Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Georgia
- When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Safe to say Tennessee knows Knowshon Moreno. And after four years, the Vols are also well acquainted with Thomas Brown.
And Georgia's two tailbacks, who have rushed for more than 800 yards in five games, probably have some idea about Tennessee's suspect run defense.
That's why the Vols spent much of last week's practice getting back to fundamentals in hopes of slowing down the No. 12 Bulldogs' runners in their return to SEC play Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.).
"We got a lot of tackling work," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Monday. "We worked at it really hard and the players have been responsive to it. We've been tested. We've had a couple good backs that we've played against, and these two are certainly good backs, too."
Moreno, a freshman, ranks eighth in the SEC with 86 yards per game, while Brown is 10th with 79 yards a game. The only conference teammates who rank higher are Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
Moreno and Brown each has a 50-yard run to his credit this season, and Brown helped break open a 17-17 tie last week against Ole Miss with a career-high 180 rushing yards.
But after facing players like Cal's Justin Forsett, Florida's Tim Tebow and Kestahn Moore, and even Arkansas State's Reggie Arnold, Tennessee has seen some pretty good runners.
They just haven't stopped them.
"We have certainly been tested in the run game," Fulmer said. "We'll have seven or eight really, really good plays - or 10 good plays or 15 plays - and then one that somebody gets 40 yards on. That's what we have to eliminate: Those plays that change field position or give up a score, big plays. That goes back to being fundamentally sound, staying in our gaps, tackling well, doing our responsibilities first and then reacting. That's the front, that's the linebackers, that's the secondary doing what they're supposed to do."
Good Timing: Fulmer said UT's lone open date of the season came at a good time, considering the amount of minor injuries suffered by several players in the first four games.
"It healed us up and that was a real plus for a number of guys playing with bumps and bruises," Fulmer said.
Florida's loss to Auburn on Saturday night helped even more than the week off, though.
"I think they're more energized by Florida's loss, and the fact that there's a lot of people in the conference now that have a run at it, and we're one of them," Fulmer said. "We will certainly do our very best to make the most of an opportunity."
Starting 22: Tennessee has yet to start the same 11 players on defense in any game this season, but most of that is due to some shuffling in the secondary after Antonio Gaines suffered a season-ending knee injury Sept. 8.
Despite the shuffling, Fulmer feels like Tennessee's starting 22 is set in all but a few positions.
"We were in a bit of disarray there for a little bit, trying to find the right combination of guys," Fulmer said. "I like the group that we've settled on athletically. There's still competition at a couple positions, and that's almost a daily kind of progression."
Bama Time: According to its Web site, CBS Sports will either televise Tennessee's game at Alabama or Florida's game at Kentucky on Oct. 20. Whichever game is chosen will be shown at 3:30 p.m.
CBS also lists two other Tennessee games as possibilities: Nov. 10 vs. Arkansas and Nov. 17 vs. Vanderbilt. Both games will be played in Neyland Stadium.
No TV: Tennessee's Oct. 13 game at Mississippi State will not be televised and is set for a 2:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff.
Five other games involving SEC teams will be carried that weekend on a combination of Lincoln Financial, ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and CBS.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Notre Dame beats Tennessee 72-44…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 110
slojim writes:
Stafford will make some mistakes in this game and I really believe we have some quality talent in the secondary...if we can stop the run, tackle, force some turnovers, and play better special teams we can win. Maybe we will put it together and play up to our potential...
But based on our last few big games (Cal and Fla)...we have stunk so far this year.
We shall see...
GO VOLS!!!
utvols1 writes:
"We certainly have been tested in the run game" -Phill Fulmer...he left out the "and failed" part.
andy112382#209793 writes:
Stop the run and win. Keep Ainge flawless against the dawgs and hang another 50 on'em! But bottom line, just beat those dawgs bad enough to have peta in an uproar! GO VOLS!!!
mjaichele#464960 writes:
5 Quick Points-
A. Vol defense has not stopped anyone yet and will not stop Georgia. Dogs 37 Vols 19, end of story, close the book.
B. No 10-2 season, not no way, not no how. ANYBODY THAT BELIEVES THAT HAS BEEN SMOKING TO MUCH NEBRASKA DITCH WEED.
C. This weeks Bulldog will not be the only one to bite the Vols.
D. I'd be one loyal "Mofo" myself if I was made a multi-millionaire by my employer. Is a 6-6 or 7-5 record really worth paying millions for? In the real world that kind of performance gets you a job as a greeter at Wal-mart.... I know, lets extend that contract.....
E. Mike Riley, fear the "Beaver".
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
This paragraph is nonsensical:
"Moreno, a freshman, ranks eighth in the SEC with 86 yards per game, while Brown is 10th with 79 yards a game. The only conference teammates who rank higher are Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones."
Either poor writing, Drew, or poorer editing.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
This game will be won or lost by Georgia's defense. If they can slow Ainge down -- keep him and the offense under 30 points -- nothing else matters.
Based on the stink they've put on the field so far this season, no way our defense slows down Stafford and those running backs. No possible way.
Oh -- did anybody see Fulmer's comments in Sporting News one week ago today? "We spent about 15 minutes on tackling today, and that's exactly what we needed to do. We're continuing to work to not make the mistakes that beat us."
Yes, 15 minutes spent on tacking on each practice ought to solve the problem. To be fair, though, the story above reads like the coaches really focused on tackling today. Maybe they even spent a whole 30 minutes. Wow.
For the full story, go to http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/...
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
Comcast in Memphis is advertising that they will be showing all Vol games that aren't picked up by CBS, ESPN, and etc.
andy112382#209793 writes:
mjaichele, you're so upbeat, don't set the bar so high.
papavol writes:
Georgia will beat UT Just like Florida beat Auburn. UT COMES OUT TO PLAY AND THEY WILL WIN!
volfan39#234125 writes:
Fulmer, lets see, your 5 weeks into the season and you're still shuffling players around and your having extra tackling practice-- Want to see tackling- look under Auburn --WHEN WILL YOU WAKE UP AND DO SOMETHING IN THE OFF-SEASON,NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT, JUST GO BACK TO SLEEP AND WAKE UP RESIGNED OR FIRED ==WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. By the way with Ga. Ky. Bama S. car. still looking at you like a wolf does a sheep, you MUST be dreaming about a Div. championship. You just keep waiting for other teams to lose and you will soon come out of la-la land. "Full of Fulmer" in Louisiana!!
CrankE writes:
mbumburu: 15 minutes could save you 15% on your car insurance.
But it probably won't make much difference in the play Saturday. What a terrible and telling quote. My gut feeling is that Saturday, they will tackle even worse-thinking that they really improved during the week when all they did was to reinforce bad habits.
_____________________
volfan39's post put me in the mind of the exchange between Gandalf and Denethor in the Return of the King. Gandalf, the old wizard drills Denethor, the Steward with a line that could easily be applied to Fulmer: "War is upon you. The enemy is on your doorstep. As Steward, you're charged with the defense of this city. Where are Gondor's armies?"
After giving up 104 points in two losses, is it a stretch to say that Tennessee is defenseless this year?
ODA751 writes:
For a minute, I thought I was at the firephilfulmur.com website. Seems like the Fulmer haters have pretty much taken over here. Well, I support the Vols and look forward to a good game on Saturday. Go Vols!
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
Chrisoda751---can people not support the Vols, but not be pleased with the coach? Where have you been the last five years? Take a look at his record the past few years. I'm anxious to see how motivated our players are. I'm anxious to see how much the tackling has improved. I hope I'm wrong, but it will probably be the same pathetic phooey from our other two losses.
seaplane#216536 writes:
Watched South Florida beat W.Va last week. They stacked the line anticipating the run and stopped them. Humm, Vols expect Dogs to run. Why not fill in the gaps and try to stop them at what they do best? If we're not going to try the spread offense we sure as hell don't need to try the spread defense.
footballrules writes:
Bulldogs will hammer the vols!!!! Fire Fulmer!!!
GreerVol22 writes:
seaplane, heck of an idea!. THE SPREAD DEFENSE!
Put it in Chavis, practice it about 15 minutes on Thursday and with the other 15 minutes we spent last week on tackling fundamentals I'll feel much better.
Wow, if only the rest of life was this simple to fix.
tigervol9802 writes:
Looking ahead to State -
Can anyone tell me the last time a UT conference game wasn't on TV?
OldNumber7 writes:
Boy I'm glad we are working on fundamentals in October - I think it's safe to say the team is way behind schedule.
bigbluevol writes:
The last one that comes to mind is when we played at Arkansas when Danny Ford was coaching and had said something along the lines of "take Peyton out." I don't remember what year Peyton was, though. I think a sophomore or junior. I'm really surprised that LF didn't pick the game up, especially as well as MSU has played of late. They're not a pushover anymore. That will be a dangerous game.
missrvrvol writes:
Stay the course. Thats is what the Captain of the Titanic said!
bigbluevol writes:
And by "take out" I mean knock out or cheap shot, etc.
4ss#446072 writes:
Fire Phil.......blah blah blah. You guys are a freakin' broken record. Are you all so axle-wrapped about firing Phat Phil that you wont or don't support these young men? You all make me and others who support this university SICK! You are probably the same bozos that sit and boo when Phil's name is announced over the PA system, huh? What do you think that does to our team when they hear that stuff? What do you think it does for our recruits that are in the stands to make up thier minds about coming to UT or not. All this negative stuff will take its toll if it keeps up. Have some damn Big Orange pride and cheer for us! You can still support the team if you don't like (hate) Phil! There are a lot of better ways to handle it though. Just my 2 cents....
4ss#446072 writes:
bigbluevol - it was Heath Shuler and he (coach Ford) said "I hope we get a knee"!!! talkin' about hoping that Heath would blow out his knee so they would have a chance to beat us. I believe the year was 91 or 92.....
4ss#446072 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
jsigjr1793 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
4ss#446072 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
4ss#446072 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
bigbluevol writes:
Well, I might have the quote mixed up but I do know that we played Arkansas in a day game with Peyton that was not televised.
Basketball_Jones writes:
The white receiver comment was uncalled for. What if you had said well you know he's dumb cause he recruiteed a black QB? I mean c'mon! I mean Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, Vince Young and so on have been good players. Also we had a really good receiver in Craig Faulkner. As I watched the Colts play yesterday they had a really good white/hispanic WR #11 in Gonzales. So don't be a racist, should Jason Seahorn not have been an NFL DB cause he's white?
Anyway, the reason Rogers is playing is because or system is so complex these freshman and juco guys can't grasp all the information (sarcasm). I mean in HS and juco they ran skinny posts, deep posts and fly patterns. At Tennessee it gets really complicated with bubble screens, 2 yard outs and 4 yard curl routes. Those kids just can't grasp the difficult pro-style offense (sarcasm). So this leave Rogers to play cause it has taken him 3 years to grasp this state of the art offense UT has. (sarcasm)
Now after my sacrastic paragraph, there is a sentence in this article that says it all "Moreno, a freshman, ranks eighth in the SEC with 86 yards per game" WOW!!!! a freshman who contributes. Hmm maybe there coaching staff knows a little something about developing young talent, unlike the ones we have who think it takes 3 years to grasp the 500 page playbook we have. To me that says that we have overpaid coaches (both head and assistant), coached who are unable to find a way to utilize the abilities of great athelets.
Georgia 41 UT 24.
DennisVols writes:
For years now I hold my breath ever time an opponet gets to 3rd down on UT. I have seen too many big plays given up by UT on 3rd and long. Yes there have been other times but the ones that have stuck out were on 3rd down.
If UT can stop the 3rd down conversions, force Stafford to throw more they will win this game. GA has lost 5 straight against the SEC East going back to the last UT-GA game.
Limiting mistakes is key in any game for any team. Bama gave up a overtime touchdown pass to GA that showed the D-back out of position on a play you knew was coming.
It won't be perfect and we will hear more of "we have to get better" talk after the game but UT wins this one because GA defense has more holes than ours. Look for Ainge to have another big day and Coker to have his coming out game for this year.
Keeping it Real!!!!!
oldbasshead writes:
With all the Fulmer bashing that has taken place (myself included) I thought it might be interesting to reverse this question. Would the coaches and players approve of the fan support? I thought it was interesting when Neyland Stadium didn't make ESPN's top 10 most scariest places for visiting teams (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns...). VaTech was second with 65,000 seats. I have been to a Tech game and I couldn't believe Lane Stadium was that much louder than Neyland. Even in the stands, it was so loud, I could not hear myself speak to the person beside me. In view of the magnitude of Saturday’s game, maybe it is time for the UT fans to focus on some fundamentals of making some noise other than bashing Phil and the players.
mjohnsonvols writes:
4ss I'm behind you 100%. You might as well not waist your time these idiots on here do notlisten and don't really care about TN football or the players.
GO VOLS.
SavDawg writes:
Guys, have a little faith in your team...last year we lost to vandy and kent. for heavens sake but we came back and one a few clutch games, thus salvaging our season. The lack of confidence and evidence of self pity from these posts is making me depressed...I never thought I would reveal this to a Vol fan but reading obnoxious and overly confident posts in the past was much more fun...keep your heads up. It will be a great game, it usually is, and everyone knows SEC games featuring teams with the type of history Ga. and Tenn. have are extememly hard to predict. Go Dawgs!
jdcvols#230433 writes:
mjohnson is back on the Kool-Aid.. Good gosh man, can't you see the forest for the trees!! All of the focus has been on CPF and his inability to turn this program around. I would love to win out but as skaggs keeps writing...Keep it real. I'm certainly down on CPF and have lost confidence in his abilities. I love the players and will support the team anyway...but we need a change. Idiots are idiots not people who don't see eye to eye especially when you are under the influence.
Vol43 writes:
Well according to little ole CRvol, diskaggs, mjohnsonvols and countless others are either idiots or simply ignorant. What an arrogant little dilweed he/she is.
TheGreaterGood writes:
CRVol is on a mission to fire fulmer. Doesn't everyone understand that by now? Just because he sounds like a Chihuahua every time the front door bell rings doesn't mean we should take him lightly. He is the undisputed leader of the Chihuahua pack here and is a force to be reckoned with. Don't you know he could wreck the entire athletic dept. budget by refusing to buy any more T-shirts and caps with UT logos?
auttat writes:
I like tools. Tools are great. So is CRVol! He is such a TOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
slojim writes:
auttat,
Your last post made me laugh out loud...snicker.
auttat writes:
SavDawg, thanks for bringing some clarity to the picture. Things have grown quite negative in the Vol Nation. Heard some rumors that GA fans were doggin Richt a few weeks back, though. That he is, maybe, too soft.
Nobody is ever satisfied, and the grass is always greener on the other side. Most of these idiots seem to think that posting on this site might actually make a difference.
Basketball_Jones writes:
You know up here in the Tri-Cities we try to "Stay the course" and we never leave home without our little bag of "magic dust" cause you never know when a crisis might arise and we'll all have to "get back to basics" for about 15 minutes a day.
How come when a fan bashes the coach he's not supporting the program and he/she is not a true Vol fan? To me the "True Vol Fans" are the ones looking for a better program and are tired of watching the football team barely stay above .500 since 1998. True Vol care that we are not ranked in the Top 10 of the scariest stadiums to play. True Vol fans don't "stay the course" they try to figure out a way to make our program better.
I don't personally know CRVol,DSaVol or jdc for that matter but I think they are true Vol fans who want this program to be feared and looked at like a Southern Cal or LSU. This ship can get turned around we just need a new admiral at the helm. If any of you can remember, 10 years ago the college football world was ruled by teams like Tennessee, Nebraska, FSU, Miami and Florida. Times have changed and out of all those schools only one has changed with it and thats Florida. Now there's some new kings of the gridiron with USC and LSU. Change is not a bad thing and right now this program needs a swift kick in the rear by some fresh faces and new ideas. Gone are the days of Lewis, Manning, Little, Carter and Pickens. This generation needs to make a name for itself and stop living off the past.
mjohnsonvols writes:
CRvol learn how to read I didn't say he was going to right the ship you idiot. I said I was behind 4ss for suporting the players and the team. I don't think I said anything about Fulmer. Man what real stupids we have on this web page.
TheGreaterGood writes:
Don't get us wrong CRVol. We feel your pain. Your self-portrayal is so consistent and vivid, how could we not? We know exactly how you suffer when your parents ground you for the week-end or force you to go out and mow the lawn.
4ss#446072 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
mjohnsonvols writes:
CRvol not trying to make you mad or to whoever said I was on the so called this old saying I'm on the kool aid. Listen I think we are vol fans on this page and we all agree that if Fulmer does not right the ship and we go 8-4 again then we need a change I'm with everybody on that. If and it is big if the vols turn this around win Saturday and keep on winning and go to Atlanta then do we get off his back or do we jump on it more. I really don't know where we draw the line. I know we have been down for a few years now but what if we make it to Atlanta and get beat but are competitive in the game with LSU. Do we still want to fire him. What if we win and get beat by Oklahoma in the Sugar bowl do we fire him then. What I'm trying to say is let's just see what happens and support the young men. I think that is what all of us so called Kool aid drinkers are saying. CRvol I think some of your post are funny. Just trying to get you started a little. I know you love the vols as do the others on here.
TheGreaterGood writes:
What we wish we could ignore, CRVol, is your screaming belief that Tennesse football, whether this year or its entire history, has no other purpose than to meet your demands for instant gratification. Your undiviating fire fulmer yip yip yip and yap yap yap is like a Chihuahua responding to a doorbell ring, and can hardly be ignored. Although a smart smack with a rolled up newspaper can sometimes send the puppy to cower under he sofa.
sampears writes:
I wish I could feel excited, like I used too, when ever UT played knowing we would fight hard and most likely win. I am almost sick about seeing the game this weekend. Also, I can not remember the last time UT was not on TV for an SEC game, when was that? How much money does UT loose by being off of TV? Well, at least there's John Ward. WIAT...dang we are screwed!
OldNumber7 writes:
4ss - you have already demonstrated that you are being classless about it - just look at your temper and language. Most folks on these boards have been saying all along they support the players and team but want these coaches out - not sure what you've been reading, but you obviously have not been a regular contributor - nor have you offered any suggestions on making forward progress. You claim to want "new energy" for the program yet you explode when someone says get rid of Phil? I am confused. The team supporters want this new energy you speak of, and are supporting the players by suggesting they deserve better.
Mjohnson - I've been hoping for years that we would suddenly get "competitive". I think Phil can change - Bear Bryant did. But he appears to be very stubborn in his ways. One of two things must happen 1) change, or 2) Phil get out of the way of progress.
DennisVols writes:
UGA: supect defense, poor against the pass, over-rated QB who has never lived up to his five star rating coming out of high school. Struggled against an Ole Miss squad that ranks last in most SEC offense cat.s
Bama: The glass slipper is off. Lost to GA at home with blow coverage and poor excution on offense. Followed that with an even poorer performance against a FSU team that has had an even worse offense.
Ark: Two imposing running backs but a defense that gives up everything the offense gives them. Already 2 loses and that will probably cost them a Heisman as well as a shot at Atlanta.
UK: They are scary on offense. No one can say different. They will be the toughest team we face the rest of the year. The defense is still supect and the best case is to get a running attack and keep the ball away. (I know we have yet to do that)
Vandy: Always a tough game for UT. Inter-state rivials always are. UT's depth and home crowd (believing real fans will still support the team) should make the difference. (I know it did not last time)
Missy State: No team is a given this year. Look at last weekend. UT has the talent and the depth to win this one. Probably close till the 4th qtr.
USC: Spurrier has been a torn in a lot of teams back for yrs no matter who he coaches. This game will be decided late again with UT winning it close.
I know there are opposing thoughts on this and I'm sure I'll hear them.
I am a UT Vols, fan,& alum so I chose to believe rather than sulk and doubt.
But hey it's America it's your choice.
Keeping it Real!!!!!
bigbluevol writes:
aingehater, I hate to tell you this but Chris Brown is actually playing phenomenal football this year: two TD's vs. Cal and the all out heart play hurdling for the first down, touchdown vs Florida, touchdown vs. Arkansas St. Doesn't go anywhere? Brad Cottam can't stay healthy and Jeff Cottam doesn't seem able to run beyond his own shadow or consistently catch. Plus, doesn't promoting the Cottams go against your hatred of white receivers?
bigbluevol writes:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...
This is a nice link about Mr. Tony Joiner at UF. Aingehater, te's catch the ball too though, so they are techinically receivers and the Cottams vs. Brown is no contest. Brown, Ainge, Taylor and Coker are our brightest spots on offense.
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.