Photo by Butch Dill, Associated Press
Alabama coach Nick Saban reacts to a call during the second half of a football game.
Photo by Butch Dill
Alabama coach Nick Saban reacts to a call during the second half of a football game.
Event Details
- What: Tennessee at Alabama
- When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
- Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama football coach Nick Saban doesn't pretend to understand the importance of Tennessee vs. Alabama.
He recognizes it as a traditional big-time college football rivalry, the way a Tennessee fan might view Ohio State-Michigan or Oklahoma-Texas. It's significant, but it's not personal.
"You have to live it," the first-year Alabama coach said Monday at his weekly media conference.
He began living it this week and will experience it in vivid red and orange Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Until then, he can speak more knowledgeably about Michigan State vs. Michigan or even LSU vs. Ole Miss.
Saban doesn't know much about Tennessee-Alabama. But he knows about Tennessee.
In his first SEC stint, two of his biggest victories came against the Vols.
The first was in 2000 in Tiger Stadium, the week after Saban's first LSU team had been upset by UAB at the same venue. With the former Michigan State coach already under fire, the Tigers bounced back to defeat UT in overtime.
Saban's second victory over the Vols was even bigger. And UT fans will be surprised at how he remembers it.
He remembers how stupid and fortunate he was.
"Sometimes, when something bad happens, it turns out to be good," Saban said.
Three bad things happened to LSU on the way to a come-from-behind 31-20 victory over UT for the SEC championship. And all three occurred in the first half.
The Tigers lost tailback LaBrandon Toefield and quarterback Rohan Davey to injuries. But that's not what pained Saban the most.
After LSU had taken a 7-0 lead, the Vols had struck back with a pair of touchdowns. Sensing that the game was slipping way, Saban tried to make something happen.
"We had fourth-and-inches on our 33-yard line," Saban said. "And Rohan Davey is the quarterback. He's a big, ol' strong guy."
So Saban called for a quarterback sneak, which was promptly smothered by UT's defensive front. The Vols gained possession, failed to move the ball and settled for a field goal.
"For the rest of that quarter, I was kind of shocked," Saban said. "I thought I had made a horrible coaching error. I had given away the team's opportunity by making a stupid, stupid coaching decision to go for it on fourth-and-inches."
While Saban second-guessed himself on the sideline, his team picked up its play. Its momentum carried over into the second half when backup quarterback Matt Mauck came off the bench to lead LSU to 21points.
"When Ro was in there, we couldn't block them up front," Saban said. "We were getting sacked, negative plays passing and all that. When we started running an option thing with Matt Mauck, they weren't ready for it."
Despite the victory, Saban still hadn't absolved himself of guilt for the first-half call. He said he was about to apologize to the team for his decision when his seniors approached him.
"Before I did it, they came up to me and said, 'Coach, we didn't think we could win this game. But when you went for it on fourth-and-inches in the second quarter, that made us think that you thought we could beat them.'
"So sometimes, what seems like a really dumb thing - and it's still dumb - turned out to be pretty good."
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 51
carolinavol writes:
Well, how sweet. :o/ Let's make sure he remembers this game as his worst whooping ever!
Roll over, tide, roll over.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
That one game started the downfall of CPF. I'm still mad as heck at him about. It was one of the WORST coached games in Tennessee history.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
GO VOLS!!!
ROLL UP THE TIDE
TXVOLSFAN
DennisVols writes:
That game was actually decided the week before. 911 had happened and the UT-UF game was moved to the week before the SEC championship game. Spurrier had mad the statement coming into that game that whoever won between his Gators and the Vols would have a hard time winning the SEC championship game because UT and Florida always left nothing on the field when they played.
It was obivious in the 2nd half UT had run out of gas. Players had their hands on their hios, they were slow to get up after tackles. That break at the half caused UT to lose its emotional high and the fatigue set in from the physical game from the week before.
Basketball_Jones writes:
I was at both of those games at it was honestly from the standpoint of a fan the worst sports thing that hsa ever happened to me. Being in the bayou and listening to all those idiot cajuns talk trash and blah blah. The with a shot at the Rose Bowl on the line and the QB and RB go down, I thought it was a done deal we were going to Pasadena and I was going to my first Rose Bowl, NOPE!!! 99% of you hate Florida more than anything in the world, I hate LSU more than Florida. Their games are fun to go to and the people are very hospitable but if you beat them it was bad calls, if they beat you its because your team shouldn't even be on the same field as them. I missed the hurrican Katrina year when R. Clausen led us to a comeback, but I had tickets and they moved the game to Monday....Come Saturday Saban will wish he had recruited Bobby Busche
TurboFan writes:
The option was the killer. Chavis has trouble with the option and spread option not to mention mobile QBs. See Cal, see Fl, see Air Force last year. Even S Miss and Ark St provided problems this year. Mauck ran the QB draw so many times and the UT D couldn't do anything about it.
bricker865 writes:
Yeah, Chavis is terribly overrated as DC. He suffer this about every other year is seems like. We are good one year and then all of a sudden we are horrible again, can't stop the run, can't do this, can't do that, etc. I don't necessarily think he should be fired, but I've always thought he was overrated. Does anyone agree?
Pullingguard writes:
This Saturday verses Bama should be very simple and business like... Either win or forget about playing for SEC Championship and be regulated to a lower tier bowl... The coaching staff knows this and if the players are not motiviated to play their very best that will be a problems. Alabama will be sky high for this game and UT will have to give their very best. It concerns me with Alabama having an outstanding offensive line that they will be able to run and control the game verses UT defense... Hope for the best.. Early kick-off .. Vols win hopefully 27-17...
WildWeasel writes:
Many fans have trouble understanding that it is virtually impossible to get a team emotionally ready for big game after big game. You point out a perfect example here. The Vols were at an emotional peak after beating UF so handily that year. You just, literally, run out of gas. You are sometimes lucky if you can "coast through" a follow-up game.
The same thing happens with the military. It's called "combat fatigue" and it can be disastrous if it occurs at the wrong time.
Last week's game against Miss State was not as stellar as the one the week before against UGa. Not unexpectedly so, as a bit of a let-down should have been expected. It's interesting, of course, how the Coach Fulmer haters use this to "prove" his failures.
DennisVols writes:
Alabama: 34.5 PPG
That is what the Tides defense is giving up over the last 3 games against lesser ofensive powers.
UT's defense: 20.6 PPG in the same time span. That is down from the 41 PPG following the loss to Florida.
UT's offense will control the ball and clock against Bama. Saban does not understand the tradition or improtance of this game but come Saturday he will experience the anger from the Bama faithful after they lose by the biggest margin in some time.
40-17 UT wins
GoVol writes:
WD - agree totally. Your forgot Nebraska though. they kicked our butts several times because our D cannot stop the option teams as you stated.
10ACVOL writes:
Shouldn't this article be on Tuscaloosa Press' web site? Praise to Saban almighty. Is this a snippet from his diary? This is BAMA week, let's hear some stories of us beating the hell out of BAMA
marc_ash#231781 writes:
Come on, UT was tired and didn't have any gas left? Whatever! This is D-1 college football...if you can't get up for a championship game, then you don't even need to suit up. I don't buy for 1 second that a team doesn't have anything left it its tank just because they played a big game a week earlier.
WD40plusVol, said it well...it was the option that killed Tennessee in that game. They have never been able to stop the option. Lets look at the Air Force game last year as the latest example of a team not able to stop the option.
Saban is a good coach, but I don't think he is great. He's had some dang good teams under his leadership and has a decent one this season. Yet, this team is very beatable if we can stop the run with coaching and dicipline like we showed against Georgia.
Basketball_Jones writes:
Saban is a good recruiter and a pretty good coach. Recruiting was his key at LSU, he kept all their big in state recruits, in state. The only real big name he lost was Booty to USC. Louisianna has some big HS kids down on the bayou and Saban made sure they remained there. It will interesting to see how he does over 2 or 3 years when he has to recruit against Auburn.
Volchaz writes:
We've played in a few hostile envirnments this year, at Cal, at Fla. I'm sure the Vols will start where they finished last week. On a Roollllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jlange#632002 writes:
UT gameplanned for Davey and was unprepared for Mauck and that QB draw. But it was the second half fumbles by Stallworth and Travis Stephens that really did it. That game really hurt.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Idon't even think you could call Mauck's draws a draw play. He took the snap and lumbered ahead again and again and again and again etc!Worst coached game I'd seen till all six this year. Philapottamus has no fire left if he ever had any to begin with! Of well, let the heathern rage! BEAT THE TIDE!!
TurboFan writes:
yes, GoVol, I thought of Nebraska right after I hit the "Post" button. I also thought of Bama's wish bone attack killing us in the 70's and option plays in the 80's, but that was before Chavis. UT and the option have a long sorry history.
Bama doesn't run the option now. But I expect a high scoring game anyway. Miss St. has a better defense than Bama but Bama's offense is capable.
Jlange, you're right the fumbles hurt but they were single events, over in seconds. The Mauck draws were relentless 12+ play drives: slow mental torture.
pdhuff, true, but he did pass a few times to keep the secondary honest.
billwall writes:
The 2001 game was lost because of fumbles and dropped passes. Stallworth and Washington dropped at least 2 each, one probably for a TD and our defense dropped 2, one definitely being a TD! Our defense against Teboe is no better than that against Mauck!
1bigutfan writes:
TouchdownTN, you would think with those recruiting rankings we do better but that is another conversation that has still to be played out. Like you this game has me a little nervous but I believe in the end UT will prevail. I think our team just needs experience and with that comes confidence. Because after AL, the season only gets harder.
RocketVol writes:
What Nick Saban said is key - (paraphrasing and extending his thought) when UT is shown misdirection or offensive plays that include an element of confusion - they fail. This is completely true if you consider Tennessee's worst games defensively: Florida (Spurrier or Meyer), Nebraska's option, Air Force' option, Maryland's option, Clemson's spread attack, Cal's spread attack...Kansas State.....on and on. Tennessee plays "dumb" defense - it's all about attack, pursue, and over pursue. As soon as Paterno saw what UT did two Citrus bowls ago, he started letting the D pursue then dumped the ball to Kijana Carter just beyond our defense (safety valve) - it was all downhill from there. I bet Saban already has deception and misdirection planned for the Vols - and so will Kentucky and so will South Carolina.....and Vandy.....
invisiblekid writes:
"When we started running an option thing with Matt Mauck, they weren't ready for it." And 6 years later, they still aren't. Nice post RocketVol, hard to argue with the results we have seen on the field over the years. Also agree wit JDCVol,, the '01 game was a chance for Fulmer to cement his legacy at UT and instead they let a baseball player run the same play about 15 times in the second half.
Timed_vol writes:
That LSU-UT game was so painful. We might've beaten Miami, and I would've been fun to see Big John going against the UMiami o-tackle that won the Outland.
The play of the game (to me) was Julian Battle having an INT right in his hands that would've been 6. Instead, he drops it, and LSU goes on to win. I think the score was maybe 24-20, or something??
DoorzFan writes:
Wild Weasel - See you still have the knack for posting pertinent and insightful comments. Glad to see that you are still alive and kicking! Have also seen a post or two here fom Kevin Limbo. Now if we can just round up Bull Gator and TN-ATO it will be just like a revival (for good or bad) of the old original Go Vols forum from many years ago.
invisiblekid writes:
Jeeeesh, tngeoff, it was bad enough recalling the '01 SEC championship game. Why'd you have to go and dredge the rest of that up? Volunteer football under Fulmer reminds me of a quote from Fight Club at times: "Man, I see in fight club(UT Football) the strongest and smartest men who've ever lived. I see all this potential, and I see squandering."
jim_bell#606576 writes:
PDHuff, to quote the scripture correctly,"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing". I too wonder the same about the anti-Foolmer and Philapottamus posters. You need to take a look at what he's done for the program, what he is and what you could end up with. Compare him with any other UT Coach.
movol77 writes:
jwraymond1, TDTN and the entire Fire Fulmer group....
I still think you need to take your campaign public to the game tailgating parties. This forum is small potatoes for this campaign. When are you going public to the TN fans at the game? Come on guys, you can do it? Surely you won't leave this to just talk on these boards...talk is just mediocrity. Right? :)
TurboFan writes:
Wasn't the 98 Orange Bowl against Nebraska the one when Peyton had that knee infection that severly limited his mobility. Oh if they had taken a chance with Tee that day after all of December to prepare.
CrankE writes:
Too many times a season/program/coaching career has been turned on a "landmark" win over UT.
LSU did it in 2000 and again in the 2001 SEC Championship. Georgia did it in 2001. Auburn did it in 2003.
Those three teams won SEC titles from 2001-2005, won a national title, and should have played for one more.
This Alabama game might be a parallel. I think both teams are seeking that landmark win where they turn the corner. Tennessee needs to TAKE the landmark win Saturday instead of giving it up.
GO VOLS!!
marinevol writes:
ilove_football, I'm with you.
marinevol writes:
Why don't you two get a room? The two of you flirting on this site is getting a little disgusting.
marinevol writes:
Maybe so, but it's a little too sweet for me.
movol77 writes:
tngeoff said, "It already is public with National media and local media touting the fact that Tennessee is not a secure place right now if you are the head coach of the football program. There are also a few other surprises for Fulmer coming in the next couple of weeks via media."
No, it's not public. It is hiding in the press and forums. I want to know when you are bold enough to take to the parking lots and stands.
My point is...that won't happen because the "fireFulmer" message isn't as popular as you think. It won't happen because the "fireFulmer" group would not be welcomed with applause but rejection. Prove me wrong!
phi0129 writes:
movol77: I beg the differ...I think it is as popular as we think. At least the 1000's of people I saw before the UT/GA game thought that. But the msg got TEMPORARILY squashed when TN put the hurt down on those pesky Dogs. But you all will be saying the same thing when we lose 2 or 3 more games this year...We are just the pioneers of being anti-Fulmer. And even if we win out (which I pray we do), it still proves nothing about Fulmer as a coach. This is because our players have boatloads more talent than any other team we play the rest of the year...the point is we SHOULD win based on our talent alone. To truly measure Fulmer's capabilities as a head coach, you have to compare how he does against teams with slightly less/same/slightly better talent. That would be Cal and FL for this year. And they made us look kind of stupid on national TV to be quite honest. A truly great coach is marked by his impressive victories over quality opponents where the talent is so level it comes down to outcoaching the other team in order to win (IE Brooks vs. Miles last week). Anyone with half a brain can clearly see the erosion of the football team over the past 7 years. Even before when we had more talent than anyone we lost our fair share to good teams like FL. Maybe Fulmer was NEVER the best fit for TN football (we will never know this of course) or maybe he has what it takes to get us back on track. We will see by December.
movol77 writes:
Guys, don't get me wrong. I am just insinuating that I don't think anyone who is posting here has the guts/confidence to make a "truly public" (put your real name and face on it) campaign as they are making behind the curtains of a curtaining forum on the web.
The only way you will prove me wrong is to do it. Not talk about it here.
No disrespect. It appears to be all talk and no action. If one can't stand for what one believes in public, one probably shouldn't say it so repeatedly in private. It appears disingenuous or cowardly at some point.
marinevol writes:
Ouch! I think that one landed right on the button.
movol77 writes:
phi029, you didn't address my question either. Just more railing about CPF undercover. Go public if you feel so strong about it.
movol77 writes:
tngeoff, my real name isn't the issue. I am not the one calling for the coach's job. I am sorry, but you are still dodging the substance of the point.
BTW. I am not marinevol though I respect him for his apparent Marine service. Theoretically, I respect you & any other posters on such a forum. I am just saying that at some point people lose respect for the "fire Fulmer" argument...especially when the talk is so tough in private without any real campaign of action.
Again, no offense. I just think it is the truth.
movol77 writes:
TDTN, the Krispy Kreme thing was funny! :0)
movol77 writes:
tngeoff, I tip my hat to your daugther's service too!
marinevol writes:
tngeoff, I am not movol, but I think he made some very valid points, which I happen to agree with.
Give your daughter my best, I certainly hope she has a safe second tour. There won't be a second for me, as I am a short-timer. I will be leaving Camp LeJeunne in a few months as a civilian, and hope to enter UT Law School next year.
GO VOLS, BEAT BAMA!!!
Colliervol writes:
You two need to get a room. I was wrong the other day. I'm starting to think that 46 more posts on Johnny Majors might be more interesting than this discussion. (And that's saying something considering my feelings on that subject.)
"Foolmer" and "Krispy Kreme stock". Man, is that innovative or what? Like we've never heard that before. If you could come up with some new material, people might pay more attention to you. "Dean of govols extra". Please. I'm thinking it's more like the Dean of the fry cooks at the Maryville McDonald's. But that's only a guess mind you.
I agree with your basic premise that we need a change of direction but it's nothing personal for me. Some of you have various reasons other than on-field performance and personal agendas are tough things to control, I guess. I'm going to let the season play out and then we can talk seriously. But trust me when I tell you this, if they win out and go to Atlanta, Fulmer will have cemented his job until he decides to retire. And there is nothing anybody will be able to do about it.
Colliervol writes:
One little note for ilovefootball too. Phil Fulmer is paid a BUNCH more to be the perfect coach than we are to be the perfect fans. Neither of us are going to be perfect, but he gets paid to be a lot closer to it than me. That's the price when you are getting to big bucks to do the job.
movol77 writes:
"But trust me when I tell you this, if they win out and go to Atlanta, Fulmer will have cemented his job until he decides to retire. And there is nothing anybody will be able to do about it."
Colliervol, that is probably accurate...more objective than subjective post.
Colliervol writes:
Movol, I just think that's the way it is. According to Mike Hamilton, we should play for the SEC title every few years and win it every once in awhile. If we go to Atlanta this year, that will satisfy that requirement in his mind.
I'm not happy we haven't won one in the last 9 years but this would make for a pleasant surprise if they can pull it off. If we don't make it and end up in the Music City Bowl, then the argument starts all over again because I don't think that would qualify as improvement.
movol77 writes:
Another objective post by the Colliervol. Give 'em 6!
Colliervol writes:
Really, Geoff, it's pretty cut and dried. Win out and get to Atlanta and most everybody will forget your three points. (Not saying that's right. Just the way it is.) Lose one and get knocked out of the race and your three points will bubble right back to the surface. Been my experience that memories get real fuzzy when you're winning and real long when you're losing. (Example- Does anybody remember much about the Buzz Peterson years? They seem like a blur to me.)
Hamilton said he wants his programs to win championships. No way they fire Phil if he wins the East. (And there is a better than 50/50 chance that they could do it.) They don't ask how you got there, just whether you did or not.
thevol writes:
CRVOL, why change your name to
(touchdown)tngerkoff? We know you guys love each other already, it is pretty sweet.
Why spend all day argueing against your team during Bama week? Before the season, after the season fine, but during the season especially BAMA week, makes YOU a TRADER. Go Big Orange!
thevol writes:
Funny tngerkoff that you didn't care enough to reply. Oh I guess you did. Did I hurt your feelings? Wow, that does make me feel omnipotent, thanks for allowing me to do that.
movol77 writes:
tngeoff,
Nice selective posting on Fulmer. How could you have missed this one from 10/16/2008 from ESPN College Game Day on ESPN Radio? Don't listen to it. You won't like it some of it...the middle third brings "a little love...a genius...great coach...his leadership" to Fulmer.
http://espn-mp3-od.andomedia.com/espn...
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