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Tennessee Stat Book
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The game already had been decided when Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson rolled right on a two-point conversion try Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The play lasted only seconds, but it seemed like days. While Wilson was rolling, rolling, rolling right, wide receiver DJ Hall was taking a leisurely stroll through the back of the Tennessee end zone.
Finally, Wilson passed the ball to his favorite receiver, who made the catch, then turned quickly to the crowd in the south end zone and held up the ball, as if to say: “That was easy.”
So was the entire second half of Alabama’s 41-17 victory.
Alabama didn’t just beat the Vols. It knocked them all the way back to mid-September when they were 1-2 and seemingly headed toward a disastrous season.
Three consecutive victories changed the prognosis. Alabama’s one-sided victory changed it again.
Sure, UT could still win the SEC East. It also could still finish 6-6 and cost coach Phillip Fulmer his job.
In two games against its biggest rival (Florida) and oldest rival (Alabama), UT has been outscored 100-37. It’s not just that UT has lost three of its seven games. It has lost them in spectacular fashion. Florida, Alabama, and California all scored more than 40 points and won by an average of 25.7 points.
How’s this for perspective: UT’s 5-6 team of 2005 gave up more than 30 points only once and didn’t lose to anyone by more than 20 points; UT’s 5-6 team of 1988 gave up more than 38 points only once.
These Vols simply have too many defensive shortcomings. A weaker stretch of the schedule merely camouflaged them.
Those weaknesses that were so evident in early-season losses to Cal and Florida were just as obvious Saturday. If this defense had a nickname, it would be “Career Day.”
That’s what Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin had in The Swamp. That’s what Mississippi State freshman Wesley Carroll had in a 33-21 loss to the Vols last week.
And that’s what Wilson and Hall had.
Wilson completed 32 of 46 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. He wasn’t intercepted and was sacked only once.
Hall had a single-game school-record 13 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns. He had 10 of those catches in the first half.
“We move him around, so that they can’t actually have one guy covering him,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “On a lot of our spread formations, he’s the slot receiver and you’re not getting the best player to cover him there.”
UT decided in the second half that perhaps it should make Hall a priority. Just in the nick of time, huh?
But Hall wasn’t Alabama’s only offensive alternative. Terry Grant rushed for 104 yards and caught six passes. On those rare occasions when his receivers were covered, Wilson scrambled for crucial yardage.
Bottom line: Everything worked against UT’s defense.
UT threatened to match Alabama’s offense early, but it couldn’t even score in the second half. Its offensive fade was almost as noteworthy as the defense’s game-long ineptitude. And the combination was remindful of UT’s collapse against Florida. Alabama just didn’t have 50-point firepower.
That wasn’t the only Florida reminder.
Florida coach Urban Meyer is 3-0 against Fulmer’s Vols. Saban is 3-1, including his 2-1 record at LSU.
Those records loom large for anyone evaluating UT’s place in the SEC or the state of Fulmer’s program.
In just three seasons at Florida, Meyer already has won a national championship. Based on his freshman and sophomore talent, he also has proved to be a dynamic recruiter.
Saban built a national championship team at LSU. But he proved Saturday he doesn’t need national championship talent to beat UT convincingly.
What does that say about the future of the UT-Alabama series?
The series has been marked by runs. Since 1966, Alabama has had 11- and seven-game winning streaks. UT has had two four-game winning streaks, a seven-game winning streak and had won 10 of the last 12.
The course of the series last changed when Fulmer’s third team beat Alabama 41-14 in 1995. It might have changed again Saturday.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 112
indianacurly writes:
john adams for president! john pennington for secdef!!!
dbs writes:
Other stats that should loom large since the national title....
Years without SEC title: 8
Years without BCS bowl: 7
Years without top 10 ranking: 5
Years without AP Top 25 ranking: 2000, 2002, 2005, (2006-25th)
Years with 3 or more losses: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (6 straight years and 8 out of 9 )
Years with multiple losses to unranked teams: 2003, 2005
Years with loss in last 2 games of season: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 (EIGHT straight years and counting)
4-8 (.333) vs. Spurrier: (2-3 since 1998 )
3-4 (.429) vs. Richt
1-3 (.250) vs. Tuberville
1-3 (.250) vs. Saban
0-3 (.000) vs. Meyer
10-17 (.370) 1999 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB (thank God for Zook!)
8-16 (.333 ) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB
6-15 (.286) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, LSU, AUB excluding games vs. Zook
6-13 (.316) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, AUB
4-12 (.250) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA, AUB excluding games vs. Zook
6-10 (.375) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA
4-9 (.308) 2000 - present vs. FL, GA excluding games vs. Zook
3-5 (.375) 2000 - present vs. GA
8-16 (.333) vs. Top 10 teams 1999 - present
1-6 (.142) vs. Top 10 teams at home 2000 - present
6-14 (.300) vs. Top 10 teams 2000 - present
18-21 (.462) vs. Ranked Teams 1999 - present
2-5 (.285) Bowl games since 1998 (all double digit losses)
2-7 (.222) Postseason record since 1998 including SECCG (all double digit losses)
dbs writes:
Found this on one of the other comment threads here at govolsxtra.com. If true, these should cause an accountant to scratch their heads and ask why?
===
Fulmer's salary as a % of Football revenue is 7.3% and 3rd highest in the SEC.
From the Decatur Daily in 2007
Auburn football generated $51,598,921 in revenue during that span. Head coach Tommy Tuberville makes a reported $2,231,000, which is 4.3 percent.
The University of Florida generated $48,194,552 in football revenue during that time period and pays its coach, Urban Meyer, $1,524,550. That’s 3.3 percent of its football budget.
Les Miles, who replaced Saban as LSU’s head coach, makes $1.45 million, about 3.7 percent of the Bengal Tigers’ football budget.
Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer’s salary is at 7.3 percent, but the Vols’ football revenue has dropped from around $46 million to $27,732,427.
Alabama is not the only school with a high percentage level. Oklahoma pays Bob Stoops $3.45 million, which is at 10 percent, and Notre Dame pay Charlie Weis a reported $3.3 million, which is 5.3 percent.
"THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN STABILITY AND COMPLACENCY!" With a graduating QB, there has never been a better time to make a change.
===
olozbal#646632 writes:
1. Why did they keep taking Foster out? I get rotating but it seemed like he was hardly in when it mattered most? He was hot this game and we kept him from making a difference.
2. Where was Hardesty?
3. Did anyone see that bama kickoff return where our guys had zero aggression. Just dancing around trying to contain the guy while nobody tackled him? Wow. Worst display of football wimps I've ever seen.
4. Our defense is just bad. We didn't adjust, we didn't tackle, we didn't pressure.
5. I love how Saban was pissed and angry when they screwed up. Notice how our side just doesn't care?
GrandCanyonVol writes:
Very,very disapointed ----again! The coaching was awful. We are embarrassed, very embarrassed!!!
yeavols#228407 writes:
And Georgia beat Alabama? Granted anyone can beat anyone on any given day, but let's be real about this one. Once again, we saw an unmotivated team and a coach on the sidelines dazed and confused. We had more penalties than in any previous game, continued missed tackles, and questionable play calling.
hglover40#234154 writes:
dbs, GA,LSU, and FL probably had more talent on the field the last few years than UT, which might explain Fulmer's record against those schools since 2000. Not today, I don't think you can say Alabama has more talent, or at least UT has had much better recruiting classes than Bama the past 4 years.
I've always been a fan of coach Fulmer; but it's tough to watch games like today's!!
Ironcity writes:
I wish it was motivation that we lacked because that could be fixed. The coaching on the defense is just awful. There is no reason to what we do. 3rd and 8 we give a 15 yard cushion 3rd and goal from the 16, we let their best receiver run right down the middle of the field for a TD. Its very clear our linebckers haven't a clue. Lets stop!!!! turning linebackers into ends. I am so tired of watching our ends get dragged down the field and our backers getting run over. Ryan Karls not even big enough to play fullback much less linebacker. Does that mean Fulmer should go? Only of he refuses to make the necessary changes that are needed. I am not sure but does Chavous also coach the Dee Linemen? I believe the Coordinator, Secondary Coach and Line coach have to go. We should immediately move Donald and Walker back to linebackers and lets start playing physical football again.
dbs writes:
hglover40,
You've recognized part of my point.
We can debate who had the best talent between TN, GA, LSU and FL all day - and both probably be right . I really don't think the talent disparity was that big either way, though I do think we've had much better talent than Auburn for several years.
The issue is coaching. Both on the field and in recruiting. If you accept that the other schools had better talent, then why is that given the financial investment the University makes in Fulmer? The HC is completely responsible for recruiting quality players - and given the investment in Fulmer and the facilities UT should expect the best.
If the problem is talent but not we are still recruiting well, then why aren't those players developed as fast as at other schools or performing as effectively? Do we lack player development skills?
Last, it was obvious today that we were out-coached in every way possible - even with a huge talent disparity in our favor (they were even missing 3 starters). Unfortunatly, this isn't the first time this season this has happened.
When talent levels are close, whether or not UT has a slight advantage or not, the record should not be this bad. But it is. The numbers don't lie.
Any way you look at the situation it is obvious that UT is not getting a return commensurate with the level of its investment in the current head coach and staff. Something has to change.
One thing that can change is our expectations. Hglover40, some might interpret your comment as being satisfied with 3+ losses per season (I don't - I just think you are being very, very loyal). If the Vol Nation finds that collectively acceptable, then perhaps we shouldn't be so hard on Fulmer and the AD, Hamilton, as we've acquiesced to a status of a tier 2 SEC team.
That's OK for some. But, not for me.
The other thing that can change is internal to the program. Accountability starts at the top - with Fulmer. It's time for him to step aside.
BTW, if UT is somehow satisfied with being a second tier team then I respectfully submit that Fulmer isn't the right coach for the Vols. We can achieve that level of success at a much lower cost than we have with Fulmer.
moes1#276563 writes:
Phil:
Thank you for all the years you have given to the Vols as a student, player and coach. We will alway have a warm place for you in our hearts. We wish you the very best in your new job next year.
madcow26#524674 writes:
good god almighty..this is painful...worst tennessee team I have seen since the johnny majors era and I was there when duke and north texas state beat us...awful...but , afterall tomorrow is another day...I am sure tennessee can win out...that is if we play georgia the next five games...
tw85541 writes:
It's all about the coach. That's college football. Ours was a great one, but like Penn State and Florida State, time has passed him by and his icon status has kept him here too long. Thanks for the memories, but we have to move on. Could it be more obvious?
wyomingvol writes:
We are bad and I don't give a s*&^ if we win out every game for the year. This has gotten to be the norm. No good coaches on the horizon, but don't see how we can do overly worse.
This was the worse coaching performance from all sides of the ball I have seen in 20 years.
If 'Buzz Ball' wasn't cutting it, then this certainly isn't either Mike P.
vegasvol writes:
Since the game was on espn gameplan, I put on my orange and went to the Suncoast Casino to proudly watch my Vols pound to Tide. Needless to say, by the 4th quarter I was retreating with my tail between my legs as I'm sure Smokey was. It was embarrassing, very embarrassing.
MANVOL writes:
just got back from Tuskaloosa, this just in Alabama scored again....That was the sorriest performance to date. That's including the Florida game. They did not have any fight 'em. I've been ready for a coaching since Penn State debacle. Ainge had a wide reciever break down the side line 4 different times and never threw it deep. The one he through deep that was picked, Oneil was wide open no one with in 5-7 yards of him at ten yard line right in front of me. Missing someone deep once; it happens. Not throwing deep to a wide open receiver is a huge problem. Turn out the lights the parties over!!
BigVolinCarolina writes:
It pains me to say this but I must: how many times do we "have to go back to the drawing board"/"work harder at practice/"keep trying to get better in each week"?
utclassof1992 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
volfans_1#225396 writes:
tngeoff
We all agree it was wrong how Majors was replaced but we also know it needed to be done. However, it's time again for that decision to be made not thought about or debated any longer. Fulmer was put in place by the powers that be to take the program to the "next level" and he did for a few years and we won a National Championship and a few SEC Championships during that stretch, and for that I give him credit. Fulmer is a great VOL and should be respected as such.I contend that he should do the right thing as a VOL and announce his retirement effective at years end so we can start the process of finding the next coach so we don't lose any recruits coming in. I love UT and UT Football and respected both Majors and Fulmer but it is time to make a change. We as VOL fans should show respect to the program during this time by supporting the team no matter what. It only makes us look foolish to the recruits,media and the university to bad mouth and poor mouth. I know no one is taking this harder than the players and most of the coaches. I hope Fulmer comes to his senses and does the right thing.
utclassof1992 writes:
Hey Phil, I ve got just the thing after a Tide butt-pasting.
http://www.buttpaste.com/
utclassof1992 writes:
Everyone knows about the situation at Nebraska, right. They just fired their AD, Steve Pederson, after he just about alienated everyone in the Husker Nation. Guess where he spent some of his formative years and with who. Look at the 1993 media guide. Hamilton and Pederson together in the UT administration under Dickey. Wake up, Mike. Dont follow Steve.
skinalive#242458 writes:
We are not even competitive in what is a wide-open SEC East.
Dear Ol' Ball Coach,
Please shoot the dog next week and put it out of its misery.
Regards,
The Dog
skinalive#242458 writes:
100-37?
Shoot more three-pointers!
hosslarry#207324 writes:
Should Fuller be fired. Probably so, but not for his coaching abilities. You don't establish the record that he has without having some ability. Rather his weakness is his loyalty to his staff, which is basically a group of underperformers. Everyone on the defensive side should be replaced and that should start with Chavis on Monday. Tennessee hasn't had a defense in years and Fullmer hasn't taken any action to remedy it. You've got to feel sorry for the players, because Tennessee has very good talent, good enough to win the conference but the defensive coaches let them down time after time. If it wasn't for Cutcliff, I'm not sure that the record wouldn't be 0-6 now. Chavis should have been shown the door several years ago. And Cutcliff, 3rd and 2 yards to go and you call a pass!!! Some of that defensive intelligence rubbing off on you? Can Hamilton pull another "Pearl rabbit" out of the hat for the football program?
5 and 6 or 6 and 5 became a lot more clearer after today.
VaVol
txsvol#372416 writes:
moes1 expresses my feelings too. We can love Phil for all he's done for UT, as we can Johnny, and still know that it's time for him to retire, be bought out, or fired. We need a new beginning, and Phil and his assistants are 'acluistic.' He's never been the best game day coach. There's nothing he can do the rest of the season to change our minds about two losing seasons in three years being unacceptable. And, with blow-out losses to Florida and Bama, even 9-3 would be a losing season! When both FL and AL claim we quit, and it's obvious that we did, it reflects so badly on the coaches. Looks like LSU-Auburn is having the kind of game we used to have against Alabama and Florida, as did FL-KY earlier today. Does anybody know if any SEC assistants are head coaching material for us to consider?
jonesboroughvolfan writes:
How fast do you think ESPN is moving trying to get out of next Saturday's telecast? Tennessee vs. South Carolina? With the way these two played today why not just show the Shuffleboard World Championship live from the Ft. Lauderdale Retirement Village.
skroutyboy writes:
I have resisted making these comments, but after today I feel compelled to offer this analysis. We are not a well coached team. From the opening onsides kickoff to the final gun, we were outcoached, outplayed, outhit, etc. I agree with some of the previous posters--Coach Fulmer has done a tremendous job at Tennessee and should be treated with respect. That being said, he should be offered the opportunity to resign with the proper trappings. However, if he chooses not to take that route, AD Hamilton has to make the tough call and let him go. It is obvious that our schemes and philosophies do not work in the college game today. Certainly, talent is an important component, but I do not see the development of talent that is needed to compete in the strongest conference in America. With the resources we have, there is no reason to experience what we have experienced the last 4-5 years. We are Tennessee. Nothing else needs to be said. We expect the best and, in turn, should be rewarded with the best. Granted, you cannot win the conference or the national title every years. However, we should at the very least compete for those titles. Yet, we are not in the position to do so. Hence, it is time for a change. Please Coach Fulmer do the honorable thing and resign at the end of the season. Thank you for what you have done for Tennessee football.
Chainsaw writes:
I thought I was watching "Deliverance" instead of a football game. I can still hear that horrible squealing...PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!
budrhon writes:
Look's like Gator Fan is back in the drivers seat!
injunvol writes:
come on adams - your not very smart if think the vols have a defense - im not sure what it is myself but i dang well know its not a defense so please dont call it one
txsvol#372416 writes:
Re: my previous posts, I see no way that we can beat anyone remaining on our schedule, except ULaLa, and maybe Vandy. Even Blake Mitchell's homecoming next weekend should be a success for him and the Ol' Ball Coach! Finishing 6-6 would make us bowl eligible. And, there will be pressure to go, recruiting advantages and such! Maybe there's a friend of Hamilton's who recently was terminated as AD at Nebraska, who might give him good advice about what he should do to keep his job. He made a great hire in basketball! Now, let's see what he can do in football. Anybody else ready for one of those $25,000 former NCAA consultants who can approach people during the football season without violating any NCAA rules? I understand that Dennis Franchione and Bill Callahan will be available at the end of the season, if not sooner (sarcasm intended). A good young assistant coach is Brent Venables at Oklahoma, who has been tutored by Bob Stoops, and coaches an agressive defensive scheme. It might be advantageous to have Venables on board, but I'm open to others, especially Jason Garrett, OC-QB Coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Just so they are young and smart, and will be able to attract other coaches just like them, who can recruit. That was Phil's saving factor for so long, but we've looked better in recruiting than in developing the new talent and actually getting it to the field. Phil has to go, after this season!
TDTNVOLS writes:
JUST RUN THE BALL!!! Cutcliffe made Chavis, the defense and Fulmer look incompetent. All you had to do was run the ball. Everyone already knew our defense was weak; so run the ball and keep our defense off the field. Foster was getting 7 or 8 yards per carry. Alabama had 8 in the box and they COULD NOT stop the run. I almost always favor a balanced attack, but clearly today was an exception. ALL WE NEEDED TO DO WAS RUN THE BALL. THEY COULD NOT STOP US. This was how be beat Georgia. But Cutcliffe has Ainge, and he just can't stand not throwing the ball. I love Ainge too, but Cutcliff and Fulmer let Ainge hand the game over to Alabama today, and we could not stop them. WHAT A SHAME. WHO IS IN CHARGE ANYWAY???
steve22043#233791 writes:
Funny how in recent history Chavis was considered such a good coach people were worried he'd leave us to take a head coaching job somewhere. Trooper's the only coach who seems to have any fire. I think the others have gotten too complacent with their bloated salaries. They have no drive any more and it clearly carries over to the players. Agree Fulmer should be escorted out with respect.
brianlacyjohnson#228347 writes:
TDTNVOLS: I couldn't agree more. 3rd and 2: Run the ball. 4th and 2 and down by 7: Run the ball (we punted from mid-field...they scored). 4th and 1 and down by 10: Run the ball (we punted from mid-field...they scored again).
Ralph_Crampton writes:
In recent years the big problem has been the defense. In 1999 season, Nebraska in bowl game ran 38 straight running plays against the hapless Vol defense...Who in no way could stop the Huskers...and they even let up...keeping the score 31-21..yet Vols had five or six first round picks in pro draft...Hello.
ncvol17 writes:
Does anyone really still believe that just since we are playing the next 4 at home we will win them? Pass me that Kool AID please...
Then the Cats get to feast on us like it was 1985...
Start the count down to Sept of next year when we can all believe we will win 'em all and go to the SEC championship again.
Let's start the mantra = Just one more year....
WYLOVER writes:
I can't take it anymore. Maybe we should use Neyland as a new stadium for the Lady Vols. At least they win at something.
It's a disgrace. 99% percent chance fulmer DOESN't lose his job.
cphil writes:
jamcdaniel79, I think you're right about one thing, 99% percent chance Fulmer DOESN'T lose his job.
UNLESS, the true powers that be at UT make the decision to pull the trigger. Mike Hamilton has about as much real say-so in such a move as you or I would have. He gets his marching orders from the big money people like Jim Haslam. He can't wipe his butt without first asking them whether to scrunch or fold the toilet paper. Want to get rid of the current coaching (and I use that term loosely) staff? Then boycott Pilot stations and let the Haslams know it's being done because of their continued support for Fulmer. Do the same to the businesses of the other big buck contributors to UT and see how fast they engineer another "Night of the Orange Knives" like they did when Fulmer replaced Majors.
DSaVol writes:
Gee...this stuff sounds like an echo. One that I and only a few others on here have been preaching for over two years. THIS ENTIRE STAFF MUST GO! And that includes Trooper Taylor who for some unknown reason seems to be most folks popular exception. It would be extremely unwise to mistake his High School Harry act for true "fire in the belly." He couldn't coach RBs, the WRs are below average, and all those great recruits he's credited with must be ghosts. But I guess if ole Phat Phil gave a chest bump now and then, many would want him to hang around too. THEY ALL MUST GO! NOW!
k0605#241765 writes:
In the three losses, the Vols have been outscored 145-68. They have not been competitive and that's the worst fact so far this year.Not even competitive. Now the Vols have been competitive against Arkansas State and So. Miss...wow! This is a far cry from what Tenn has done in the past and another year of sliding from Tenn expectations.
Tenn needs new coaching leadership. Even Joe Torre had to leave. Nebraska is going to upgrade, Alabama and Florida upgraded. Tenn has to upgrade big time. Get someone that raises the bar on the entire SEC.
spencer1989#206886 writes:
At the start of the season, I had predicted 6 losses this season. So far I have been right on each one of those except for the Georgia game. The other losses that I have predicted are to Arkansas, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Anyone want to bet against those??? After yesterday, I may go ahead and throw Vanderbilt in the mix. Maybe this will be the year that the phat pumpkin gets harvested into pumpkin pie
VOLnATL writes:
I feel the same as all of you and could easily write a book on how the team played, coacjing, etc. . We missed a prime opportnity to replace Phil over the past two-three years. If Hamilton had any vision and true football leadsership abilities, we would now have a coach such as Myers, Miles, etc. The honeymoon phase would be over and UT would have national respect. Instead, Hamilton "stayed the course".I hate that freaking phrase and I am sure Phil will use it once again. Let's all pray that this is not the case again. The administration needs to read "Who Moved My Cheese". Change is innevitable and it seems the admin is scared to face it! IT can not get any worse!
VOLnATL writes:
I feel the same as all of you and could easily write a book on how the team played, coacjing, etc. . We missed a prime opportnity to replace Phil over the past two-three years. If Hamilton had any vision and true football leadsership abilities, we would now have a coach such as Myers, Miles, etc. The honeymoon phase would be over and UT would have national respect. Instead, Hamilton "stayed the course".I hate that freaking phrase and I am sure Phil will use it once again. Let's all pray that this is not the case again. The administration needs to read "Who Moved My Cheese". Change is innevitable and it seems the admin is scared to face it! IT can not get any worse!
blhvols#210231 writes:
Lets just put four posts in the defensive backfield and hope the other teams receivers run into them. First thing is to get rid of the DB coach. He hasn't been any good since he has been at UT. Chavis threntens to leave if Fulmer fires him. If that is the case, then good bye to chavis also. I've also not heard of many commmitments that Chavis has gotten. I know the front 4 has to put pressure on to help the DB's, and thats not happening either. Again UT gets behind early, and loses big. Fulmer should have gone for it on 4th and 2. Still conservative and afraid to lose. We knew defense couldn't hold them.
blhvols#210231 writes:
We do not want Miles ATLVOLS1, even the LSU people don't like him that much. They have been very lucky this. They are good because they have great talent. Miles is a gambler, I'll give him that.
VolFan4Life writes:
To ATLVOLS1 "It can not get any worse" assessment, don't bet on it.
How about a home loss to Vandy? How about a second losing season in three years? How about a recruiting class below that of Rutgers and South Florida?
That's where things are headed.
tennisvol writes:
I thought some of the players were going to watch Coach Fulmer's back, I guess they forgot about the Alabama game.
VOLnATL writes:
BLHVOLS-Sorry, I do not want Miles either. I was only stating him as an example when other traditional winning schools had the forsight to make changes, i.e. FL, LSU, etc. Yes, LSU was forced into hiring someone due to Saban leaving but they took a chance.
VOLFAN4LIFE- I agree, I am assuming that we will loose to USC, UK, UA and possible Vandy.
Should have been more clear but I hadn't had time to wipe the sleep out of my eyes. I stayed up watching LSU and Auburn both playing to win not like UT, playing not to loose. Oh hell, UT played to loose! Embarrassed they did no show up to their biggest rival!
I am glad I live in the ATL and not Birmingham or Ttown. I can at least save face here. Ha Ha.
chelseavol#206134 writes:
Dumb: Inability to react to unexpected onside kick.
Dumber: Senseless penalities in critical situations.
Dumbest: Punting on 4th and 1 in second quarter when defense could not provide a stop and when AL would get the ball to begin 2nd half. This was repeated on 4th and 2 in third quarter. The punts gained only 20-25 yards of field position and, of course, AL could cover this in a flash.
fencevol writes:
Having lettered in baseball at UT in the late 60's, I got to know Phil Fulmer personally. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to chat with him on a few occasions. I ABSOLUTELY KNOW that he is a BLEED ORANGE MAN. It deeply sadens me to say that I believe it is time for him to step down. The stats posted by dbs, simply do not lie. I have seen this downward trend happening for the last few years, but always felt that Coach could turn it around. Watching games the last couple of years has shown me one thing in particular, THE FIRE IS GONE!!!!!! Watch the other coaches during the games. They are EMOTIONAL, not STOIC. 9 and 3 seasons or worse might be acceptable at many schools, but having worn the Orange and White myself, it is not OK with me !!!!!! I don't know the best way to make this change, I just hope it is done sooner that later. Plil, I know you are a proud honest man, but please let your love for Tennessee guide you in this trying time. Coach, thanks for the Championships and GREAT memories. It is just time.
fencevol
gillblog writes:
The inepept strategies, the poor talent development, the continual drop-off in performance; all these things are bad in themselves, but I think what makes it so much worse for fans and the real reason so many on this site are angrily outraged is that the Vols are apparently giving up in these games. Just giving up.
If we loose while giving 100% the entire game then fans react with disappointment but respectful support and encouragement. A prime example of this was the UK fans response to their team's loss yesterday. Support and encouragement in the face of a powerful loss. UT fans would have reacted the same way yesterday if only the Vols hadn't obviously given up.
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