Posted by FKevinRichardson on October 20, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I use to expect Tennessee to win every game no matter who they were playing.
I no longer expect Tennessee to win any game no matter who they are playing. It breaks my heart to see Tennessee loose games this way.
Another sad day in TN.

The biggest disappointment for Tennessee is the way the Vols have lost to two of the biggest rivals on their schedule.

Tennessee has been outscored 100-37 in losses at Florida and Alabama.

Posted by Pearl4pres on October 20, 2007 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lennon creer gets a carry on 3rd and 1 when arian is shredding the defense...give me a break..what a joke...one of the worst performances i have ever seen... right next to two other games we lost this year... we need an outside spark

Posted by koamalina on October 20, 2007 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee football...who cares anymore? There is no longer any reason to get excited about it. This season is now officially over.

At least there is fantasy football so we can cheer for other teams when the Vols let us down.

Posted by jaminc3 on October 20, 2007 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have always told my closest friends to be careful for what you wish for in regards to firing Fulmer, because so many teams go into a slump year in and year out usually going through several coaches before they have any real success (i.e., Alabama)and we almost seem spoiled as fans but I can no longer support this staff. I live in Louisiana and I am a UT alum and I have always worn my colors with pride and will continue to do so, but there is no excuse for a team with the facilities that we have and the budget that we have to perform at such a poor level. What I watched was terrible and I saw no fire of emotion from the coashing staff (did you see Saban or even Leavett?) Fulmer has brought a national championship and been a good steward for UT, but the program is in a tail spin and it is time for him to step aside and let a new generation come in and take Tennessee back to the top. No name calling. Just common sense. The program needs to be higher than one person. Go Vols!

Posted by tngeoff on October 20, 2007 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"But no matter what happens next, Hamilton wants to hold any final judgment on the football program until after the season is over."

Obviously no Doug Dickey. Courtesy extended to the one coach who deserves none. While no Doug Dickey, I'm sure he has a couple of the Fulmer conspirators breathing down his neck...although its time they face the fact that they look like complete idiots for even launching this debacle out a trash cycle of events.

Posted by jimmy71 on October 20, 2007 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, now I have heard it all - well you heard the suit, the only remedy to this dreadful situation is apathy - little did we know that our disgust was merely being used as fuel for maintaining the status quo, since we were, at least, still "interested" - well I say we give it to 'em...no tickets, no pay per view, no donations, no merchandise and concessions, and while we're at it, how about no more posts...I'm out-I'll see you under the new regime

Posted by jamali76 on October 20, 2007 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love how Hamilton uses the old worn out Fulmer saying,"We've got to get back to work".Maybe you need to stay at "work" and you could get some things done.I gave Fulmer the benefit of the doubt to start the season, but since the Cal loss I might have watched 10 minutes of the Vols play.When Fulmer is gone I'll be proud to don the orange again but until then I'll just watch the NFL and root for former Vols.

Posted by tngeoff on October 20, 2007 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN,

And that smile is by the Grace of God! Now for the apologies to Coach Major?

Posted by tngeoff on October 20, 2007 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Majors that is!

Posted by DarthVol on October 20, 2007 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On the bright side, one day none of this will matter to me. But I won't smell too good then, that's for sure.

Posted by oldbasshead on October 20, 2007 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It will take empty seats, drop in concessions sales and mechandise to dislodge the current staff. They have had their day and their opportunity to show that they still have it. They don't.

Posted by yeavols on October 20, 2007 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is nothing wrong with retirement at the end of the year. Thanks Fulmer for giving us a few good years. Things change and time goes on. Many coaches will come and go in the years to come. We just need to make sure we make the right choice. Someone who is innovative, passionate, coaches on the sidelines, emotional and can teach young players how to develop.

Posted by onecrazyvol on October 20, 2007 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sent mike my email and told him what I thought about emotions. I also told him I don't give a **** about his AD friends with empty stadiums. He didn't shell out money to go watch the crap on the field that i did..............

Posted by cgbtn on October 20, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps we should follow Nebraska's lead and fire the AD.

Posted by vol52 on October 20, 2007 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not certain Hamilton is seeing the same team as we are or he has the change in coaches under way.

Posted by onecrazyvol on October 20, 2007 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I dunno about that....ie Bruce Pearl

Posted by onecrazyvol on October 20, 2007 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol52 i hope you are right!

Posted by nmvol on October 20, 2007 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I emailed Hamilton about the joke UT football has now become today and everyone who is a UT fan should. Fulmer must step aside at the end of this season.

Posted by eduke33 on October 20, 2007 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have not exactly been defending Fulmer, as I want to know who is out there before making a bad switch (as some of you have noted above). But it seems there might need to be a change. BUT PLEASE STOP WITH THE MAJORS COMMENTS = his *** needed to go! Fulmer took us to heights Majors could not have dreamed of. And stop with the Majors won 2 of 3 SEC titles in his last years ... whatever, the SEC is light years ahead of that ancient good ol' boy network! I want to see UT at the top of the best league, not senseless reminiscing of those old days when the SEC was nothing more than a regional phenomenon.

Posted by asand211 on October 20, 2007 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is obvious after reading comments made by Hamilton that Fulmer is safe regardless of how far the Vols fall year after year. Obviously, these guys are buddies and and the good of the program takes a back seat to friendship. That is very unfortunate for the school, players, and the fans. I think we are going to keep falling and end up going from the top to the cellar like Nebraska.

Posted by jim.yates on October 20, 2007 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I graduated in 1980 and I appreciate all Fulmer has brought to our program. I have seen much worse and have been hesitate to dismiss him. But I have difficulty continuing to support our direction.

That said, who can we get to replace him and go forward - I SURE DON'T WANT TO BE ALABAMA AND STRUGGLE FOR 12+ YEARS. Short of Tubberville or the "Ball Coach", I'm not sure who we could get to Knoxville... Thoughts anyone?

Posted by gillblog on October 20, 2007 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Money. Just money. Hamilton doesn't care about anything else. Buying out Fulmer now would be more expensive as many on this site have calculated than making a change now. But, he would do us all a service if he would simply come out and announce his decision now.

By now he must have made a decision. He can't really believe that giving this coach and his staff more time will make things better. So why leave Fulmer and his staff and his players and UT fans twisting in the wind? Money. At the bottom of all this Hamilton's reasoning has to be about money. Fulmer's only hope of staying another year is the bottom line dollar difference between breaking his contract and the cost of a new head coach. Nothing else matters.

Posted by larrywanderson on October 20, 2007 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MIKE, We Fellow Vols regret to inform you that we do not care to have our Football Team referred to as a 'product'.

AND maybe your 'friend who are ADs at places where they don’t have full stadiums' are not friends within the SEC or Top 50 Football Teams.

MIKE, you should read the Omaha Newspapers about what happens to AD's that to not care to keep in touch with the goals and traditions(winning) of their State University.

Posted by t_johnson3 on October 20, 2007 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have to be kidding! Are you actually referring to Johnny Majors who was owned and beaten like a rented mule by Alabama. What a joke! The most disturbing trend of this team to me is when they are losing in the fourth quarter they quit playing, and that is a character issue. While I agree the coaching needs to be revamped, a rah rah for Johnny Majors, the drunk, who made the phrase good one year, bad the next, is ludicrous.

Posted by vol52 on October 20, 2007 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Hamilton does not listen then we should get the president of the university and e-mail him. We all thought Buzz was safe and in reality he was not.

Posted by gavol2572 on October 20, 2007 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really dont know who we could get but I do know this, I want the good buddy system gone. Lets get some fresh blood and fire at UT. What we go just aint cutting it. BTW I like Cutty as OCbut I really think he wouldn't be what we need as HC

Posted by Phowell23 on October 20, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jim Yates, well lets see other then the ones you mentioned...

-Jon Gruden (current head coach at Tampa Bay Bucs), started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UT in 1986.

-Jim Leavitt (current head coach at South Florida), was interviewed for Alabama job but turned it down. Maybe UT job would could sway him out of Florida.

-Chris Peterson (current head coach at Boise State). Has done a lot with very little. What could he do with great talent?

-Bill Cowher (ex head coach for Pittsburg Steelers). Lives in North Carolina and works as a NFL TV Analyst and rumors have been circulating he wants to get back into coaching

Stay tuned...I'm working on a website called NextTNCoach.com where I'll profile all of these and more. Website should be up in a few weeks.

Posted by ETownVol on October 20, 2007 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Failmore isn't fired or retires, we at least need to get rid of Chavis. He was outcoached ALL DAY by Major Applewhite who can't be much more than 30 years old, if that. You would think a so-called "veteran" DC could at least stop an offense controlled by what amounts to be a kid. I've not been a big supporter of Fill-up Failmore lately nor have I been calling for his head, but we have been completely embarrassed by our two biggest rivals this year due to lack of preparation and piss-poor coaching. It's one thing to get beat... I can handle that. But we have been EMBARRASSED at least twice this year. And, no, Fill-up, it's not an aberration and we should NOT stay the course. The course we're on resembles the maiden voyage of the Titanic. I still love the Vols but supporting Failmore is futile. WE NEED A CHANGE, Mr. Hamilton, and that right soon.

Posted by madcow26 on October 20, 2007 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jeez louise...can this team be much worse on defense...defensive line - horrible..linebackers - lost...defensive secondary - somewhere else but on the field....absolutely one of the worst excuses for a defense I have ever seen...but what do I know..I am just a fan of college football....

Posted by Pearl4pres on October 20, 2007 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

either cowher or Petersen...both would bring extreme excitement back

Posted by orange71 on October 20, 2007 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hamilton may consider it inappropriate to attack a coach during the season, believing season's-end the better timing for a nunber of reasons. he deserves time to act. the grace period ends, however, at the end of the kentucky game. until then, he should play all close to the vest.

Posted by bls8617 on October 20, 2007 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is not acceptable, especially for someone like me who has to live with all these crazy alabama fans every year. I don't expect tennessee to win every rivalry game, but i do expect them to not get humilated. Mike Hamilton doesn't suffer for embarrasing losses like this, the fans do. I've always been a fulmer supporter and i try to look past some of the bad things, but I can no longer support a coach who oppenly refuses to change anything!

Posted by brdteton on October 20, 2007 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On Hardesty: He is a good player, we should of gotten him in......

Is that a coach or a fan talking. This one is inexcusable.

This guy and Foster torched people the last two weeks, and Foster was running well all day.

WHAT A DISASTER. Thanks for making sure We were not in a position to win the game Head and Assistant Head Coaches.

Another grand welcoming to the SEC for a new coach! Now the norm for TN football.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on October 20, 2007 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Money IS an "emotional" thing--people don't part with their money without having some stake in where it's going....perhaps a less-than-paid-in-full attendance will grab the administration's attention.

As for coaching prospects (I hate to say it), I truly believe we're in a bind...there's no one "in the family" who has the pedigree to be head coaching material. And as for going "out of the family", it's easy to do for basketball when the program has been a perennial cellar-dwellar for 20+ years; however, football is a different thing and it IS the money-maker for all of UT sports.

It is time for a new coach, but it's not going to be easy for Hamilton to pull the trigger on football like he did for basketball. Keep that in mind.

Posted by dlobh on October 20, 2007 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jim.yates, just try not to jump out of any cars on the Strip. Somebody could kick your a** . . .

Alabama lost to GA, beat Houston by 6 and Ole Miss by 3. UT is now definitely better than Miss. St. and maybe GA only in the SEC.

Posted by injunvol on October 20, 2007 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i really want to say that our defense s**ks problem is we dont have a defense or a coach - this is worse than 05 - its gonna get much worse before this seasons ends - please fulmer step down

Posted by utmandy on October 20, 2007 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton won't be swayed by emotions, poor coaching, poor play, inteligence, no defense, no special teams, a 4-3 team the has had a top 5 recruiting class the past 3 years (4 out of 5), a team that is 18-14 of its last 32, 2-5 in last seven bolws (not bowl eligible in 05).

What will the he be swayed by?

Posted by utmandy on October 20, 2007 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Bruce Pearl hire was made by a committee of faculty and administration headed be president John Peterson. All Hamilton did was show up to the announcement.

Peterson will be the one that does something.

Posted by Oenoboy on October 20, 2007 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our winning percentage by decade since 1930...

30s - 78% - 1.5 SEC Champs (1 outright, 1 shared)
40s - 74% - 1.5 SEC Champs
50s - 67% - 1.5 SEC Champs
60s - 64% - 2 SEC Champs
70s - 64% - 0 SEC Champs
80s - 65% - 1.5 SEC Champs
90s - 80% - 3 SEC Champs
00s - 68% - 0 SEC Champs (including today's loss)

As much as I hate that big 0 in SEC Championships so far, under the past system without a playoff, we would have had 1. So, you talk about bringing in a coach to bring us back to the top or to a level worthy of our program? What freaking program are you referring to?

It was Fulmer who brought us to those lofty levels we haven’t seen since the Neyland years. Actually since the General retired, this decade so far is our 2nd best in winning percentage. So please explain what it is historically you guys want to get back to.

I’ve brought this up before. Neyland went 25-13-3 through a three year stretch at the end of the 40s. According to you guys, he should have been fired. The next two years the Vols record was 21-2-0 and we won a national championship.

For those of you who are attacking Hamilton. That is quite simply stupidity. Using Nebraska as an example? How does 27-19 sound for a football record under a current coach with nothing positive going on with any of your other sports? You guys sound like spoiled brats!

Get your heads out of your win at all cost a$$es and show a little faith in the best coach we’ve had since 1952 and one of the best ADs in the country.

Posted by jim.yates on October 20, 2007 at 11:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dlohh-the defensive support that night reminds me of what the we saw this afternoon, by the way, thanks

Posted by lkilgore on October 20, 2007 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Gruden
5 million per year

Posted by Indianavol on October 20, 2007 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jaminc3;

WELL SAID!!

Posted by dlobh on October 20, 2007 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is ridiculously obviously that TN is out-coached every week. Every return of our kicks or punts is scary, we never, ever do anything innovative (like an onside kick to start the game or a funky shift on 4th down to draw the other team offsides), we don't go for it on 4th and 1 somewhere around the 45 yard line in Alabama's side of the field . . . What I'd like to know is how did this team play so well against GA? How can yearly top 5 recruiting classes look so bad unless it's bad coaching?

Posted by cphil on October 20, 2007 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Hamilton won't be swayed by emotions"

Translation: Hamilton will do whatever Haslam and the other multi-millionaires who contribute to UT tell him to do.

Posted by DCSOvol on October 20, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Read it! Hamilton dont give a crap. Until Haslam, Johnson, and some of the other big $ boys really ride his butt, Fulmer is our man. After all, Fulmer did get MH his job and gave a mil to UT. Dont get your hopes up for a buyout.

Posted by nocfred on October 20, 2007 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looking at Oenoboy stats, it’s a telling a story. Since 2000 the winning percentage is 68%. You noticed that the slide from Gen. Neyland continued for several decades. Fulmers winning percentage is starting to decline. The decline needs to stop now. 68% is good if you are in Memphis. But in Knoxville where the Athletic Budget is $50 or $60 million dollars per year and HC makes $2,000,000, 68% is not good enough

Posted by Indianavol on October 20, 2007 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The D that showed up for the UGA game was an abberation; the Vols secondary is awful. I was willing to accept the Cal loss and was furious after the Fl loss and gave Fulmer the benefit of the doubt. After UGA, I liked our chances because the D played great. But there is NO WAY, NO WAY those lying, cheating bastards in Tuscaloser are 24 points better than the Vols.

If the Vols play this way the rest of the season, we will be lucky to win 5 games!

I'm sorry Coach Fulmer, but it is time to walk away with dignity before you are shown the door!

Posted by cphil on October 20, 2007 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eduke33,

The reason everybody is bringing up Johnny Majors now is because the same thing that allowed Fulmer to orchestrate the "Night of the Orange Knives" and take over as head coach is happening again. Those of us old enough to remember (I was at UT when Doug Dickey was the head coach) will agree that Majors had slipped into mediocrity by '92, and needed to be replaced. The issue I've always had was the MANNER in which Fulmer went behind his back to do it.

Posted by utmandy on October 20, 2007 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton's email: mhamilt00@tennessee.edu

Let him have it.

Posted by chrisw2967 on October 20, 2007 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton sounds about ignorant as Fulmer does. Maybe he needs to be fired also. This is turning out to be one big joke.

Posted by utmdm on October 20, 2007 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgive me people. I am going to be longwinded here. I have come off the orange Koolaide the past 4 weeks and the rush of oxygen to the brain is overcoming and Hamilton's comments are like cold water in the face....

Hamilton, forget emotions and just use your eyes and ears.

1- No one can win them all but look at the continual general decline in wins per season, bowl losses, titles, national stature, etc, etc etc. - Doesn't seem to exactly fit your own stated criteria. 68% in 2000's. I hate Steinbreiner but he is right there has to be accountability even with family.

2 - It's not just unrealistic fans. Look at the number of posts (for everyone here, and review you own marketing course books, there are 1000's and growing each day not tuned into this site but just as unhappy and ready to hold their money even though they are silent).

3 - It's not just fan emotion, listen to the chorus of sportcaster/writer comments over the past 7 years about the direction of the program and their take on the core issue - a HC (and I am starting to wonder AD?) out of touch.

4 - It's not just the coordinators - It management. Yes Cut has made a difference in production. The signs were there for some time-why was it not fixed earlier before it became so critical. No deferral of responsibility at year end either - If the defense was in need of change why did the HC not come forward with proposed change before the problem became critical - this is not a one year only phenom either. As a manager you don't wait until the company is in bankruptcy court to propose real change. to be continued

Posted by Phowell23 on October 20, 2007 at 11:57 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by utmdm on October 20, 2007 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Continuation

5. This manager (HC and staff) are out of touch. All we have heard is stay the course - pound the rock even thru the losses. Last week we finally got this at MSU and had it going (7 yds per carry) this game. Then we suddenly forget the course (and I am talking before we were forced into pass mode), forget half of the productive cog of last week (Hardesty) and lose the course and start tip toeing the rock with passing. With the loss of receiver in the game and success of pounding which PF loves - well what gives? Gets what he wants and then jumps off the rock. Not to mention that we have long since lost the tradition of special teams. Small wonder that the players have any confidence in what they are asked to do. Got to have buy in whether in the corporate or sports world. continued

Posted by utmdm on October 20, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

6 - Mr Hamilton, you are the ultimate manager here and responsible. Your "product" sucks. Your current customers are telling you that in droves. The market experts (sport hounds) are telling you your "product" is losing touch with its market. You have heard this warning for years. Your internal management may still have its blinders on and toe the company line with tweaking the advertising "slant" and smaller tactical changes without addressing the core problem. The customers still complain but sales are that bad and it is implied that our customers love us. They would not go anywhere else.

Does this sound anywhere remotely familar to the domestic car producers several years back? Your customer base for your "product" is already crumbling but you cannot see it in you ivory corporate tower. It may not have hit the P&L full force yet but the seeds are planted. The foreign competition in FL AL LSU AUB SC KY etc is catchin and passing and still an implied "our customers love us and would not leave us." The market says its so by the quality of the foreign product and your customers are trying to voice their concern. Mr Hamilton, ask the domestic car manufacturers about that. Want to stay the course as they did???? They opened the door and they will never get it back. Sorry for the length. Oxygen is refreshing.

Posted by Pullingguard on October 20, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton is a wuz, he won't, can't do anything to Fulmer. Unfortunate, but Fulmer will be there when Gabe blows his Trumpet, still making excuses and blaming everyone except himself.. It's back to the 80's and early 90's, you beat the creampuffs of the league and hope for 7/8 victories and go to some minor bowl, take your cash and go home for he night... And, Hamilton does not work on emotions.. Give me a break.

Posted by DCSOvol on October 20, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_y...

Read this. I hope it never gets like this.

Posted by bls8617 on October 21, 2007 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know fulmer pulls in great recruits, but those rankings never mention if the teams are getting what they need. In other words, whats the criteria for measuring recruiting classes? Is it based on needs or just overall talent?

Posted by Phowell23 on October 21, 2007 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's based on the website's ranking of the recruits. They could care less about what the team needs. It shows which teams brought in the best overall talent.

Posted by bls8617 on October 21, 2007 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks, always wondered that

Posted by volfans_1 on October 21, 2007 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WE ALL KNOW IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON !!!! DO YOU ?

Coach Fulmer,

I think most VOL fans would agree that you have been a positive for the program, your record proves that. However, your recent record and the teams decline is obvious to everyone, including recruits that are more connected than ever to what is going on Universities across the country. We appreciate your dedication and hard work to the program but as everyone knows all things must come to an end. I think most true VOL fans would agree that it's time for a new leader. No one can take away or argue with what you have done for UT, but you are really trying. It's time to be the ultimate VOL and do what is best for the team,the program and the fans and retire. You accomplished your goals of a National Championship as well as SEC Championships and also getting the program the respect it deserves. Don't ruin it by being too proud to look in the mirror and make that gut wrenching decision that all great coaches and players must make. Most people never get the chance to play or coach the game at your level,run through the Legendary Power T or make millions of dollars a year doing it. You have a secure future for your family, a winning record, a championship and memories that no one can take away from you. It's TIME Coach Fulmer it's TIME !!!

Posted by westennvol on October 21, 2007 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AN OPEN LETTER TO AD Hamilton......................................

Dear AD Hamilton,

I am not a large financial booster, or an important person insofar as UT goes, however, I have
been a lifelong fan of the Vols. I am an alumnus of UT, and I contribute in lesser ways to
this great university. I go to games, buy merchandise and PPV's, and always support the school with
whatever I can afford financially. I realize you have a very difficult job and many people are
upset with the football team right now. This state really loves it's football team, and I must
voice my insignificant opinion on the direction of our program. We have been steadily in decline for
8 or so years now, and although there are some positives, largely we are becoming a joke in the
SEC. Once teams feared our program, now they laugh. It's not just losing games, that happens, we
are not fundamentally sound and haven't been for quite a while. It really speaks volumes for
where we are when South Carolina and KY look like we once did a few years ago. I don't wish to see
our
storied program fall into Notre Dame-esqe medocrity. I humbly suggest that we allow coach Fulmer
to retire with dignity and look outside our program for some young and upcoming coaching talent.
Thank you for your time sir.

Posted by kdt0725 on October 21, 2007 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is extremely hard to stomach....

Took this from another post from the game message board.

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

Posted by Oenoboy on October 21, 2007 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nocfred, the decline after Neyland started after his departure.

Phowell23. See the below records for your great coaching line-up...

Gruden - 82-71-0 (46%)
Leavitt - 70-44 (61%)
Cower - 166-99-1 (62%)

And then there's Peterson (who I think is a great coach for Boise State) at 19-1 with only one game against a ranked opponent.

Who else you got?

Posted by bls8617 on October 21, 2007 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No way is Jon Gruden going to come (which is a good thing) Cowher isn't interested in college football and i'm certainly not impressed with chris peterson. Leavitt I don't know about, but this is UT for god's sake I know there are some better candidates than these knuckleheads

Posted by NCCOLTSFAN on October 21, 2007 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Only one solution and it won't happen:
Stay home.Empty seats speak volumes!

Posted by snafu14u on October 21, 2007 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS".bonzaivol

Posted by chucker6 on October 21, 2007 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton wants to make sure emotion doesn’t enter into any evaluation of Tennessee’s football program......makes sense, emotion doesn't belong in any description of the character of this team (with a few exceptions) or it's coaches. Question really is, why do we want an AD who doesn't understand the importance of emotion and inspiration in athletics???

Posted by eefor10c on October 21, 2007 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You people who want to see Fulmer fail because of "what happened to Johnny" need to look at the fact of what transpired in 1991. Fulmer coached the team for the first three games that year. An easy win over Southwestern LA, a win in Athens over #14 Georgia and a 31-14 home win over # 4 Florida. Johnny then took the team back--beat Cincinnati and LSU and as the # 4 team in the country lost to unranked Arkansas at home, then pulled his annual "choke job" and lost to Bama at home and then went to Columbia and lost to another unranked team. This is the may you guys worship. You guys are always talking about the orange kool aid. If you think Majors was a better coach then you must have sucked something through a straw up your nose and into your brain. Majors has nothing to smile about.

Posted by rockytopjeff on October 21, 2007 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't worry folks, we will still make "our" bowl game. It will be 11-24-07. The Bluegrass Bowl, and we will be 14 point underdogs. This is the most pathetic showing of the year. How can we not be motivated to play the Tide, Fulmer can't get em up for this one? We are in pretty bad shape. 5-6 didn't seem to shake things up, 5-7 ought to do it.

Posted by asleep on October 21, 2007 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to jump on but Good Lord, we are getting killed by our biggest rivals. Maybe we do need a change. If not Fulmer, do what we did with Sanders - upgrade our defensive coordinator situation. It seems our defense is on the same slow slide that our offense was on a few years ago. But please, enough about Johnny Majors! If he was screwed so badly and was such an innocent prince of a human being, how is it that no former player has ever spoken out about how mistreated he was? About what a great man he was? How he should have been the future of UT football? Very few of his peers spoke out on his behalf either. I think the answer should be obvious - he was neither a great coach nor a great man. He was a legend as a player but as a coach he was mediocre at best and a hindrance to progress at worst. Argue about Fulmer's current value all you want, but he did more in his first 5 years putting UT on the map than Majors did in his whole career! Does anyone else think we would be better off at 5-7 and the hope of new coaches versus playing in the Independence Bowl? Go VOLS!!!

Posted by bls8617 on October 21, 2007 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Johnny Majors has nothing to due with this situation at all. So nuff said

Posted by tylerktm65 on October 21, 2007 at 1:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is crazy!!!!!!!!! why do we put up with this, get rid of the socalled A.D. then FAT PHIL. Any one thats would like tickets for the rest of the season u can have mine 4 tick sec.Y8 row 11. oh thats right who cares about this so call football team. If anyone wants these let me know. (tylerktm65@hotmail.com). Lets empty the place, people dont go to Sat game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Retiredvol on October 21, 2007 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton you are ONE big idiot!! The reason you won't fire Fulmer is that you gave him a TWO (2) year extension last year after a mediocore season. YOU are the idiot !!!

Posted by budrhon on October 21, 2007 at 1:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Look who's coming back up the SEC East pole - Dem Gator's. Seems like all week the focus has been much on Spurrier and the Gamecocks coming to town in a few weeks. Bama just humbled the Vols with a dose of reality - one game at a time gentleman. Now when we thought we had control of the East we sit with 3 overall losses. And the Gators are smilin cause they took care of business in Lexington and with the Gamecocks losing to Vandy, Florida will ride right into the SEC Championship game in the ATL. WAY TO go vols!

Posted by TDTNVOLS on October 21, 2007 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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???

Posted by west_tn_volfan on October 21, 2007 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy: Percentages don't always tell the whole story.Leavitt built S.Fla. from the ground up so of course he was going to have alot of losses in the beginning which brings his percentage down.
As far as Peterson, 19-1 is a great record and the ranked team lost to Boise. How many big boys did Urban Meyer knock off before he was hired by Fla.? Cowher would do a great job but it doesn't matter cause we're not getting him.
I think Pat Hill at Fresno St. would be a great choice. He is tough and his players play with intensity. He has to recruit against USC and all the other Pac 10 schools and puts a good team on the field year in and year out. I don't know his winning percentage but I know he has coached in the pros and has been approached several times about going back but he seems to like college better.

Posted by TDTNVOLS on October 21, 2007 at 1:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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.

Posted by TDTNVOLS on October 21, 2007 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

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

Posted by debaser11 on October 21, 2007 at 2:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The program has gone from great to mediocre to a STEEP decline.
Denial can no longer be tolerated, look at the numbers.
Make a change now before the cupboard goes bear.
Just have to deal with the big buyout number.

Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on October 21, 2007 at 2:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bob Stoopes...

Posted by DannyVol on October 21, 2007 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have not necessarily been a Fulmer "supporter" or "detractor", but how in the world can some of you so adamantly defend Fulmer after today? On paper, we had more advantages than 'Bama and yet again it came down to the one factor that always matters the most - coaching.

For all of you "Be careful for what you wish for" people, I ask this: Does it get any worse than losing by 70 points to our two chief rivals - after years of stagnation? We have not beaten Florida since they responded to the decline of their "product" by hiring a new coach.

That embarrassing reverse we ran today was a perfect microcosm of our coaching: Poorly designed, badly executed, ran with the wrong personnel, ran at the wrong time, ran with zero confidence and doomed from the start. If you noticed, the second pitch was a forward pass -- in case it was fumbled, which it was. However, the conservative "safe" element of that play, the forward pitch, actually created the fumble by slowing the play down...which negates the whole point of running a reverse: Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Phillip Fulmer.

Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on October 21, 2007 at 2:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This team has become the laughingstock of the SEC... I'm not so sure we could even beat Vandy at this point!
I believe that this team is completely disorganized and needs a big shakeup; you're right, DannyVol, that pitch play says it all.

Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on October 21, 2007 at 2:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Will the So.Car. game even be televised?

Posted by DannyVol on October 21, 2007 at 2:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTNVOLS,

You made the point of the year! Why in the world abandon the run at 7 ypc? How did we lose so badly with that stat, especially with no fumbles?

Which brings us to the Hardesty issue. Unless Hardesty was benched for an unreported disciplinary reason, where was he? If it comes out that he was not in trouble or hurt, at 7 ypc., that coaching performance was among the worst I've ever seen in my life.

Posted by cphil on October 21, 2007 at 2:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read so much tonight, things are starting to run together, but didn't I read somewhere that after the game when asked why Hardesty didn't get in the game Fulmer said he didn't know?

If the HEAD COACH doesn't know, then what damned use is he?

Posted by ncvol17 on October 21, 2007 at 3:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's up to the Skybox crowd and the new $10,000 per seat crowd to push Hamilton. Bottom line: they are the only ones who count with him and the only ones who can get some changes made.

2 of 3 years with losing records... Keep those donations coming or your seats will be given away to corporations. Don't worry about the product on the field, just give.

Posted by texan on October 21, 2007 at 4:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Emotions don't count. Right you panty waist MF of an athletic director. What do you want? Hundreds of thousands of us loyal fans politely clapping our hands while we sing along to the "stay the course" BS and continue to buy our "product"? If that's all Tennessee football is to you then take a hike. You are the biggest idiot around to think we can't see who's pulling your strings.

Posted by patmd on October 21, 2007 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

“Got to pick it up, go back to work and see what we can do the rest of the way,” he said.

Let's hope we don't end up playing for the SEC title. I can't imagine what a drubbing the Vols would get on national TV from the likes of LSU and Auburn.

I watched video of our guys (Fulmer and players) after the game. Body language says it all, not to mention the total lack of emotion. Sad.

Posted by KingsportVol on October 21, 2007 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pat I don't think we have to worry about playing for the SEC title.

Posted by RocketVol on October 21, 2007 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy et.al., I can't speak for the quality of football being played those years - I wasn't around. All I know is this, it isn't about wins and losses right now it's how we are playing the game. It's about quality football.

Tennessee - even during the 90's - has shown plenty to be concerned about regarding the quality of the "product". If you even somewhat understand this game - you should have been sick yesterday watching our defensive backs leave a 10 yard pad on those receivers after it was obvious Alabama's strategy was quick passes to avoid pressure on the QB from UT's overpursuing defense. Did you notice how many times their QB scrambled during a busted play to gain 1st downs? That's because 4 D-linemen were BEHIND HIM on every play? (that makes it 11 against 7) And what about the corner routes - our guys looked terrible defensing them after it was clear they were going to run'em. Why do we throw from 5 yards deep back to the line of scrimmage on 3rd and long? Why do we tackle with our arms and watch the opponent drag our guys forward and fall for a 5 yard gain? Why do we throw low-percentage passes on 2nd and 10 only to make it 3rd and long? These things were obvious against Florida in the 90's and it hasn't changed. In the 90's, Florida and Tennessee out talented the entire conference - but what happened when Tennessee played Florida of equal talent? That's right, we got MAN HANDLED! Ever notice how marquis wins for Tennessee have been nearly non-existent in 10 years? Remember how a 41-14 win over Bama at Legion Field signaled to the Tide a losing era ahead?...welcome aboard.

There are coaches we face every year that clearly come better prepared and make better mid-game adjustments. Saban must be howling at how he exposed his gameplan on the first drive and we did nothing to adjust for the next 60 min. 41-17 and a Rammer Jammer later there are still Fulmer defenders making a case for the quality of his coaching. You see, these Fulmer defender posts look so stupid to me because it says that the writer doesn't even know what good football looks like.

Now that Talent has parity in this conference, the coaching-quality meter is on. And look where we are - at rock bottom.

Posted by tngeoff on October 21, 2007 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Mike Hamilton the man "not swayed by emotions" should take a long hard look at the scenario whereby Coach Fulmer became coach. Talk about eye opening.

Posted by yeavols on October 21, 2007 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And we can't even capitalize on everyone else's losses. And Georgia Beat Alabama? With 2 losses, the Gators are laughing now all the way to Atlanta. For years, this has gone on and it has to end. This was the year of NOW OR NEVER. It looks like NEVER until something changes. Oh and I wasn't too ahead of myself when I said I wasn't going to the Peach Bowl this year- Because we probably can't even get the invite!Look for a loss at KY and possibly 2 more. Depends who shows up, Dr. Jeckyl or Mr. Hyde. Just stay that course.

Posted by vols76 on October 21, 2007 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We need someone who knows Football as the AD. "Ball Coach" would be a good choice as our next AD.

Posted by bigtimevol on October 21, 2007 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been a Vol fan my whole life, including growing up in the 70's when the Vol's were "rebuilding"...having a few big wins here and there, but then losing to Ole Miss or Rutgers or Vandy or Duke. We've been on a pretty high level of playing since the mid 80's, but now seems like we're back to playing ball like the 70's, with no game a relative sure thing. How we could get out coached here is beyond me. If we were having success running the ball, keep running the ball. If our db's can't cover, bring the house with blitzes so John Parker doesn't have all day to throw. Terrible...to lay down against Alabama!

Posted by AF_CE_VOL on October 21, 2007 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Mike and Dave----you're partially right in that the 53 yard pass play to Foster was Ainge's longest pass completion of the season--to a VOL! He's had a couple of completions to the other team that were longer! If you dig deep into Ainge's stats...he's deadly accurate on the 3 to 5 yard passes--probably why he throws so many of them--but much longer than that and he's only average--not bad, but not all the hype. You won't see him play on Sundays. He'll join the Schulers, Leafs, and Leaks of the world--watching the NFL with the rest of us!

Posted by jawbreaker on October 21, 2007 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DannyVol, your analysis of the significance of the blown reverse play was brilliant, one of the best, most insightful things I have read on this site.

Posted by kdkaffl1 on October 21, 2007 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The whole coaching situation is very tenuous, as all three (Fulmer, Chavis and Cutcliffe) have a long history, most of which is very successful. I think we need to re-group as fans and be careful what we wish for in this case. The East can still be ours (with some help), and that still needs to be the goal. But I do agree that any more losses this year would be hard to let go of, even for the most forgiving of Vol fans.

Posted by AF_CE_VOL on October 21, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They'll re-group and beat SC, get giddy with excitement and lose to KY and AR, then beat homecoming-patsy and pull out a close one over Vandy and end up 7-5.

Posted by VolFan4Life on October 21, 2007 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mike Hamilton: "I’ve got a lot of friends who are ADs at places where they don’t have full stadiums and they don’t hear from their fans."

Keep ignoring this situation and YOU'LL be an AD where the stdium isn't full.

But don't worry, you'll keep hearing from the fans, to have YOU FIRED along with Fulmer. (For reference, call Steve Pederson, AD at Nebraska -- oops, formerly AD at Nebraska.)

Posted by imnotwithphil on October 21, 2007 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton must support Fulmer because he cannot afford to fire him. He ran up too much debt remodeling Thompson Boling (new interior plus luxury boxes), building a new softball stadium, soccer field and swimming facilities - not to mention finishing the basketball practice facilities. Oh yeah - let's not forget the face-lift to Neyland.

The only way for UT fans to have an impact is to spook UT’s creditors – so that they will provide Hamilton the financial support (and provide the pressure for change) he’ll need to buy out Phil and hire a competent replacement.

The only way to spook UT’s creditors is to stop (for a short time) supporting the team. If UT’s creditors believe that UT’s primary revenue stream (our support) is being jeopardized by Fulmer, they will move to make a change.

In other words, stop complaining and take action. Don’t go to the games, don’t buy pay for view and don’t purchase any Big Orange merchandise until Fulmer announces his retirement or Hamilton announces his resignation.

In the meantime, take heart, basketball season is almost here and we can all pull together as a community to support two teams that have earned our admiration and support.

Posted by tngeoff on October 21, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Apparently. But like all emotional outcreis...in a few days things will settle back down and we'll be in the Championship hunt again based on post here. The blurry vision will return. The ostrich's will bury their heads again. The cycle repeats itself over...and over...

Posted by VolFan4Life on October 21, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No offense kdkaffl1, but you need to step away from the Kool-Aid vat.

Tennessee got spanked like a four-year-old at K-Mart yesterday, and you're talking about winning the SEC East?

And re-grouping as fans -- that sounds like some of Coach-F's post-game press conference tripe.

Posted by atxvols on October 21, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's time...

Posted by ncdawg on October 21, 2007 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a Georgia man, I'm jumping up and down here! TN and South Carolina fall on the same day - what a beautiful day!

Posted by yeavols on October 21, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was right when I said I refuse to go to the Peach Bowl this year- WE ARN"T GOOD ENOUGH FOR THAT ONE. How low does it really have to get? We have gone from Citrus to Peach now to the Toilet Bowl. I am ready to call ROTO ROOTER.

Posted by yeavols on October 21, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL NCDAWG..you arn't too far from the dry cleaners yourself..When you have to stomp on Vandy's field because you won by 3 points is rather sickening. I guess anything to make Georgia look better when in reality they are just as bad..as we are..=)

Posted by grvol on October 21, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fire Hamilton and bring in an interim AD who WILL fire Fulmer.

Posted by ncdawg on October 21, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN, we may not be the best in the east, but at least we beat Alabama. Yeah, you caught us on a bad day, but we got a little life in us still. Can you say spoiler?

Posted by killer65forevervol on October 21, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Alot of good postings here with all the details. Since Mr. Hamilton is in charge per say, he has a boss also. Maybe if his job is in jeopardy, some things will get changed. Cmon people, we have been on edge for the last 7 years now. Many games thru the years we have barely one, down to the wire. I would not complain but we cant play like we did against Ga. for example and do a 180 degree turnaround. KY., SC., and Vandy will kill us. We cant wait for the Vol Nation to fall completely. Changes must be made and made quickly.Football has changed since the 90's and the staff has not. We need aggressive, innovative blood and they must be UT Vols. We must get respect back into Tn. See the link sent y DCSOVOL, its shocking!!! Its sounds like where we may be headed.

Posted by Tanker on October 21, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr Hamilton, your "product" is terrible. I used to advocate for Fulmer to be replaced. But it is now time for wholesale changes in the AD, to include you.

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 21, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Norm Chow....He likes Tennessee and has entertained the idea of returning to the college ranks as a head coach if it were a good fit.

Posted by cphil on October 21, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As it stands right now, I look for Chavis to be served up as a sacrificial lamb at the end of the season like Randy Sanders was a couple of years ago to attempt to appease the fans and contributors, and save Fulmer's job again. We can bitch and gripe all we want, and Fulmer will still be here next year 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.

I know I'm repeating myself from other threads, but the seriousness of the situation calls for it. It's time for all true VOL fans to send the message to the people that can make it happen.

Posted by Southland on October 21, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

will you Gruden idiots give it a rest He is not interested in Tennessee and it makes us all look stupid when you keep bringing up on radio shows and stuff. Good grief, why would you want the jerk anyway?

Posted by B_A_VOL on October 21, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First, ncdawg, your team is a loser just like ours. Don't fool yourself.
Second, Tennessee has dissappointed me greatly. Coaching is just not good. Hardesty gets no playing time because you were not in his sets???? I would suggest that you GET in some sets for him. Run Creer on critical 3rd and 1???? Ridiculous!!!!!
I turned off the game and did not listen to the post game on the radio for the first time since 1988.
I will try to watch next week but it is killing me to see this crap.
The defense was non-existent. Corners and safties were terrible. No pass rush. Offense goes into the tank to begin the second quarter never to be seen again.
Looks like things are gloomy for the next few years as a new coach would hurt recruiting this year. Maybe we get some one who can turn this around in two or three years.
Finally, ask the businesses left on Cumberland Ave and Knigston Pike if a change is needed. We have 4 weeks at home but is anybody coming??? Think about those people losing money because we can not win.

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 21, 2007 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

chpil, I seriously doubt that Pilot Oil will be upset to lose the 1 millionth of one percent in lost sales from its Tennessee football fans. If you take away the whole Knoxville market, they are still a huge business. I think the best way fans can show their dissatisfaction is to NOT show up at the games. Even one game of 50,000 or fewer fans would send a very loud message to the powers that be. What say you Vol Nation??

Posted by vols76 on October 21, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What goes around comes around.....wouldn't it be funny if they fire Hamilton and hire Majors as AD....

Posted by CatScratchFever on October 21, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Johnny Majors for AD...now that would be funny.

Posted by jcvet on October 21, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

See, all he cares about is a full stadium. As long as there are 106000 idiots there next week it will do no good to cry for change.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on October 21, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with AF1, I have said either Mike Bellotti or Norm Chow since the 05 debacle. I want UT to go outside the program, get away from the simple mindedness that this staff brings to the field...

Posted by LazhilUT on October 21, 2007 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton won't do crap...he doesn't have the guts just like Phil. Just watch he could end up the best AD UT ever had but will be remembered as the guy that destroyed the football program with Fulmer...
As for Taylot...A TOE INJURY? A TOE INJURY? What was it falling off or something, if not GROW SOME BALLS AND PLAY!!!
I've played soccer with an infected ingrown toenails that had grown into the flesh and under the nail itself, my toe was throbing but guess what I put on my cleets and played the whole freakin' game. OUR TEAM HAS A BUNCH OF PANSIES!!!

Posted by tngeoff on October 21, 2007 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN,

No way...unless its worse than that!

Posted by ACG on October 21, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Mr Hamilton,
I appreciate your discretion when making public statements about Coach Fulmer. That’s the classy move. At seasons end, however, I would hope that you would impress upon Coach Fulmer the urgency of his pursuit of retirement. He’s Tennessee family, and as such should be given the opportunity to gracefully exit. Quickly. I don’t want him to go away mad, just go away. The downward spiral of the football program is unacceptable. With the talent that is consistently recruited, the facilities, the campus, and of course the budget, there is no reason to accept this mediocrity.

Posted by tnecvol on October 21, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't stand anymore of this. I am a true TEnnessee fan. I am a retired athletic director of junior high students. We taught loyalty and sportsmanship. These are not payed athletes out there. They are students with emotions and trying their best. The Tennessee coaches are doing a good job. No one can be on top every year. They are good recuriters. Cut calls good plays. Defense is young. Be very careful what you wish for....you just might get it and be very sorry. I don't see Gruden bleeding orange like Coach Fulmer

Posted by grvol on October 21, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Hamilton should be swayed with the possibility of firing him and appointing John Majors as interim AD to do the "dirty work" as someone else said on another Blog. I agree Phat Phil would run faster than his spotted apes.

Posted by Volalumnus on October 21, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OENOBOY
Just curious.
What was the average margin of defeat back then compared to now?

Posted by grvol on October 21, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mediocrity!? Folks what you are seeing is not mediocrity!

Posted by brdteton on October 21, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Comments from the fearless leader:

We practiced really well this week," Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Maybe we need to practice crappy and play better."

"We should of gotten Hardesty in the game".

Maybe You guys need to coach better or get the F*#@ out of the way. I think the chance for the former has come and gone.

Posted by brdteton on October 21, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and take Hamilton with You,

Thanks for that well thought out extension AD......

Posted by rockytopjeff on October 21, 2007 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ncdawg,jump all you want,we suck and we kicked the crap out of you guys, have fun in Jacksonville next week, that should be a pretty close game with the abundance of talant that you guys have. LOL, GATORS 41 DAWGS 7

Posted by khighttn on October 21, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep. No support is the answer. Empty seats, no concessions, etc., etc, will work perfectly to get the talented kids we all want to see to come to TN.

Have any of you guys ever heard the expression, "Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remvove all doubt"?

Go Vols!

Posted by tngeoff on October 21, 2007 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, glad to see the Majors d