Tennessee Stat Book
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — For those in favor of a playoff system in college football, accept your congratulations. It’s already here.
While the World Series doesn’t begin until next week, Tennessee is already in the midst of its own playoff run.
Only it’s not best-of-seven. It’s single elimination these days for the Vols.
“Our regular season (is a playoff), and you could literally break it down into quarters or series if you wanted to,” UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. “It’s that way in our sport. There’s no tournament at the end.”
There’s just a lot of good games in the middle.
And when No. 20 Tennessee travels to Alabama today (TV: WVLT, 12:30 p.m.), the playoff run continues.
Tennessee (4-2, 2-1 SEC) remains in control of its conference destiny. Win this week — and the remaining four SEC games after this week – and the Vols will be playing for the SEC championship for the first time since the 2004 season.
Alabama (5-2, 3-1) has the same stakes, after Kentucky’s handed LSU its first conference loss last weekend.
In a college football season where the underdog has become the favorite, keeping control of a championship race is worth its weight.
“There’s probably more teams right now that are capable of controlling their destiny to some degree,” Fulmer says. “A lot of that will be decided here in the next couple weeks.”
And this week could be decided by only a few points.
The last four meetings between the teams have been decided by an average of 4.5 points. During that stretch, the largest margin of victory was Tennessee’s eight-point win in 2003 — after five overtimes.
The Vols have won by an average of 20 points in their last three games, the closest of which was last week’s 33-21 victory over Mississippi State in Starkville.
Alabama, meanwhile, has had three games decided by a field goal or less: a 41-38 comeback win over Arkansas, a 26-23 overtime loss to Georgia and a controversial 27-24 victory over Ole Miss last week.
The common denominator for Alabama has been its running game, which averages nearly 70 more yards a game rushing in its five wins than its two losses.
But the Tide can throw the ball, too, led by receivers DJ Hall and Keith Brown — two of the SEC’s best — and quarterback John Parker Wilson.
Return specialist Javier Arenas ranks second in the SEC on punt returns, averaging 16.06 yards per attempt.
And defensive end Wallace Gilberry, who has four sacks in the last two weeks, and cornerback Simeon Castille are among the SEC’s best defensive players.
Tennessee might not have played a close game, but it does bring plenty of momentum south to Tuscaloosa.
The Vols have scored a touchdown on their opening drive each of the last three weeks and in all four of their victories this season.
Receiver Lucas Taylor, who leads the SEC with 103 receiving yards per game, turned in UT’s sixth-best single-game receiving performance with 186 yards last week against Mississippi State.
The Vols have rushed for at least 188 yards in each of the last three weeks.
On defense, Tennessee has tackled better and kept opponents from making the type of big plays that Cal and Florida used to beat the Vols early.
And quarterback Erik Ainge has had the hot hand early, completing 10 of 11 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns on UT’s opening possessions the last three weeks.
That’s a pretty stark departure from how the senior began last year’s game against the Crimson Tide, when Ainge threw three first-half interceptions.
“I think it was just myself not playing great football,” Ainge said this week, reflecting on last year’s game. “Had one of those halves. Fortunately it wasn’t one of those games. I was able to come back, and we were able to win the game.”
Come playoff time, that’s all that matters.
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 67
cstepesq writes:
I love Vol fans like CRVol who honestly have such Fulmer-hatred blinders on that they are unable to see reality. The fact is, UT wins out, they go to SEC title game, even though they lost the FLorida game. The small minority of fans will be the last ones to realize that no coach in the country at a top program, particuarly in a year like this, can have an undefeated program. parity is making an undefeated season almost impossible. Perhaps CRVol would like it if we, like Ohio State, were #1 in the country only because we played a schedule of mediocre, unranked teams? Personally, I would rather see us play the tough schedule we have year in and year out against powerful conference and non-conference opponents so we have good games to watch. I would rather have a 2 loss season against teams like that than undefeated against basically Division II schools. But, guys who are intelligent enough to come up with witty insults like "Foolmore" already pat themselves on the back too much to notice the changing landscape of college football.
huntwithmojo writes:
Don't you want to play a playoff AFTER you play your way into top shape like the rest of sports? That allows the best playing best team to win a championship.
asleep#212036 writes:
CRVol may be sarcastic but correct on one point: win the SEC East or not, there is absolutely no excuse for losing 59-20 to anyone. I would have felt better if Fulmer had just said they are better right now than we are and kicked our tails, fair and square. At least that would have been honest and without excuse - the way I would like our program to take a big loss. Unfortunately, the excuses flew and we marched on hoping someone else could beat the Gators for us. I would love to win the East and agree that our schedule is much tougher to date than Ohio State's but then, we also have 2 losses to their none. That SEC East title would also come without having played LSU or Auburn, the two best teams in the West, so even then it would be somewhat tainted. And even if we do win the East, we still will have to figure out a way to beat UF, just like in the days of the Ole Ball Coach. I have seen some improvement the last few games, but we have miles to go. Go VOLS!!!
BOASoldier writes:
That's right ilove_football ... but next time suck on CR's right nipple so it doesn't get jealous.
DadwasaVol writes:
The name-calling and negativism is not winning us Fulmer/Chavis/Cutcliffe supporters over. It is not inspiring Tennessee players to perform better nor encouraging recruits to want to be here. Therefore, since you complainers do have some valid points and data to back up your positions, let's just hear the data and your sincere reasons why the coaches should be fired. Please keep the name-calling to yourself - it cheapens your message even when you are right.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Man, I'm getting sick of this CRVol yahoo. You're not being fair, pal.
Fulmer was obviously ASKED these questions about a "playoff" environment and he was answering the questions. It wasn't a Fulmer press release.
So, I've read my last CRVol post.
RangerForSix writes:
Win the toss, march down the field, score a touchdown!
Colquitt kicks it off deep; we get exellent coverage.
The defense gets the tide's "O" into a 3 and out.
Nice UA punt.
UT gets ball at their own 26 yd. line.
Ainge then proceeds 'to hit six different receivers', for a 'clinic passing drive' touchdown...UT 14 UA 0...
Final:
UT 38
UA 22
alfrizzle097 writes:
Say what you will about reasonable expectations for quality at the beginning of the season, the team has obviously improved by leaps and bounds. Part of that, at least, has to be credited to the coaches. I'm not saying the other criticisms are invalid, just that some credit should be given. Look at the positive as well as the negative.
CR: If you truly want to persuade people to your way of thinking, note the positives and tell why you think they are outweighed. Moderate arguments leaning to one side win more people over than extremist arguments.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Rangerforsix:
Dang!! I thought the game started tomorrow!!
alfrizzle097: Well said. The team has gotten much better and the credit goes to... THE COACHES. Players don't just get stronger and faster and naturally make better decisions in three weeks. Good coaching and adjustments brings about position for execution and we are finally executing.
Southland writes:
all this talk about winning out Oh yeah we have played so wonderfully that makes great sense. 59-20 pleeease. I wish it would work out that way but it doens't remove the fact that the program is in decline in every area.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
To everyone that wants to whine and moan about our "decline" I have to ask: Do you really want us to end up like Nebraska?
Fulmer is not flawless, and yeah there is no excuse for 59-20, but he does keep us in the hunt. The chances of a new coach spiraling this "decline" out of control for the next 5 or more years is much higher than any damage the current regime could do.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
burntorangeVOLffle: You hit it right on. They ran Solich, a Husker for life, out of town.
He directed the Cornhusker program to six consecutive bowl games, including the national championship game in the 2002 Rose Bowl. Nebraska won at least nine games in five of those six seasons, and finished among the top 10 teams in the nation three times. Coach Solich compiled a 58 - 19 record at Nebraska. Also, Big 12 coach of the year in 1999 and 2001.
Sorry coach, that just won't do. We'd rather roll the dice and struggle for the next 10 years.
80's rock icons Cinderella, yes I am quoting a hair band, said... "You don't know what you got, till it's gone." Don't let that come back to bite us.
LargeOrange writes:
CRVOL you flatter yourself thinking that you have an "enlisted readership", you are just a punk, and a never have been, loser. You will probably give your self credit for turning the program around if the Vols win out. Get over yourself, and either act like a Vol or shut up.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Keepus in the hunt for what! Another 59 point debacle. We're all Vol fans, but a healthy dose of reality is needed. Fla is on its way to losing 3 straight, making us look like Ned in the 1st reader! No victory down the line will come close to the uninspired performance Philapottamus coached against the Gators! Fulmerites or not, take a deep breath and accept it. This will be a mediocre year AGAIN!!! "We're going to work harder to get better" speech should have been saved for fall practice.I previously was a big Phil supporter but its hard to take these half-a$$ efforts which have become the trademarks. Face it, he is barely above .500 in the last THIRTY games. I pray they can find a way to beat Bama, a team they should handle easy. Wilson is the worst QB we'll see. I'm thru raving, Go Vols!
APPLEJAX555 writes:
KT. BIG KEN. - I just went to the can and took one that seriously laid on the bottom of the bowl from end to end, and kind of curled up a bit above the water on one end. It was horrifyingly beautiful, and I have to admit Im proud of my work. Seriously I think it winked at me!!!
If this isnt a sign we're gonna beat bama, then I dont know what is! 'Take a report Bama!!! Youre Done!!!
Go Vols!!!! INSERT Rick Flair 'WOOOOOOOOH!' RIGHT HERE!!!
APPLEJAX555 writes:
I DIDNT WRITE THAT...
APPLEJAX555 writes:
LAST TIME I CHECKED, A WIN BY 1 PT IS SAME AS A WIN BY 50!! SO THAT CAL, AND THE FLORIDA LOSSES, BOTH GO DOWN AS LOSSES REGARDLESS. FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO 'CARRY' THE SPREAD WITH IT, YOU ARE ANTAGONISTIC, EVEN AMONGST YOURSELVES. I BELIEVE YOU TO BE THE LOT THAT EVEN WITHIN YOUR NEGATIVE GROUP, YOU SEEK TO OUTDO EACH OTHER WITH FINDING THE MOST OPTIMALLY NEGATIVE DATAPOINT... "I HAVE THE MOST DAMNING DATA POINT!" ... "NO WAIT! I DO!" EVERYONE WHO'S PLAYED FOOTBALL, OR ANY OTHER CONTACT SPORT THAT HAS A 'MOMENTUM' ELEMENT TO IT KNOWS THAT ONCE YOU PLAY IN A HIGHLY EMOTIONAL RIVALRY OR CONFRONTATION FOR THAT MATTER, THAT A LOT OF TIMES SKEWED WINS AND (SORRY LOSER DIATRIBE, I DONT WANT TO FORGET THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN...) LOSSES HAPPEN. ITS THE HUMAN ELEMENT.. ITS WHY WE PLAY THE GAMES, ITS WHY WE LIKE WATCHING!!! EVERY DAMN STUDENT THAT WALKS IN GRADUATION AT ANY MAJOR INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING HAS TO TAKE PSYCHOLOGY AT SOME POINT IN THEIR UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC TENURE. EVERYONE! FOR THIS POINT TO BE LOST ON YOU IS ABSOLUTELY ABSURD.
BuckFama writes:
Wasn't the Florida game about a month ago? September 15th, actually. It's now October 20th.
Players, coaches, officials all live in the present. They prepare week-to-week, day-to-day, doing what they can to improve and take care of the task at hand.
I doubt that Urban Meyer is killing himself over two consecutive losses, one of which was at home to an unranked opponent. He's TCB.
What would have happened had Tuberville given up after two home losses, one of which was to an unranked opponent? He certainly would have missed beating the Gators.
Pete Carroll, I bet, isn't agonizing over going 5-3 in his last 8 conference games, and losing to a unranked, 41 point dog two weeks ago. He's doing what he can to make the Trojans better this week.
Les Miles didn't go into seclusion after losing to a lower-ranked opponent. He's taking care of his business.
Stoops didn't go into hiding after losing to an unranked 2-2 Colorado team. He went on to improve his situation in the Big 12.
Fulmer didn't go into hiding after two road losses to higher-ranked foes the first part of September. He did the things he needed to do to make the Vols better. The Vols who, at present, sit in a pretty decent position in the SEC East race.
These guys are all winners. Like any good business man, attorney, physician, coach ... you name the profession ... a winner takes his victories and his losses, learns what he can from them, and moves on to the next challenge. Winners are out there doing it. Mixing it up with the big boys, taking their lumps, enjoying their wins, and then moving on.
They all are winners. They all are in the hunt. And they all are moving on with their lives.
APPLEJAX555 writes:
WHILE WE ARE 'HERE', LETS CHECK ON A FEW OTHER THINGS BEHIND YOUR 'LOSER' MENTALITY...
DEFLECTION IS THE MODE HERE. YOU ARE BASICALLY DISSATISFIED WITH THE CONSTRUCT OF YOUR OWN DAY TO DAY LIVES, AND YOUR RATE OF SUCCESSES TO FAILURES. THEREFORE YOU CHOOSE TO HYPERANALYZE AND OVEREXAGGERATE THE DEFINITION OF SOMEONE ELSE'S LOSSES (IE - WE LOST BY 100!), TO OVERCOMPENSATE FOR YOUR OWN SHORT COMINGS (IM NOT A LOSER, I DONT STAND FOR THOSE KIND OF LOSSES!! IM A WINNER. SEE! I CLEARLY SAID THAT I WAS RIGHT HERE!!!) EVEN IN GAMES WHOSE OUTCOME, AT THIS POINT, DONT MATTER!! MY POINT BEING - AND AS ITS CLEARLY EVIDENT - - IF WE WIN OUT, THEN WE ARE GOING TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!! NOT THE SEC 'ARE THE CHAMPIONS BUT NOT REALLY BECAUSE THEY LOST TO ANOTHER TEAM BY 80 POINTS' BOWL!!!
BuckFama writes:
This morning's 736AM post by b_appleton might just be the most profound post I have ever read. It deserves to be repeated, so I will quote it here so that no one misses it.
********"I just went to the can and took one that seriously laid on the bottom of the bowl from end to end, and kind of curled up a bit above the water on one end. It was horrifyingly beautiful, and I have to admit Im proud of my work. Seriously I think it winked at me!!!
If this isnt a sign we're gonna beat bama, then I dont know what is! 'Take a report Bama!!! Youre Done!!!
Go Vols!!!! INSERT Rick Flair 'WOOOOOOOOH!' RIGHT HERE!!!"*******
'Atta boy, b_appleton. Or should I say, Nature Boy!
BuckFama writes:
And your other posts were great, as well, b_appleton.
APPLEJAX555 writes:
HOSTILITY IS BRED IN A LOT OF CASES BY THOSE WHO ARE IMPOTENT (EITHER PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY) IN A SITUATION DEEMED BY THEIR OWN MINDS, EITHER TOO STRESSFUL OR COMPLEX TO HANDLE. SO IN ORDER TO MAKE BETTER ON THEIR ARGUMENTS, THESE PEOPLE TEND TO BE HOSTILE, REPEAT/EXAGGERATE THEIR ARGUMENTS (SOUND FAMILIAR - 'WE LOST BY 90!' OVER AND OVER AGAIN, REPEAT THE KNOWN/UNCHANGEABLE OVER AND OVER AGAIN, ETC ETC) MY THOUGHT IS THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE THE ONES THAT SHOW UP TO LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES AND PUNCH THE COACH OR PUNISH THEIR KIDS, NEVER HAVING FOUND OUT THAT THESE GAMES ARE AN EMBELLISHMENT OF LIFE AND REALITY, NOT THE INCLUSION OF IT. HERE ARE SOME FACTS FOR YOU ALL... TENNESSEE IS THE GREATEST STATE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE!!! YOU, LIKE ME, WILL PROBABLY BE A VOL FAN TIL YOU DIE!!! 10-1, OR 1-10!! WHEN IT GOOD, ITS GOOD, ... WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS... WE ALL WISH JOHN WARD WOULD COME BACK.. 2 YEARS FROM NOW, OR 20 YEARS FROM NOW!! WE'VE ALL BEEN ARRESTED AT A TENNESSEE FOOTBALL GAME, HAMMERED OUT OF OUR MINDS, TOTALLY INCOHERENT TO REALITY !! OR MAYBE THAT WAS JUST ME!! I GUESS THE POINT HERE IS: RELAX GUY! ITS JUST A GAME! LOOSEN THAT BOARD THATS LODGED IN YOUR COLON AND SIT BACK, HAVE A COKE AND A SMOKE, AND SMILE BRO!
APPLEJAX555 writes:
YOU COULD LIVE IN NYC LIKE I DO!! PEACE MY FRIENDS!! GO OUTSIDE AND TOUCH THE GREEN GREEN GRASS IN TENNESSEE FOR ME, IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE GAME THROW A CUP OFF THE UPPER DECK WHEN WE SCORE A TOUCHDOWN!! (YEAH, NO ONE DOES THAT ANYMORE IM SURE) IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE GAME THIS WEEKEND, AND WE WIN, OR LOSE, BE A MAN AND BUY THE BIGGEST, BADDEST ALABAMA FAN A DRINK!! TELL HIM 'GOOD GAME' OR 'TOUGH LOSS', AND THEN GO FIND SOME HOTTIE, OR GRAB YOUR WIFE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER, AND FINISH UP A GREAT NIGHT!! THERES BOYS STATIONED HALF A WORLD AWAY IN IRAQ TONITE WHOD DO ANYTHING! ANYTHING! ANYTHING! TO BE IN YOUR PLACE, HAVING FUN, SAFE, AND SECURE, AND AMONGST THEIR OWN, AND PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM. GO VOLS!
andefromtn#212139 writes:
Actually UT is charge of their future. With GA and FLA having 2 losses plus KY and SC with 1 each, that leaves UT, 1 loss, to decide its own future. Only 3 SEC teams have 5 remaining conference games, AR, KY and UT, that does leave UT in control of the East, This is especially true since two of their reamining games is with KY and SC. You also have the fact Ky still has to face FLA, GA and TN. SC still has FLA and UT to play. Yep, UT is in a tough battle but they are in command if they can win out.
jweaver3#395614 writes:
CR that was actually the Hooker article!!! you idiot.
Can't we talk about stomping the Tide for a change instead of how bad our coach is.
GO VOLS!!!
BEAT THE TIDE!!!
TXVOLSFAN
waterskier3#226480 writes:
well its game time so fulmer will prove today if the team has grown into a better team.. i.e. young talent getting better or if we've just played worse teams.. say what you want about ga but fulmer had two weeks to prepare and the fans made him mad so lets see what he does in the next three games.... i say we lose two more and the koolaid drinking fans will say give him a raise becasue we could have lost 5 games and they love paying high prices for an average team... I'm sick of having excuses since 2000.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
ThaiVol and other international vol fans:
After an hour of searching I just found that the Alabama game will be FREE on yahoo sports online!!
This is my first game of the season!!! YAAAAAHOOOOOO!!
I hope you guys get this. Go VOLS!!
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
Shucks!
Face it folks.
The Gators made us look sick.That loss will not go away.
If we do win out it will be a miracle and not because Mr Fulmer turns thing around,
I am sorry if the truth offends some.
Just sitting here listening to Fulmer before the Bama game.His comment about the 2 losses???
"I don't think we have improved that much.We have always played hard and with the right attitude."
Uhhhh.Hello???
I want what the coach is smoking!
And can we please get a new broadcasting crew to go with the new coaches???
Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An onside kick and we were not even considering it.
Wow!
Go Fulmer , go!!!!
Go back on the porch Smokey.
It's not you fault!
cnalumni writes:
the tide is rolling!!!!!!!!
phi0129 writes:
You Fulmerons still supporting this idiot? Doesn't go for it on 4th and 1 to save 20 yards when our O line has been moving them ALL DAY LONG!!! Now instead of us maybe getting the last TD to go up now they are going to run out the first half with a TD and up 10. yeah thats great leadership...WE SHOULD BE KILLING AL!!!!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Somebody teach these guys how to tackle!!!
phi0129 writes:
And whoever mentioned the AL refs is for real. How the hell was that called pass interference? That was great D and a great interception. Then the very next play Hall pushes off and they don't call anything and get a TD. This is ridiculous!!!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Clearly the defense isn't going to win the game for us! Should have gone for it instead of punt. If we didn't make it, defense would've given up 7 anyway! Only difference is we might have a chance to score before halftime!
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
Shucks!
Let's show no confidence in our offense and punt on 4th and one.
The defense can hold em!.
Can you say "stupid?"
Lie down Smokey!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I cannot believe Phil punted from the Ala 46. Why does he turn pansy in games like this???
He netted 20 yards; the way Ala is carving up the D, that's nothing.
While I'm female doging: Chavis, there are things like blitzing and double-teaming. Your d is getting eaten alive, maybe change the plan, dude???
Mental mistakes from head coach to the players. too many critical penalties.
DSaVol writes:
How familiar does this game look????? An undisciplined team (a game's worth of penalties in one half - and stupid ones at that), a secondary that can't cover an intramural girls team and a coach that believes his best chance to convert 3rd and 1 is with a FOURTH STRING RB!!!!! No wonder he has NO GUTS to go on 4th down - HE'S AN IDIOT who obviously doesn't see his secondary making an All-American out of a very average career receiver! I don't give a damn if we end up winning this game by 30 THIS ENTIRE FREAKING STAFF MUST GO!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
UT is bottom in the SEC in points allowed, 11th in total ypg allowed. I don't think Bama is even averaging 24 points per GAME! BIg stop on D opening series if we're going to win!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Alright, Chavis, work your magic!!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Good defensive stop! Just what we needed!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
The only thing that can count in the entire state of Alabama is broken!
BigManVolFan writes:
What in the world are our boys doing today...looks like a reapeat of the Cal game...Playin 8 yards of the receivers? God, what a joke.
DenverVol writes:
Not watching the game out here...it's blacked out. Do we have a defense on the field? Over 400 yards already??? Come on!!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
It looks like the defense has reverted back to its Cal days. UGA was not a true representation of the way this defense has performed. Once again, we're making an average offense look like a Top 5 offense. Don't see much hope for this one.
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
It's Pretty Simple Really!
We still don't have a win this season over a quality team!
Still think we will run the board folks!
Wake up rocky top!
And our announcers stink as bad as the defense!
All they can talk about is a player's potential or how they have been banged up all season!
Tell us again Tim why the offense cannot stage a come back.
Who is hurt now???
Thats it!
Blame it on the injuries and the refs!
Calm down Smokey.
The retirement home is ready for you and Fulmer!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Too much time on the field for a bad defense...
cnalumni writes:
the rout is on. Dang!!!!! Cutcliff is overrated......
BahamaVol writes:
this game is really hurting...I am officially off of the Phil Fulmer bandwagon...thanks for the good years coach, but it is time to move on.
DenverVol writes:
This is ridiculous! I've watched that QB for AL play. He sucks! But he's thrown for over 350 yards against us??? Give me a F-ing break. Way to show up UT!
DSaVol writes:
ANYBODY STILL WANT TO KEEP THIS STUPID M..... F.....????? THIS TEAM WAS VERY POORLY PREPARED, UNDISCIPLINED, OUTCOACHED, OUTPLAYED, AND THAT A$$HOLE HEAD COACH TOLD THEM IN THE 2ND QTR WHEN HE DIDN'T SHOW ANY GUTS OR FIGHT THAT HE HAD NO FAITH IN THEM. IT IS TIME FOR THIS B...S...T TO END!!! AND FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO DEFEND HIS SORRY A$$ - IF HE'S SO DAMNED GOOD THEN WHY ARE WE HAVING TO PLAY A BUNCH OF FRESHMAN IN THE SECONDARY???? ANSWER: HE HASN'T RECRUITED ANYBODY ANY DAMNED GOOD TO PLAY THERE IN AT LEAST 3 YEARS!!!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I'd hate to say this, I really like Fulmer, but again UT was not prepared. I've never seen as many questionable play calls as I have this year. I don't understand the cushion the DBs gave Bama receivers. Ainge was definitely not his best today, and as bad as our D is, it's infinitely worse when it has to spend too much time on the field as ours did.
The SEC has an enormously high standard of success, one that Phil has not met. I think a new HC is needed, one that can motivate his players and give them a swift kick in the butt when they need it. Saban was breathing fire whenever his team was screwing up. That's what I want to see. I will not resort to calling him names, as some do, but I do feel that a change at the top is necessary. I think this is the most difficult conference to coach in, but I think it's time for him to go.
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