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Tennessee tailback Arian Foster celebrates beating Georgia 35-14 on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Gameday
Links
- Vol Report: Published Oct. 7, 2007
- PostGame audio slide show: UT vs. Georgia
- Box Score: UT vs. Georgia
- Watching with Ward: Review the game, play-by-play
Articles
- ‘Putting it together’
- Vols show some power with running game
- Numbers add up to a dominant defensive effort
- New formation, Colquitt aid kick coverage
- Dawgs' Richt: 'They beat us soundly'
- Adams: Change of identity alters season's course
Vol Audio
- Dave Hooker interviews OL coach Greg Adkins
- Dave Hooker interviews RB coach Kurt Roper on UT's new punt formation
- Dave Hooker interviews offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe
- Dave Hooker interviews WR coach Trooper Taylor
- Dave Hooker interviews DB coach Larry Slade
- Dave Hooker interviews WR Austin Rogers about UT's running game against Georgia
Tennessee Stat Book
As Tennessee players ran off the field at halftime, it's a wonder security guards didn't check them for identification. Did you recognize those guys?
You didn't see them in California for the season opener. They were nowhere near The Swamp last month.
But they were everywhere Georgia turned at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
UT had 28 points in the first half. Georgia had two first downs.
The Vols were off and running to a 35-14 victory against the 12th-ranked Bulldogs. It was a shocking performance for a team that was blown out by the Gators and soundly defeated by Cal.
And no one looked more shocked than the Bulldogs. They wouldn't have looked any worse in the first half if the New England Patriots had shown up in UT jerseys.
Has any UT team ever done more with an open date?
The Vols didn't just improve in the last two weeks. They changed their identity.
The team that too often couldn't run the football ran. The team that couldn't tackle tackled.
And the team that looked so incompetent against Florida looked like the best team in the SEC East against Georgia.
Some UT fans began the afternoon wondering who their next coach would be. Now, they might be wondering if they should make reservations in Atlanta for the SEC championship game.
OK, so maybe I'm getting carried away. But in a division where the play has been so uneven from one Saturday to the next, the journey from worst to first isn't what it used to be.
Was this an aberration? Possibly.
Never mind the Cal and Florida debacles. The Vols gave up 27 points to Arkansas State two weeks ago. That's still on the books.
Also, you have to wonder what's going on with Georgia. The Bulldogs had only 12 points in a loss to South Carolina last month, but they were good enough to beat Alabama in overtime in Tuscaloosa. Although Georgia defeated Ole Miss 45-17 in their last outing, the game was tied at 17-all late in the third quarter.
Credit the Vols with finishing what Ole Miss started. Their offensive line often dominated Georgia's defensive front. When it didn't, their running backs broke tackles. Quarterback Erik Ainge was nearly flawless in his passing, and the Vols didn't drop a pass.
Wide receiver Lucas Taylor was perfect in his passing. He completed a 56-yard touchdown pass to LaMarcus Coker, who couldn't have been more open if he had been hiding on the sideline when the ball was snapped.
The Vols not only beat the Bulldogs. They fooled them.
And that was just the offense.
Georgia rushed for 328 yards against Ole Miss but managed only 69 against the Vols. Sure, the Rebels have the worst defense in the SEC, but UT's hadn't been that much better until Saturday.
The Vols stonewalled Georgia on its first possession and didn't allow the Bulldogs to cross midfield until the third quarter. Running backs Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown, who combined for 270 yards against Ole Miss, had 50 on 19 carries against the Vols. Georgia's passing game wasn't much better.
Heavens to Henderson! I haven't even mentioned UT's special teams.
Georgia's Mikey Henderson, who returned a punt for a touchdown last year against UT, was no factor against the worst-ranked punt-coverage team in the country. The Vols didn't just cover punts against Georgia. They covered everything, including a betting line that had them as only a one-point favorite.
The Vols haven't looked this good in Neyland Stadium since the 2006 season opener when they led Cal 35-0 after three quarters. That victory began their comeback from a 5-6 season in 2005.
Maybe this was the start of something, too.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 45
revjulian writes:
I wonder how many doubters and detractors that have posted negative comments on here about Fulmer and the team are going to start jumping back on the wagon?
volgrog#210164 writes:
Adams, you are a smarmy, weak-minded, smartass twit who doesn't know football from soccer. Your reporting and your reporters had all but buried Tenessee and coach Fulmer in these columns and on the radio.
As long as I'm calling you names, I guess I'll also hit you with some facts about coaching changes. I know you've used "facts" to call out Fulmer this year.
First, coaching changes often are done in bunches, not once. The classic example is Alabama. They have had 4 coaches in the last 10 years and 6 coaches in the last 20 years. In the last 10 years, they have had 3 losing seasons and 3 seasons with less than 7 wins. They have won the SEC exactly 0 times. Last year, they had to pay Saban 4 million per year (Double the going rate) after their first choice backed out, sensing unreasonable expectations and too much insecurity in Tuscaloosa. Coaches don't just automatically come to an Alabama (or Tennessee) anymore. They can make as much money and have less hassles at the places they are currently coaching. So you are implying that we are smarter and more attractive than Alabama in getting a new coach?
Another example--Georgia. They had at least 9 years of average to bad football before they hired Richt and 2 different coaches. If that is not enough, look at LSU. Before Saban, they had 20 years of mediocre to bad football with DiNardo, Archer, etc.
Even Florida had a down cycle with Zook, and all you have to do in Florida to win is show up. Meyer signed 6 guys from 1 school last year.
So when you or your team of "reporters" starts writing that the team is somehow now soft, or questioning whether it is time for a change, you should not just look inside the program.
Maybe we need to look outside for new sports writers in Knoxville. I think the current ones have have lost their drive and their passion. They are too inbred and have just gotten too lazy to really do their research. They just aren't on the top of their game. Just look at GoVolsXTRA, they can't even get people to pay for the site anymore.
jawjavol writes:
It is safe to show the Orange for another year hear in Atlanta. I warned all my dawg friends to not call me after the game unless they were willing to talk beforehand. I don't have the heart to talk smack right now. I am not sure what or who I watched today! These dawgs are about what I expected from this years squad. I am not sure how they got to #12 with a loss. I guess the voters like a head coach who can stunt double for Helen Hunt.
I like Fulmer and what he has meant to Tennessee but right now I think I am even madder than before. CPF is our CEO and he has allowed lapses to occur on his watch that are not corrected until the wolves howl. Do I discipline this year or wait til 9 players are arrested. Do I teach tackling fundamentals or try to assess the best way to handle the new kick-off implications in the off season or wait until two embarassing losses render most of the seasons goals unattainable. My beloved Vols seem to be stuck with a CEO whose performance would have him removed from most Fortune 500 positions.
MrBamSeydu writes:
INJURY UPDATE: Brent Vinson's shoulder is just a banged up previous injury. He came to UT with it and has played with it and should be fine, but is expected to have surgery on it after the season. Also, Eric Young had a slight concussion and could miss a few days of practice. Good news.
budd#207344 writes:
jawjavol you are as correct as can be. I too have a great deal of respect for what CPF has done for us. But he and his staff have gotten content and allowed the program to slip. Nothing has passed him by as today's great victory shows. But he can no longer rest on his laurels. This is a business like any other and you must produce or be replaced. Remember CPF is the one who set the bar at this height. He needs to keep reaching for that bar every time
thevol writes:
I bet a lot of people lost money on this game today.
DennisVols writes:
Face the fact. This was what all Big Orange fans expected from this team for a while now. I know all about that this was just one win and just one game.
This was by far a total package for UT. Denfense is starting to gel and play without resversations. The O-line controled GA and we ran with conviction. Fulmer did the job he needed to do and prepared this team.
Was it enough no, but it was a very positive start to what can still be a good season.
Go Vols!!!!!
Keeping it Real
marinevol writes:
Georgia thinks it was enough.
ibvolman writes:
Great win, and a good start in the right direction. Let's just hope this continues and carries on to the rest of the games. This is the UT football team we have been waiting to see for the past few years. I hope the same players that played today continue to show up. If not...
BigVolinCarolina writes:
I like the UT "team" that showed up today. Not only did players have a spring in their step, but we were not out-schemed, as has been the case in the past few years when we lose games.
Today, our defense was in the right position to make plays--and made plays by making tackles. Offensively, we didn't use anything today that we haven't used in the past. Our offense was in places that Georgia's defense was not. The simple difference was that we just weren't PREDICTABLE on offense!
I would hope that folks wouldn't have staked Fulmer's job security on the game today. A loss today shouldn't have cost him his job, but a win shouldn't preserve his job, either.
I am for the Vols and I truly hope they win out. That said, it's still a long season. If things don't go well for the Vols from here on out, this game could come back and bite Fulmer in the rear-end.
I'm Tennessee born and Tennessee bred, and when I die I'll be Tennessee dead. And I'm an alum, too!
Hunter writes:
I asked my wife earlier today if she thought USC (Trojans) and UT were on a new TLC special "Trading Uniforms" (tonight's upset makes me wonder even more). The same could be asked of John Adams - who stole his laptop???
Glad to see the Vols back on the right track. I'll feel A LOT better driving to Starkville next weekend!
steve22043#233791 writes:
Where's CRVol? He must really feel like a fool now. I'd still like to see us get a coach who can keep his own body in shape but I'll always cheer for the Vols!
andy112382#209793 writes:
If we play like this the rest of the season, we'll see LSU in the SEC championship game.
That being said, they just have to keep practicing and improving and just build on this win, still lots of season left.
The thing that has me most excited, though, is how young this team is, and I figured that they would get better as the season went on and all the way through next season. It's just a fact of life, this is a young team, and they sure did have a growth spurt during the off week!
Keep it up! GO VOLS!!! Thanks for makin' us proud, guys!
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Yes, savor the victory an return to form, but remember: this is one game. In fact, it's the only game this season where Tennessee has actually looked like the Tennessee we all know, love and remember.
For me, the jury is still out until the end of bowl season. As Coach Fulmer probably said to the players after the game: "What are you going to do with it?"
snowvol writes:
Good game, good win. That first half was probably the best UT has played in a long, long time. To seek some balance and perspective, consider this though: The Florida-LSU game tonight...did anyone watching that game actually think we have the athletes to compete with LSU, should the Vols and Tigers get to Atlanta? The Florida team that made us look stupid was again on the field tonight and controlled much of the game, in Death Valley, playing the #1 team in the nation...and then what LSU did in the 4th quarter, down 10 to come back and win, was about as impressive a performance -- from the coaches to the players -- as any this season. As happy as I was with our win, the reality is that we aren't in the same league with LSU...or Florida, for that matter. The point here is that there still remains a huge disparity between where we're at, even when we play well like we did today, and the teams one big level above us. A great win like we had today unfortunately doesn't change any of that.
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
Posted by CRVol on Oct.2 2007 at 2:26 p.m.
I'll lay whatever price you want to name that we will not beat UGA by 21 points as you tend to believe.
Posted by jwraymond1 on October 2, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. aj-your prediction of us winning by 21pts is a joke. Who is going to score 5 TD's for us?
The good:Coach Fulmer The Bad:CRVol The ugly:his cronies- You know who you are.
mikejohn11 writes:
All of you loving on Tennessee better wake-up 3 weeks watching everybody complain and we finally show up to play one decent game and all of a sudden it's Fulmer is King again. Bull phooey. Why does it take Fulmer getting POd to make his team perform. This was one stinking game. I am proud of them, I really am. They looked awesome, but they have to learn how to play like that consistently before anyone can say they have returned to the UT of old.
snafu14u#241639 writes:
It's a shame that you have to hold Fulmer's feet so close to the fire to get a performace like this out of him and the Vols. Now for the rest of the SEC schedule.Where were these Vols the last five weeks? Can they do it the rest of the season and into a bowl game?Jury's still out as far as I'm concerned.I hope this is the real level of talent/commintment, but I've been fooled before.The real test for me is USC and Bama (I really dislike Bama).Go Big Orange.bonzaivol
ballou1024 writes:
Told u so!
cnalumni writes:
Lets not get to carried away with talks of of an SEC championship. Kudos for UT taking advantage of an open date and being fired up, but winning the east will still be unlikely. GA obviously is not that good and they looked slow and intimidated. Ut played with a lot of emotion today, we will see just how far that emotion will take them in the next 2 weeks. Miss state and Alabama are more physical than whimpy GA.
bloodrunsorange writes:
THANK YOU VOLGROG!
threehundredbowler writes:
volgrog,I am people and I would be glad to pay again.Paying for this site would eliminate all the free loaders that are here now.Where were most of you when you had to pay?Please reinstate the pay site and bring back busybody.
Colliervol writes:
Certainly a pleasant surprise Saturday but come on guys. It's one game and one step. They can take another one at Starkville next Saturday.
I felt good about this particular game because I thought Georgia had issues just like every other team on our schedule the rest of the way. But in no way does that erase my memory of the ineptitude we showed against higher level competition. And we really won't get another chance at a team like that unless we meet LSU in Atlanta. Then we'd get a chance to really prove it. Yesterday was step in the right direction though. Let's see if we can take another one.
Taylor writes:
Let's keep things in perspective---UGA has lost six straight to SEC East opponents and are extremely young. Don't get me wrong, this was a terrific win, but UGA was terribly overrated at #12. We will face much bigger tasks against Miss. State (yes, Miss State), South Carolina, Kentucky and Arkansas. You can say what you want about John Adams, but IMO he's one of the best, most interesting writers in the country. He likes to stir things up and is always entertainings; he's the first article I read. ....and, no, I'm not related.
DSaVol writes:
Saturday was obviously a great win for this team. However - for all you Fulmer supporters - it is ONE game! Please explain where the effort, execution, preparation, creativity and attitude we saw yesterday has been for the last 5 years? Or better yet, why it only manages to show itself once or twice a season? Nothing has changed in my mind until this staff raises the program back to a level that NOBODY is asking "Who are these guys?" when we play well. That performance yesterday should be (and used to be) the norm and not the exception.
eefor10c writes:
Thank you 66cheVolet. Way to call CRvol and the other anti-Fulmer people out. It was great for you to throw their own words in their faces. Its great to be able to read posts without having to endure the same old stuff stated fifteen to twenty times in a 23 hour period. Its good to hear from the Silent Majority. I think that its time for a change at the top in the KNS. That, of course, would be Adams. He spent all week building the Dawgs up and letting his other henchmen put the Vols down. How about your picks the last two weeks, John. You missed way too many. Obviously the game has passed you by! I think that the anti-Fulmer crowd must have staying away from yesterday's game because the crowd was INCREDIBLE in its support for OUR TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS!!!!!!!!!
ncvol17 writes:
KUDOS to the Vols..Kudos to the performance in this game.
That said, just because you are disappointed by our recent performances - 12-9 in SEC games at home isn't it doesn't mean you re a VOL hater..
i went to the CAL game this year and was very very disappointed in our performance.. I am a 79 graduate , a 25 year contributor & season ticket holder... I live 6 hours from K-town and make the journey to the mecca ( I miss Sam & Andy's and the ROMAN Room) to our games... but I reserve the right to criticize the coaches and the teams performance. I feel I have paid the price with long term loyalty to the overall program from Bill Battle thru Johhny to Phil..
Eric Zier are you crying?
Mr_Brownstone writes:
I knew we were in good shape when I saw Steve Shaw wasn't officiating.
Chainsaw writes:
"I guess the voters like a head coach who can stunt double for Helen Hunt."
LOL. Instant classic.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
thanks ncvol17 for putting some clarity to this issue... its not about hating the vols its about expectations that have been passed on from generation to generation....... our expectations are higher than average and we've been average for to many years..... SO WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO QUESTION THE DIRECTION OF THE VOLS.......
no go back to the cooler and get some more kool-aid
FireJohnAdams writes:
Congrats to Coach Fulmer and the Vol players. I hope they realize there are a LOT of folks out here who support them, in spite of the Ultimate Monday-Morning-Coach John Adams and a bunch of negative posters who merely like to read what they print. Everyone's entitled to an opinion. Here's mine: we all like "wins" and nobody likes a loss, but the game is played because one never knows the outcome ahead of time. In between, we sometimes have to put up with the Football Experts like John Adams and CRVol. Have a great day!
rkastens writes:
One great win doesn't make Coach Fulmer the greatest coach any more than one terrible loss makes him a horrible coach. I celebrate and say congratulations to the team and coaches on a terrific win yesterday.
I am still concerned with the overall trajectory of the Tennessee program. I do appreciate all that coach Fulmer has done for the UT program over the years. Let's honor that. But I still think it is time for a new coach to infuse new excitement and life into the program.
The level of hatred and venom often seen in scome of these comments are uncalled for. Even if some of us do feel it is time for a new coach. We are still talking about a man; a husband; and a dad.
aj_vol#248433 writes:
About time you showed up CRVol.
Do you still think I was lying about watching the Ole Miss - UGA replay?
I wasn't exactly right with my prediction (38-17), but darn near the final score (35-14).
How does that crow taste anyway?
Looks like Fulmer has "exposed" the true "genius" of Coach Richt; last 4 games vs UGA, Vols are 3-1.
Before attacking everyone that supports Fulmer and his staff, why not just see what happens the next 7 weeks?
SECCG in Atlanta is now a real possibility.
jandjhome#228397 writes:
I have it figured out guys. We need to start the fire Fulmer barrage as soon as practice starts in August. This will motivate him into beating Florida. We also need for Pennington to write an article in August that will piss Fulmer off, this will cinch a win over the Gators.
CrankE writes:
As John Adams ran out of the press box at halftime, it's a wonder security guards didn't check him for identification. Did you recognize that guy?
The guy who couldn't find anything bad to say about any opponent of Tennessee's, suddenly couldn't find enough good things to say about Tennessee.
Whatever.
________________________
Whereas Tennessee has played well above and below their potential for the last several years and...
Whereas Tennessee has consistently been at their very best when their backs are to the wall and Coach Philip Fulmer is challenged and...
Whereas we all want for Tennessee to be at their very best each and every single game,
I hereby commence the Phil's Fiery Furnace committee. Our objective will be to turn up the heat to the level of a furnace on head coach Philip Fulmer. In this way, we will be doing our part to ensure that the coach, and therefore the team will play at their very best each and every week.
Go Vols (or else)!!!
asleep#212036 writes:
My opinion is that Fulmer allowed UT to drift away from what made them great in the 90's. Even when almighty Peyton was there, when we were successful, we ran more than we threw. SEC football hasn't changed over the 75 years, even if the coaches have. How did LSU beat UF last night? They stayed with the run and made it work. How did we blow Georgia off the field? We decided to run, stayed with it, and made it work. How could we have made our earlier two losses competitive, if not wins? We should have run more and made it work. Now that we (hopefully) get it, the rest of the season should go much smoother. One question? Is anyone else incredulous that Georgia is still ranked in front of UT, both with 2 losses? Talk about a pile of pooh! Go Vols!
patmd writes:
During the most recent years, Fulmer was able to avoid retirement by having an occasional success among multiple failures. We won't know if this is the same pattern until the end of the season. However, I think the recent articles in this newpaper and the Memphis paper are warranted and right thinking. Fulmer clearly doesn't think the premise is appropriate, but I wonder if he would have had the same enthusiasm and intensity had they not been written. How long has it been since his players saw him get excited before the Georgia game? I say keep the heat on - if he is deserving then he'll deliver more consistently.
phi0129 writes:
Cr, I said the same thing. When are the only 2 times there has been speculation about Fulmer losing his job? Last year before Cal and this year before GA. The two most dominant performances of the last 7 years...Hmm we may be onto something here. I love how all the Fulmer supporters are so eager to try and throw this in everyone's face. Do you really think people like CRvol and others really want to dog UT on here? It's calling it like you see it. How could UT fans not be upset and think Fulmer could get the job done considering his track record in the 00's? Nothing was proved today except that we have the talent we have been talking about all along...Now that we know we can win out, what are all ya'll gonna say if we lose 2 or 3 more games?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Stupid article. UGA is not very good. That being said, UT did it's job.
Tha Cal game? Give me a break. That wasn't a sound beating. The Vols offense rolled. The Vols defense stunk. The Vols special teams stunk.
Florida? Florida is one of the two best teams in the country. It's a shame they play in the SEC, 'cause if UF werr in any other conderence, they'd be rolling along to meet LSU in the NC game.
I will profess I'm not sure if PF should go or not. I have a concern about who would replace him.
He's doing the right thing playing the freshmen. That helps with recruiting.
I'll end this comment, getting long.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
you know, as I read thru what some morons write....Florida should fire Urban and UGA needs to dump richt. SoCal will fire Carroll. Texas loses Brown.
You guys say this stuff yourselves, but you dont' listen: the SEC is damn tough now. It used to be 'sorta tough'. Now, it's a nightmare league.
Phillip is an above-average coach; he's an aboave-average recruiter. Hell, even in his nightmare year, his team was close in most games.
Waht Phillip is not? He's not the BEST coach or recruiter. And, hate to say it, UTK doesn't offer the 'amenities' of some schools like UF or USC or even LSU. UF actually has to work at NOT getting good players.
What I'm saying is that regardless of who coaches, 1 or 2 hot years at a time is all you can expect in this conference.
surfing_vol writes:
Dear Volgrog and all other Fulmer lovers,
Weren't you watching football Saturday? Zook's team looked pretty darned good.
Didn't you watch the second half of the Georgia game? In case you missed it, Georgia outscored the Vols in the second half.
The first half of the game was exciting and fun. The second half was sitting on the edge of the seat to see if Tennessee could lose another.
My cricism is softened but still stands. Any coach who claims not to care about and consistently loses bowl games should be canned.
SpringCityVol writes:
I'm not fooled, Fulmer is a fat phony who can't even coach his own big ass away from a buffet. I don't believe this slug should be applauded for coaching his team fundamentals for two weeks and having them play to their potential. How about doing this before the season starts next year instead of wasting that time on trick plays and endzone dances.
Volunatic writes:
Great job, Vols-- players AND coaches! Keep winning!
Coach_Joe writes:
jraymond, USF won't make it to NC game. They are ranked 5th now. It seems like every team that's been ranked there has gotten beat that week. We'll see!
Volfantm writes:
From Dennis Doddc "One coach saved his job: The pyre had been built. The villagers, with their torches and pitchforks, were ready to burn Phil Fulmer at the stake. Then Tennessee embarrassed Georgia for the second consecutive year.
At one point Saturday, Tennessee had outscored Georgia 58-6 going back to midway through the third quarter of last season's mauling in Athens.
Guess who suddenly controls its own destiny in the SEC East? The Fightin' Fulmers after trouncing Georgia 35-14. "
As for talent, the last few years have UF considerably ahead in the player ratings dept.
Too many UT fans have confused what they want to happen with what they can reasonably expect. To date our record exactly matches what the preseason articles projected.
Which reminds me of what they say in Bama
"Saban is such a good coach he can make Tennessee and Auburn bad". Will they get their 4 mil worth?
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