Tennessee Stat Book
"You always start off saying you win championships with defense."
That was Phillip Fulmer speaking Tuesday.
He was merely voicing a traditional football axiom, but one that has largely proved accurate over the years.
Tennessee might have started off saying that this year, too. But along the way it became necessary to, uh, expand on that thought.
Tennessee is in fact a championship team, at least a divisional one. The Vols play LSU on Saturday for the right to claim the more meaningful title of SEC champions.
But if you look at the defensive numbers, you wonder how in the world Tennessee managed to get itself to Atlanta ahead of five other Eastern Division rivals, two of whom are ranked in the top 10.
Let's look at a few:
n Total defense: 11th in the SEC, 71st nationally, at 402.9 yards per game.
n Scoring defense: 11th in the SEC, 70th nationally, at 28.7 points a game.
n Pass-efficiency defense: 11th in the SEC, 67th nationally.
n Rushing defense: 8th in the SEC, 64th nationally, at 158.4 yards a game.
n Sacks: 10th in the SEC, 79th nationally, at 20.
n Third-down conversion percentage: 10th in the SEC, 67th nationally, at 39.3 percent.
"We've had some of the best defenses in this league through the years," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "We know what good a good defense looks like."
A good defense doesn't look like the numbers listed above.
A good defense doesn't give up 23 touchdown passes, which this one did to set a school season record.
And so, while you start off saying defense wins championships, what do you say when you try to square these numbers with getting ready to go play for an SEC championship?
Fulmer:
"We've been . . . what's the word? . . . resilient enough, I guess, to find ways to make plays and get enough drives stopped and to help each other offensively and defensively and play the kicking game, all those kinds of things."
Chavis:
"We've had our moments."
They have. Nobody held Georgia to fewer yards than Tennessee. Only Auburn held Arkansas to fewer yards and fewer points than the Vols.
They shut out South Carolina for a half, held Kentucky to one score for a half.
On the other hand, they gave up 471 yards at California, 554 at Florida. They allowed 41 points to Alabama. They let Vanderbilt run up a 24-9 lead and Kentucky rally from a 24-7 deficit.
Chavis has been calling the shots at UT since 1995. He does know what a championship defense looks like. The '98 national championship team and the 2001 team that won the East and got upset in Atlanta shared a common number. Each of those teams allowed 303 yards a game - 100 fewer than this team.
The '98 team allowed 14.5 points, half what this team allows.
The 1997 SEC champion defense had 47 sacks. Leonard Little and Jonathan Brown combined for more sacks (22) than this team.
And yet these guys are going to Atlanta. They've had their moments.
"To say this team is not a special team would be wrong," said Chavis, "because they've got as much heart and character. And to be honest with you, we're not far away talent-wise.
"The inexperience has caught up with us some but I wouldn't trade this group of guys and the position we've been in for the last five or six weeks with anybody."
Sometimes, even if numbers don't lie, they're best ignored.
"Statistics," said defensive end Robert Ayers, "don't really matter.
"The only numbers that matter are on the scoreboard."
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
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Comments » 43
carolinavol writes:
I guess these Vols are a team of Destiny! This is our year!
rootin4volz writes:
See the team of Destiny on Saturday Night! 2 tickets...Section 338, Row 6 available...Upper Deck, corner of end zone...Email me at daboalley@gmail.com. GO VOLS!!!
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Great article, Mike, as you've focused on what will continue to keep me awake this week.
I sure hope Chavis & Co. can try something different for LSU -- maybe it's time for the legendary 3-4? -- and make the necessary halftime adjustments.
If we come out in the second half with that "prevent" or "bend but don't break" or super-soft zone again, I think I'll run screaming from my house.
alfrizzle097 writes:
If you can hit slants, our defence is screwed. Fortunately Flynn has accuracy issues. Like Tee Martin, one pass will be unbelievable and one will stink to high heavens. I believe a zone blitz package will give up yards but also create turnovers and third downs to fail.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
mbumburu- I pray we'll have a chance to use the vaunted "Phil/Chavis bend until broke defense". We are 71st in defense, they are THIRD! Even with bad, uninspired (SEC West title won) game against Ark, they are third. Ainge and company will need super effort to keep us in this one. Our recent Dome vists have beem less than stellar. That said, Vols can win, can't tell you how. Hester is a huge concern. Runs straight ahead very hard. Karl and McCoy must tackle. Mayo can't do it all. D-line cannot leave CBs exposed for 5-7 seconds. I don't expect much from Foster in this one. Tigers can gang tackle. Lincoln can't miss in this game. Taylor can't drop, per Trooper T. Fear the Phil, Tigers. He comes for you.
webbofconfusion writes:
If I see zone or prevent I will be upset, but to say let's see the legendary 3-4... I thought you guys wanted change.
I want to see us firing on all cylinders this weekend. Eager to hit and hungry for the ball.
Let's put pressure on him and keep it on him the whole game. Let's not play a 10 yd cushion on coverage. Let's stay focused and keep our eyes on the prize.
Go Vols.
GoVol writes:
Please play Elix Wilson more...he makes a difference every time he is in the game!!!!
vol98 writes:
I think it is bogus phooey that ovetime statistics count for season stats. It's not fair to past players and its not fair to compare these stats to previous years. Granted most teams don't sniff OT or maybe get one a year, but when teams give up 3-4 TDs from the 25 yd line and about 75 yds in offense, it's not right. I wish they would change this stupid rule and the flag offensive players for face mask. There I'm done.
kkebean#233101 writes:
sphs_vol---- HECK NO!!!!!
kkebean#233101 writes:
GOOD POINT!!!! tngeoff
mdvolmom writes:
I'm new on this board and have a sophomore at UT. We have always been a college football/basketball family and I love watching the VOls play and being part of the SEC. They certainly have frustrated me over this past season but have done just about the impossible. No one expected them to come this far, but as others here have said, they have heart and the character to prove the numbers wrong. Heart, you need heart and you gotta want it and they do. I think LSU's confidence has been knocked down a few notches and they're still wondering what the heck happened. We bring it on Saturday and reign as SEC champs. I can't wait!! GO VOLS!!!!
99gator writes:
i have to admit i find it unbelievable that tenn is playing for a championship and some "fans" are making predictions as to how bad tenn will get beat.
a lot of people (who were gators) thought florida would lose to ohio state, but i don't remember anyone saying ohio state 52 florida 13.
my god, you are playing for a championshi... that doesn't happen every year.
enjoy it. no matter how it happened
scttmcdonald#551862 writes:
Out of 12 teams in the conference, 12 TEAMS!, UT's stats are in the bottom 10%. Not just some of them, ALL of them. And we get to play for the SEC Championship, makes one think that this is a season of happenstance over perserverance or execution. Thank God for Parity in NCAA Ball!
Hey, Rich!
wskeen#212984 writes:
Amen gator 99
scttmcdonald#551862 writes:
I think it means that stats are B.S.
Steven Wright once said that 74% of all stats are made up. In my oopinion there are only 3 stats that count:
W / L / T
That's it!
99gator writes:
marc_ash
i understand. it's just hard to see because this is the best time of year.
i feel like paraphrasing the bill parcells quote..."this is why you run sprints....this is why you all life all them weights..."
as a fan...this is why you go to the games. this is why you buy hats and t-shirts, have bar-b-q's and tailgate. this is why you buy all those pre-season magazines, listen to talk radio, read wab pages, talk to other fans, follow recruiting, sing the alma mater, watch them run out of the "T", because it's your school. and when you play for championships all of that stuff feels worth it.... and then you have to wait 9 months to do it all over again.
i'm already depressed.
i'm probably making it to knoxville in '08... i'm gonna need suggestions as to where to eat without getting killed.
OldNumber7 writes:
This game is all about mistakes - not gaudy stats. This team has not given the other team extra opportunities throughout the season; offensive penalites, fumbles, picks, missed field goals. If the defense had been a little better this season - could have been even more special. Kudos to the offense for being disciplined. If the front 4 on D comes alive and generates some opportunities for the offense - UT should be fine.
twin942 writes:
99Gator -
Take a change of clothes and put on your Vols sweatshirt once you get out of the game. That should protect you. Unless of course the Gators lose...then keep your GatorWear on. We won't care at that point.
jhenson#377512 writes:
Keep in mind also that ANYONE can create an account on this site and pose as a VOL fan when in fact they might be anything but. In fact, I wouldn't put it past a Grad Assistant from a competing program to create an account and commence to being as idiotic and inflammatory as possible just so he can show potnetial recruits what knuckleheads Vol Fans are.
Might be far-fetched, but the Fact is, no true VOL fan, having watched Tennessee play the last few weeks and having watched LSU play the last few weeks, comes on this site predciting Tennessee to lose by 4 or 5 touchdowns. Quite clearly we have imposters in the ranks.
thesavageorange writes:
tngeoff :How do you find time?You always have something.Thanks for the articles yesterday they were all very good.
volunteers4life writes:
I love tn but am scared about the injuries suffered, especially on defense:
Defensive end Xavier Mitchell (11/26, shoulder) is probable for Saturday's game against LSU. Defensive tackle Chase Nelson (11/5, dislocated wrist) will miss the remainder of the season. Running back LaMarcus Coker (11/2, disciplinary) has been dismissed from the team. Cornerback Marsalous Johnson (10/29, knee) will miss the remainder of the season. Tackle Eric Young (10/29, knee) will miss the remainder of the season. Cornerback Antonio Gaines (9/11, torn ACL) will miss the remainder of the season.
How does everyone else feel about this?
thesavageorange writes:
tngeoff:Great , then I won't even have to watch this magnificant opportunity we'll have.thesavageorange"Honey cancell those reservations to Atl, I will know the score this afternoon"GO BIG ORANGE!!
hueypilot writes:
No question there are posers on this site. Pay them no mind.
Tennessee leads the series by a lopsided count of 20-6-3. LSU's entire coaching staff has to to be in turmoil. Bo Pelini has been interviewed on a fly-in by Tom Osborne and appears to be the front runner for the Nebraska job. Everybody figures Miles is headed to Ann Arbor. You know Tigers are bummed out because they're not going to play for the title. Especially Miles who stood to reap a HUGE bonus (I heard $3 mil, could that be right?) They started the season like a house afire, drubbing a good Virgina Tech team, and week by week they have eroded into a team that let Arkansas led by McFadden and Jones run through them like a hot knife through butter. I think LSU is playing their worst football of the season right now. And Tennessee is playing, probably not at the squash-Georgia level, but right now those kids in Knoxville BELIEVE. They think they will find a way to beat anybody. "The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win." Final score Vols 34, Tigers 28. And BTW, did Ole Miss upgrade or what, going from "Coach O" to Houston Nutt.
thesavageorange writes:
volunteers4life :The great thing about this team is that it has fought through adversity.Arian has stepped up his game since LC left.Plus I believe he has only carried the ball 20+ times twice, and has still put up good numbers.All backs are beat up at this point of the year , but he should be a little fresher than most due to his limited carries.The secondary has been playing the same guys for weeks now.I am a little worried about Xavier.He really helps in run support, and plays with a high motor.Go Vols!!
thesavageorange writes:
hueypilot:I think you hit the nail on the head!They BELIEVE!!!Confidence is the most underated aspect in sports.That's the difference between teams that find a way to win , and find a way to lose.(Sorry Vandy)Nutt is a huge upgrade.They will be much more competitive next year, plus they have good recruits coming in,including the transfer from Texas.QB Sneed.
1974Vol writes:
No one can stop Ainge and O but themselves. GA & ARK had good D's and they riddled them. AL's D is not much better than TN's and we went scoreless for 3 qtrs (except for TD in 1st play of 2nd Qtr & FG at half - which was a ST score) Plays will be there to be made against LSU, Vols just need to make them. If WR's & young DB's can catch the ball consistently the Vols win. Young DB's have learned how to break on the ball; now youngsters finish the play! Hint-catch the ball with your hands and don't let it get into your body. On O side,No. 21 & 12 FOCUS and just play like you can. Don't need any miricles to beat the Tigers, just good sound, fundemental play.
hueypilot writes:
Lazhil. I think that's the most positive comment I've read from you, that if we get destroyed Chavis would be whacked. Not gonna happen, lad, but you're maturing right before out very eyes. Phil will not whack Chavis like Majors did to Ken Donahue to save his job.
TommyJack writes:
hueypilot: Infrequently, lucid thoughts seep out of LAZZIEFRAT'S kegger soaked skull.
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18:I brought this up the other day, but I don't think they will fire Slade.I think they will move Troop to DB coach , and hand over the special teams to Slade.(well,I think it's a good Idea)I believe it would be easier to find a good WR coach than DB Coach.Word is Leach is talking to Ark.Might be a good time to talk to there WR coach.He has done an excellent job,especially w/ Crabtree who is probably the best Frosh in the country.
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18:I would personally like to see Olasimbo get the nod.For the simple fact he probably knows blocking assignments better being a Sr.If they put Vareen in LSU will know it's run b/c they don't want Ainge to get hurt especially on a blown assignment , plus wasting a redshirt.
mtnvol writes:
The only stats that matter are "W" and "L". I don't care if LSU has 700 yards as long as we have one more point than they do when the FIRST 60 minutes is done! Geaux Vawls!
thesavageorange writes:
sjt18 :You are right about the limitations, I am pretty sure it is 10 active coaches.However I havn't seen limitations on other creatively named assistants like Offensive Program Coordinator , or Coordinator of Football ops etc...The limit I believe pretains to coaches on the field or in direct contact with the field/players.Let him coach during the week then let him sit in the booth with Cut.Not sure it would work.(just an idea) I think you can actually run w/ Olasimbo.He just doesn't have breakaway speed , and is a little on the smaller side.Not that the Orange and White game is the Orange Bowl , but he ran all over the place in that game.I agree I would feal better with Hardesty. No matter what we are going to war!
asleep#212036 writes:
Stats are garbage. First of all, our offensive stats are quite good. We pass well, we convert 3rd down reasonably well, we score well. Our running game is adequate and our kicking game with Lincoln is good. So we're a WAC team playing in the SEC, right? Not exactly. It is true that our seasonal defensive stats are woeful and would seem to preclude our winning the East, let alone the SEC. However, our defense has played wonderfully at times, key times, and helped us to win some games the stats would say we had no chance at. Georgia and Arkansas were completely shut down. Kentucky and SC completely shut down for a half, which ended up being just enough. Vandy shut down in the 4th quarter, again, just enough. Using season-long stats to predict the outcome of a single game is no more useful than using single-game stats to predict an entire season. It's almost like flipping a coin. The next flip has nothing to do with the one before it or the one after it. I think we match up better with LSU than with Florida, Alabama, or Kentucky. They are absolutely more talented on both side of the ball, but If Flynn is off, they can be had, especially by a team than can sling the ball around. Go Vols!!!
thesavageorange writes:
tngeoff :Amazing 7 ofthe top 14 highest paid coaches aren't going to their CCG , 4 have losing records, or are at .500. Then there is Tressell, and Paterno who have done good jobs this year.Oh, and CPF.Tressell 11-1 CPF 9-3 Joe Pa 8-4.
TommyJack writes:
BABE: Great site, but I think you're giving jwrainman too much credit!
thesavageorange writes:
carolinababe:I felt like I was a 10 year old boy again reading that sight.Why? I was trying not to laugh , but finally couldn't hold it.Glad I am the only one at work right now.Very funny.
asleep#212036 writes:
marc-ash,
Right on about their giving up in some early games. If there is one hallmark of an inexperienced team, it's that they don't handle adversity well at all. As long as things are rolling along pretty well (mid 3rd quarter at Cal, FL, and AL), they stayed in the game. At the first sign of trouble, the wheels came completely off. Later in the season, trouble like that was manageable. SC, Vandy, and certainly Kentucky presented our now hardened Vols with numerous opportunities to panic and fail and they refused to do so. I think that might be the difference in the SEC CG - the confidence to weather the inevitable storm and find their moment to shine. Let's hope so. Go Vols!!!
thesavageorange writes:
tngeoff :Croome, and Brooks need immediate raises!They single handedly fought off the grim reaper, grabed a shovel, dug their programs out of the grave, and used cpr to bring them back to life.
thesavageorange writes:
carolinababe:Now I have to appologize to my wife.All this time I thought it was her fault she was full of hot air.Apparently it's the food.OOps.
tenndave writes:
Stats Stats Stats. If the game were determined by stats we wouldn't be anywhere but home with a losing record. But the one stat we have is 8-3 East Division Champs. Chomp on that Gators, Dogs, Tide, etc.
Now would someone explain to me again why LSU is the best team in the country. Explain how they lost those games. The probably had them stolen since according to ESPN they are still the best team in the country. And what about their 2-3 point victories that should have been losses? Oh that was their JV playing I am sure. The point is LSU could also be sitting at home.
They may beat us 50 but we are there not a Gator or a Dog.If we become a team of Destiny I hope some of our negative posters have the guts to go to FLA and kiss Tebows Uh, pads.
Say what we want but I agree with Chavis. This is a special team. GO VOLS, Beat Tigers !!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
tngeoff,
I didn't know that. For whatever reason, I thought he might be the Charles Davis that played basketball at Vanderbilt. I first noticed him watching the Golf Channel's 19th hole. Looks like he's done very well for himself. Go Vols!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
tngeoff - stj18 -living in deer country myself, I want you two to be very careful not to shoot at a whopper in the woods wearing orange. I don't know if the rules allow us to play in the SECCG with a leader who's recovering in a private room. We usually watch 11-14 every afternoon until the season starts. Does of course. Once season starts here, they come to water at night. Go Vols!
VOLinDAWGland writes:
Yea TDTN that would really suck to have idiot fans excited about a team/program that they care about.
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