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
Tennessee's Erik Ainge stands in some elite company among quarterbacks nationwide, and it has little to do with the senior's right arm.
Through four games this season, Ainge has been sacked only once, something no other quarterback in the country can boast.
And for Ainge to be effective Saturday against No. 12 Georgia (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.), he needs to be standing upright.
So far at least, that's been the case.
As a team UT's two sacks allowed are tied with four other teams for the fewest allowed nationally, and its 0.5 sacks allowed per game are tied for second.
It's not just sacks, either. Through four games, UT's opponents have recorded just five quarterback hurries.
Like most things in football, it's a team effort. And it starts up front.
"We're not just big, heavy guys," junior offensive guard Anthony Parker said. "We can move pretty good, and that's actually helping us in the passing game."
The Vols allowed the third fewest sacks per game in the SEC and just 19 total in 2006, the same number they yielded in 2005.
This year, they're on an even better pace.
Offensive line coach Greg Adkins credits a variety of factors for Tennessee's ability to keep opposing defenses away from Ainge, starting with the play calling of offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.
"Coach Cut does a great job of mixing our protections up," Adkins said. "We're not always in a drop-back mode. We're moving the pocket, throwing in some perimeter games and Erik's doing a good job getting the ball out.
"When all those things occur - and we're running good routes and getting open - all those things have to come together for pass protection to be good."
The last two weeks, it's been great.
Cal linebacker Zack Follett got the best shot on Ainge of the entire season, coming free off the weakside on UT's first offensive possession of the season and knocking the ball loose.
But a late sack of backup quarterback Jonathan Crompton against Southern Miss is the last time a UT quarterback dropped back to pass and wound up dropped for a loss.
That's not lost on Ainge, who enters Saturday's game having thrown 160 consecutive passes without being sacked.
"From the play-calling to the tight ends and running backs blocking to me getting them blocking the right guys and knowing who's coming free and getting it out quick, there's a lot that goes into not giving up sacks," Ainge said. "But it all starts with the five up front, and they've been doing such a good job."
Ainge has done plenty to help himself, too.
Adkins said UT's quarterback deserves a pat on the back for making the right protection calls at the line of scrimmage, which comes from knowing the weak spots in a particular protection and how to get it fixed before the snap.
"If we're all on the same page of what he's seeing and what he's called up front, it's a matter of just executing the protection from that standpoint," Adkins said. "He does a great job just getting the ball out of his hand. That's a huge plus."
The test gets tougher this week.
Even though the Bulldogs don't have accomplished pass rushers like Charles Johnson or Quentin Moses from a year ago, they've recorded nine sacks. Middle linebacker Marcus Washington leads the way with two.
And as the Vols progress through their SEC schedule with a run game that has yet to be productive on a consistent basis, pass protection will continue to be key.
"You've got to keep the quarterback clean," Adkins said. "If you keep him clean, he's got a chance to see things as they develop. It's always a sense of pride in keeping your quarterback clean and not getting him hit.
"For the most past, we've done pretty well with it."
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 35
smith7206 writes:
Say, what's up with no bashing of the staff being posted yet? Guess it's hard to come up with anything negative to say about this article since it's just stating obvious facts, huh?
Anyway, I think the run game will open up, making the O'line look even better, *if* a healing pinky reveals a deep threat.
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
Kinda hard to sack a QB when all he throws are 5 yard passes in the flats!
Duhhhhhhhhhhhh!
ThaiVolFan writes:
Maybe we should think about telling the o-line it's a pass play when it's actually a run, maybe then we can get a block or two in the run game since all they can do is pass block. Reverse Psychology anybody?
Go Vols!
raynochonspeed#212632 writes:
No mention, of course, of how big that one sack on Ainge was.
It was the sack/forced fumble/return for TD during that first drive against Cal. We never led, and, it seems, have been playing catch-up ever since.
scvols writes:
I thought a good passing game opened up the running game. Why do you think that has not happen?
eb502us#225637 writes:
Lets see......we have an offensive line that is much better at pass blocking than run blocking but instead of calling pass plays down the field where Ainge would seem to have time for the play to develop, we run a dink and dunk offense as though our offensive line allows defenders a straight shot at the QB. And some of you people think our coaches have a clue? I say fire them all except for Brooks, Taylor, Chavis and Caldwell.
abrown#232236 writes:
Yes -- I agree. We have yet to see a brand of fottball that demands those O-lineman to hold their blocks for more than a 2 count. All over the SEC, I have friends that note the demise of UT's run blocking in the last 5 years. That we have a systemic O-line problem is widely known.
ThaiVolFan writes:
TDTN - glad you caught my sarcasm
10ACVOL writes:
OH if I were a conspiracy theorist: Would Ainge be playing with a broke pinky if he wasn't a senior? Seems he is the only one benefitting from this season. Stats largely padded. Comp%, career highs in single game yardage, all to be rewarded on draft day...Think about how predictable our offense is, now throw in a QB with a broke finger that can't hit a receiver on a route longer than 12 yds. His injury is national news, makes opposing def coordinators jobs a lot easier.
smith7206 writes:
rayonmeth, if the article simply read "Ainge has only been sacked once this year but it resulted in two losses" you would now be happy, right?
jraymud, you ever heard of Lucas Taylor, Josh Briscoe or Austin Rogers? I think they've shown who can catch the ball and will do so downfield if given the opportunity.
VolsFan17 writes:
I'm thinking that the finger is probably all healed up now. Hopefully, that will allow us to stretch the defense and therefore open up the running game. If that happens, we can keep our defense off the field and rested and keep the UGA defense on the field and worn out. This will be key if it's a close game in the fourth quarter.
jsigjr1793 writes:
i agree with you ilove_football we need to get a clean start on whole football program we should hire gruden and get rid of mike hamilton,but i think fulmer needs to be gone we are overpaying him for a crapppy season he isnt getting the job done and ut athletics is just asking fo more money every season and as a ticket holder it is pissin me off...
DennisVols writes:
UT's passing game ranks in the top of the SEC and the nation. Football is played 10 yards at a time. Getting first downs doesn't have to come in 40-50 tard chuncks. Ball control is necessary in any game. GA has two good running backs but have proven to be inconsistant. Look for Coker to have his break out game abusing the corners and taking advantage of GA inexperienced defense. GA defense has struggled all year against less offensive powers.
This so called powerful offense of GA's could not cross the goal line against USC. They struggled against Old Miss and even Richt stated his concerns that Old Miss offense line controled his defense.
Keeping it Real!!!!!
jdcvols#230433 writes:
ilove, glad to see that you are in the sauce again. If GA clobbers us this weekend, are you going to continue with the "if we win out, then....." phooey.
You act like that people are upset with CPF over an isolated incident or something. The TREND is what we are upset about and that is why people are calling for a change. It's the TREND. Sober up.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
ilove, I don't agree with trashing the players. My whole focus has been on CPF and the obvious downward trend in FB. With all of UT's resources and monies, we deserve better. I did not say "owe". There are many coaches out there that would kill to have a chance at UT especially with $2.0M on the table. I just wished that CPF had paid more attention to the job after the 1998 season and kept a good trend going. I'm being realistic in thinking that he is out of time.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Guys, we need to give credit where it's due. Pass protection has been the brightest spot thus far into this miserable, dismal season. The offensive line has done an outsanding job of protecting Ainge and it should be ackowledged, as in the article.
vol4jesus writes:
Cr___ you are a model of consisitency for sure. If the sun is out I can count on you to find a cloud. If you receive a free $110 bill from a benefactor I believe I could count on you to say it was folded or had a crease in it. If Tennessee was to beat Georgia by 29 points I believe you would say it should have been 30 or more. I believe I could count on you to find the tin lining in the cloud and not silver. Why do I have these thoughts ewe say? I have post after post of yours showing your optimistic stance on the players and especially the coach. For a while you and others said when does bball start and now that so called sacred cow is tarnished. So where do we go for optimism? No not John Adams. I confess I'll go to my ORANGE KOOL-AID drinking buddies. At least we can laugh,smile and live life without always having a dour outlook on life. No the sky is not falling boys and girls just a rough day on the gridiron for our beloved VOLS. But we still pull for the team and expect changes if the 'course stayed' turns into the Titanic Vol navy going down. Until then we drink the Kool-aid and support the young men in ORANGE AND WHITE!!
vol4jesus writes:
Correction: $100 bill, not $110.
mikeb3100 writes:
if you find a $110 bill you should give it to fulmer so he can donate such a rare find to the university and bribe them to keep his job, or don't and we can get a decent coach in here to return UT where it belongs
GoVol writes:
It's real simple. Ainge isn't sacked because he gets rid of the ball so quickly. The dink & dunk passing only takes 2 seconds. Also, if you really watch Ainge, his ability to look at a 2nd or 3rd receiver isn't all that great. If the primary receiver isn't open, he usually throws it away. His ability to 'create' a play is very limited and been taught to not do this....made poor decisions 2 years ago when he had that horrific season prior to coach Cut coming in. Ainge is good, smart and a an excellent leader, but not really all that athletically gifted.
The D needs to play agressive and tackle to beat GA.
Go vols!!
takebkknox writes:
Our offense is doing very well. Ainge has all the time he needs. Getting very little pressure. Our running game has actually been productive when it's called upon. Cut should be running the ball more. We tackle, we cheer, we win.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
sjt18, your right. Coach Cut knows QB's and has improved Ainge especially in game management. Ainge is taking what the defense is giving him. They are not allowing the deep ball and notice that the defenses are sending only the 4 down linemen leaving 7 to defend the pass. He has to throw underneath and you will have a lot of 3-8 yard plays. Call in dink and dunk if you want to...but that is what the defense is forcing....if we only had an effective running game...this would change.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
ilove...right back at you!!!! Look in the mirror and substitute your name for CRVOLS. GET THE PICTURE>
wyomingvol writes:
I You are firing the whole coaching staff, SJT,
PLEASE< PLEASE< PLEASE take Chavis with them!
Our D has sucked big time, especially wilting in the 4th on game winning drives, the last 4 years or so...
vol4jesus writes:
CR___not vOl where in the tarnation did ewe dig out from some tree stump that I am an anti-semite. For Heavens sake my boss is a Jewish carpenter. Ilove was correct about you in knowing your stuff and blowing your stuff. Ain't trying to convert ya tho. Ya see I don't hav ta see ma name in print to get 'sited bout life ya know. Some folk thrive in self-worship ya know? Its kinda like a sickness ya know. They can't get enuff of self. Like a junky gotta have a fix to keep ona pluggin. Well I think tha church bells a'ringin so I need to ta mosey on to wednesday prayer meeting. Ya'll have a goodern and try to be civil with anuther.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
Touchdown, nobody is scared of anything but our kickers.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Georgia is coming and licking their chops..Oh they cheered too when Florida lost and they think that they can win again for the 4th time at Neyland..and they do remember what the score was last year.
footballrules writes:
this article is a joke...we could all go out and throw 5-yard routes..thats hot!!
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
With Crompton at least alternating with Ainge, we would be 3-1 instead of 2-2.
Oh I forgot.I have never coached or won a championship.
Please forgive me for posting!
Run for the hills Smokey!
bigbluevol writes:
NCColt why don't you just admit you are Crompton? Or a member of his family? We would not be 3-1 with him rotating, unless he was rotating at linebacker, maybe. Ainge hasn't been the problem. He's played well. Crompton would not have improved our record.
west_tn_volfan writes:
Why is it if a person isn't satisfied with an 8-4 record and if a person demands excellence,he isn't a real fan? It would seem to me that a real fan would get sick of seeing his team being the victim on someone elses highlight film.People who are satisfied with mediocrity don't do much for a program.If you will settle for mediocrity thats what you'll get,if you demand excellence thats what you'll get.Call me crazy but I prefer excellence. I support tennessee football and thats why I'm ready for a coaching change.
go vols
wyomingvol writes:
Hey, statistically the D looked good those years.
What statistics don't show is numerous 4th quarter defensive melt downs. FLA and LSU last year. SC 05, VANDY 05, yes, they had a first round pick at QB, but we had plenty of draft picks on defense in '05.
I think We started to lose the edge after UGA drove down the field in 02 or 03 and scored with 6 seconds left.
Just my thoughts, the D hasn't been big when needed or protected a lead in the 4th in a long time. Oh, and we were lucky as possible vs. SC and Kentucky last year.
Fortunately ;), we havent' had to worry about protecting a lead this year!
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
Blue and Touchdown:Please forgive my ignorance.For some strange reason I though maybe having a QB who could run and throw the deep pass might have helped us.
My bad.You guys are the x-spurts!
Go Vols!
Oh.The dawgs will score at least 7 off another Ainge turnover.
God bless you all!
invisiblekid writes:
In response to the Crompton and Ainge comparisons, if the coaching is to be trusted, they believe Ainge with a broken finger gives them a better chance to win than Crompton at 100%. As far as trying a 2 QB system, last time that happened was an unmitigated disaster, see 2005. Personally, I don't believe this staff has the guts or imagination to try what Meyer did last year with Tebow and Leak. When they do try a new wrinkle, like putting Crompton or Taylor in, it sends up a signal flare to the defense and says "we are running a draw play here". The only time they changed things up recently, I believe it resulted in about a 48 yard Taylor to Coker TD.
invisiblekid writes:
As far as the offensive line goes, it's great that they haven't given up many sacks and a testament to their ability. The sack total goes along with Ainge and Cutcliffe's ability to devise a passing scheme that gets the ball out of his hands quickly as well. That being said, the line has been inconsistent at best in the running game. Last I checked, there haven't been any offensive linemen who went to the hall of fame or had their jerseys retired based strictly on pass blocking. Controlling tempo and finishing games still requires a solid running game IMO. Problems with the running game are compounded in that, when they actually do have the blocking, the RB's miss the read and wind up going straight into the pile.
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