it's beyond classless and downright cold. As far as the 2005 squad goes, I'll be the first to admit that I was not particularly proud of some of their players, Clausen included.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
IF WE HAD A PLAYOFF SYSTEM IN PLAY I COULD SEE THE VOLUNTEER PLAYERS REALLY GET FIRED UP FOR THE GAMES...BUT PLEASE MR> HAMILTON..NOT THE CHICK FILA GAME AT THE GA.DOME AGAIN...NOR THE THE COTTON BOWL IN FROZEN DALLAS..THE PLAYERS IN ORANGE NOT MOTIVATED FOR MIDDLE-OF-RUN BOWLS. THE COTTON BOWL IS LIKE BEING INVITED TO A BLACK TIE DINNER AND SERVED TWINKIES.
asleep#212036 writes:
Right on TDTN,
LSU is clearly a better team than we are if they play to their potential (they might have as many as six players drafted in the first three rounds off the defense alone!). However, Miles doesn't always have them ready to play and if you believe the SEC is tough enough to hand them two losses, would you have picked Kentucky and Arkansas? I honestly don't think any other coach in the SEC could have had them playing worse in those games (and Auburn game as well), including Orgeron. Miles is just a terrible coach. Seems they play up or down to their competition and squeak out the wins. Believe me, Miles and the Tigers have used up their share of luck as well. If they wander aimlessly through this game like they did against Kentucky, Auburn, and Arkansas, we will take them down. Go Vols!!!
gov0ls#269718 writes:
marc_ash I've heard the lots closest to the dome fill up pretty fast and that you need to be there early, like 7AM. Ouch! I'm driving down from MD on Friday and staying out near I75. I guess it will be and early morning. Here is the best link I have found:
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/Venues/...
ellisonfamily writes:
Hey govOls. I would suggest that you simply ride Marta in. It would be a ton easier, and there are Marta stations out by I-75. I am a Vol in Georgia, and I am in Atlanta a lot. I have NEVER attempted to park ride by the Dome. But...maybe someone in Atlanta could tell you better.
Now...let's talk about Eric Berry. How good is this guy going to be? How good is he now? I have a feeling that Charles "I ripped Manning off and stole the Heisman" Woodson has nothing on Eric Berry. He is going to be FANTASTIC before it's over.
volfan_in_mississippi writes:
Got our tickets today. Heading for Atlanta!!! GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!
coachinhoops writes:
Fulmer has 8 10 win seasons. This could make 9. Gosh, we should fire him. He's just not getting done. I wonder how many other college coaches can boast 9 10 win seasons?
Go Vols.
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