Posted by dfreeman on October 22, 2007 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My granddaddy would be puking after that stomping at the hands of Alabama!! He must have rolled over and kicked St. Peters Dog! I am absolutely at a loss for what to think about this "football" team! Fulmer your times running out if it hasn't already! since 1893 no UT team has given up 40 or more points in a season as many times as this one has? Are you kidding me?? I just don't know what to think anymore! A man could always count on UT's opponents fearing the Big Orange! Now they laugh at us!!

Posted by volguy on October 22, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Puts things into perspective. Good article but a very sad realization

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

I like it John. Clint Stoerner could be a granddaddy before Fulmer gets this program straightened out. Clint should never have had to wait a year, but he did and he exacted a VERY small measure of revenge.

Posted by govols96 on October 22, 2007 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the KY basketball fans are now saying wait till next year.

Posted by volfans_1 on October 22, 2007 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John " The Joke " Pennington I will not disagree that the VOL defense stinks or that the coaching staff needs refreshing but I do think the only people who have a true gripe should be the VOL FANS and not the so called press in Knoxville.You should have paid more attention to ol' grand dad instead of playing molly make up with the girls. You have a horrible sense of humor and the arrogance that emanates from you on the radio and tv is disgusting at best. John " Joker Face " Adams at least has some good one liners every other year or so when he's not too busy salivating over the gators or lsu. You need to go back to covering Clemson or wherever you came from and stop impersonating a sports writer.

P.S. Get a hair cut or a smaller head.

Posted by andy112382 on October 22, 2007 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't recall many, if any, saying Cal was a PAC-10 cupcake........

Anywho, yea so today at my first day of training here in Charlotte for Alltel we were told to introduce ourselves and which market we were out of and if we could be one person for a day who would it be and why.....I was one of the last ones to go and my response to who I would want to be went like this:

'If my Tennessee Vols lose another game, I would like to be the AD for a day so I could make some changes'.......Granted, after three blowout losses this season, it almost does not take another loss. I think we will take the gamecocks down hard this week, their threat isn't exactly offense, but Kentucky kind of stands out just based on their passing attack and that is the type of team that has burned us. SC, Arkansas, LA-Lafayette, dont scare me as much based on how Tennessee matches up to them, but any team with a passing attack could burn us right now, I have no idea what to make of Vandy.....anywho, GO VOLS!!! Still looking forward to the trip to knoxville the weekend as always, despite how the season may be going!

Posted by DennisVols on October 22, 2007 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excuses
Excuses
more Excuse
This last weekends game put an excalmation point on all the excuses we have heard.
"Staying the course":Only good if the course is taking you to the promise land (SEC/BCS titles)
"We need to fix the problems": How obvious of an answer is this? How about saying "we will fix the problems" and carring through on that promise
"I'm surprised Hardesty didn't play": Fulmer must have been the only person in the Vol Nation who did not notice this. I noticed that by the end of the 1st qtr that he was not on the field. How can a general not know were the soliders are?
Excuses do not answer problems they avoid them. We keep getting all the warm fuzzy answers that are suposed to make us feel better about the current team and the future of this program but where is the results?
Ever get a performance review that was good without a raise? You felt good inside but the quality of life didn't improve did it.
Give us results not excuse

Posted by dbush on October 22, 2007 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sadly, I agree with Pennington. I have not seen the Vol Nation in such turmoil since October 1992. Push is coming to shove. Something has to give. We cannot allow our program to slip any further.
If Coach Fulmer doesnt have the answers, Hamilton and Peterson need to look in the mirror.........

Posted by SmokeDog72 on October 23, 2007 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Irregardless of the tone, Pennington did not say anything that was not true. We are a joke and our staff is too blind to see it.

Posted by BigUn on October 23, 2007 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"the Vols rebounded big from 2005 to 2006, too. All the way from six losses to four."

I like that line. Fulmer is 13-7 since promising to "right the ship". Ron Zook has a better 3 year record during his stint at UF than Fulmer has the last 3. Difference is, UF does something about it while the administration cowers to Fulmers every whim.

I could forgive most of the losses last year, except the one to Penn St, because at least we were competitive and should have beaten UF and LSU, and played with a backup QB at Arky.

This year is totally different story.

Posted by Feared_Mustang_Package on October 23, 2007 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's really refreshing to have a journalist in Knoxville that thier nose isn't planted firmly in Fulmer and Companies hind quarters. Hey, John, that "unnamed sources" story before Georgia did the trick to fire up Fulmer and the team.

Maybe you have one in the works for Saturday? Since Fulmer needs your assistance in getting the team fired up maybe you can help us out here buddy?

Posted by chucker6 on October 23, 2007 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I left UT immediately after graduation in '74 to enter the Army and have only lived in Knoxville for days/weeks at a time since then so can't comment on the local journalists other than what I pick up on this site, but in any other business whose goals are market leadership and superior results, Fulmer and Co would have been history before now, and certainly after the Alabama game, not the end of the season.

How can the AD think waiting until the end of the year to take a long overdue action could possibly help recruiting? I imagine Saban, et al licking their chops at all the Vol commitments who must be rethinking playing for a coaching staff who are far behind their competition in developing and motivating yong players.

There is no excuse for the deterioration of this program over the last 7 years, especially with the talent recruited. Losing games is one thing, any team can fall to the occassional upset, but losing with the lack of spirit and enthusiam that has characterized UT football too many teams ( 2nd half collapses are becoming a UT trademark, think Penn State, Florida and Alabama, just to mention a few most notable recent failures).

I doubt that is lack of conditioning, but a lack of heart, and that is Fulmer's fault, period. Past time to go Fulmer, staying in hopes of going out on a winning note are only making things worse.

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you know how we were embrassed by Cal and then a young UCLA team beat Cal.....well "WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR".........we open at UCLA......Guess we will be saying "WAIT UNTIL NEX YEAR" next year also......

Posted by west_tn_volfan on October 23, 2007 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Andy112382,there were alot of people on this sight saying Cal was a cupcake. They said Cal couldn't be physical enough to hang with the vols and we would have them rattled just like in Knoxville. There are still people talking about us winning out and hammering USC this weekend. I have no idea what they have seen out of this team that would make them believe we're going to hammer anyone. (except maybe La Laf)
volfans_1, the "so called press" is not supposed to be cheerleaders for UT. They are supposed to call it like they see it. Not one thing in this article by Pennington was off base. As a matter of fact, everything he said is painfully obvious to all but the blindest of fans. Also "the coaching staff needs refreshing" only if by "refreshing" you mean every last one of them is fired.

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 1:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My apologies...we open with UAB and then travel to UCLA.......same results...."wait until next year"

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVol....you missed one....how about the charts?????

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I said this about Sanders and I say it about Chavis and Cutcliffe.......When other schools are looking at your assistances for HC jobs then you have good ones.....what school has been interviewing Chavis or Cutcliffe....If Cutcliffe is so great why did not Bama interview him for the HC job, since he is from Bama......enough said....We want assistances that other schools are seeking.....We want a HC that other schools fear and respect....such as Spurrier, Meyers, Pete Carroll, the Bear, Lou Holtz....and list goes on.....I don't think other schools are talking about Phil in this matter.....we need a coach that other schools fear, knowing that the game will always be a fight to win. Sure sometimes the best can be beat.....but every year....it used to be that we couldn't beat Bama and Auburn in the same year....Now it is the "Big Three" (Bama, Florida, and Georgia)....We have only beat the "Big Three" all three in the same year twice since 1990 (1998 and 2004) And in 2004 Auburn beat us....so we only had respect 1 year since who knows when.....I could take 8-4 seasons if the opponent feared us and our losses were close ones, but blow outs, other teams are laughing about us....we are becoming the bottom of the ladder in the SEC...the laughing stock of the SEC.......And there is nothing we (the fans) can do about it.......I wish there was, but there isn't.....Hamilton will not listen.....I am sick of "Staying the Course"....and "Waiting until next Year".......

Posted by utmdm on October 23, 2007 at 1:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVOL

Good post. you might add

Make paper lists !!!!!!!!!!LOL!

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 1:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phillip Fulmer commenting on the onsides kick by Alabama:

"That little thing didn't have anything to do with it except it did take a possession away from us,'' Fulmer said.

Hmmm. Could it have had anything to do with a little thing like momentum? Could it have had anything to do with with a little thing like creating an atmosphere of demoralization? Could it have had anything to do with with a little thing like disrupting your gameplan? Could it have had anything to do with with a little thing like getting blindsided and outcoached? After all..it was just a little thing!

Posted by Feared_Mustang_Package on October 23, 2007 at 2:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vols76,

I bet with the playing field and talent absolutley level Fulmer might be and this is a huge might in the top 70 percent of D-1 coaches.

Posted by cphil on October 23, 2007 at 4:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John, great article. I was surprised to see anyone still had the guts to still try to trash you like the one did above. You caught pure hell before for doing nothing more than telling the truth about the state of the football program at UT.

This past Sunday, there was as much difference as night and day between your tv show and the one that comes on an hour before on WBIR. I honestly felt sorry for Will Overstreet on that program. When a called asked about the coaching situation in the Alabama game, his response was basically, "the coaches were good to me when I played there so I'm not going to talk bad about them now." That is NOT journalism! Telling the truth is. With a few exceptions, like volfans_1, MissUT and a couple of others, I think now even the hard core Fulmer supporters are seeing what you've told the public from the start.

Keep up the good work.

Posted by Feared_Mustang_Package on October 23, 2007 at 4:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

cphil,

If Will Overstreet wants a broadcasting/ analyst career he needs to go some other school. He can't sit there and hold Fulmer's hand the whole time and balk at questions. Hearing him after the Florida game on the Post game show was laughable. I didn't catch the Alabama post game calls but I'm sure it was more of the same.

I bet Overstreet picks up breakfast for the coaching staff at Hardees every morning.

Posted by pdhuff on October 23, 2007 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We're simply a bad, poorly coached team with little chance of getting better! Philapottamus is blaming the players correctly and then he needs twice the blame! Uncoached, unready and unwilling to tackle. Out of position, no pass rush, slowest linebackers in conference, etc. D-linemen totally inept but things are great on Rocky Top because "we're going to work hard to get better". Phil has lost the fire and it's going to be a long cold winter. If it takes losing during this LOST season, so be it! We're in the dumper anyway, so let realism take over. We don't need to go to a mid-level bowl and lose to an Indiana!I stopped at a convenience market Saturday wearing my orange and a Vandy fan said "Man, i had to cringe at that effort while channel-surfing. You're tough to still have on a Vols shirt! Enuf, Phil just go away!

Posted by CrankE on October 23, 2007 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John Adams jr.

Yeah, it's the truth, but it's imitation.

Posted by utnutt on October 23, 2007 at 5:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FIRE FULMER! DO IT NOW AND START LOOKING FOR ANOTHER COACH. LETS NOT WAIT ANY LONGER. IM TIRED OF THE WAY FULMER BRINGS TEAMS IN UNPREPARED AND IM SICK OF THE CRAP HE SAYS AFTER HE GETS HIS BUTT HANDED TO HIM. GET RID OF HIM NOW IT HAS BECOME AN EMBARSSMENT!

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 6:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN,

Very well spoken.

Posted by 02champs on October 23, 2007 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington's still an idiot.

Posted by pete.broockman on October 23, 2007 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did you see this guy and his Budies all dive for cover when they were asked if the coaches should be fired on the Sunday call in show? They tucked tail and ran instead of being men and saying what they believed. Guess they were afraid they would not be invited to the locker room or press box anymore. What a JOKE, what a bunch of WHIMPS!

Posted by GreerVol22 on October 23, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Phil, your Daddy is in town. Don't worry though, its probably the last time you need worry about playing against him.

Posted by mtnvol on October 23, 2007 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John Adams Lite just wrote "Granted, that’s what we fans do." WE FANS?! Just a few weeks ago didn't you tell us you were objective?

FYI, Little Jack A$$, "fan" is short for "fanatic", not "fantastically bloated with self importance."

Posted by hiresanders on October 23, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FIRE FULMER! I cannot wait till next year to see what assistant coach we hire to take our crumbling program over after a 5-7 season this year.

Posted by 55Vol on October 23, 2007 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington has some valid points in this article TouchdownTN but to borrow one from you, he is still a donut shop waiting to happen and couldn't hold a candle to David Climer in writing. It's a personal preference... his style up to this point reminds me of the old phrase " with friends like him who needs enemies". At least in this article he let his true intentions come out in the writing.

Posted by cgbtn on October 23, 2007 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVol missed another one: Phil is using Ben Martin and Chris Donald to generate a pass rush.

Posted by ColumbusVol on October 23, 2007 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is Phulmer going to write us a dang letter yet or what? I am still waiting for some apologies.

Maybe we should hire Major Applewhite. I doubt he could do much worse with this program than is already being done. If you count the head to head he made championship winning coaches look dumbfounded.

Posted by inquiry on October 23, 2007 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington is an idiot.. maybe he should be the new coach?

Posted by vscebail on October 23, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Building blocks? Stepping stones? More like an avalanche caving in on our defense! -- or one big rock tied around Fulmer's neck dragging him and our football program to the bottom of the sea.

Posted by imnotwithphil on October 23, 2007 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe we steal another Kentucky saying... "Just wait until basketball season!!!" BTW, is it BB season yet????

Posted by agentorange on October 23, 2007 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pennington = idiot. he's got it out for fulmer especially since he got called to the mat. it's fine to be down on the team b/c they are not good on D, but when the media is just all sour grapes (like they are on the dolphins here in miami) it makes everyone stop paying attention to the team and the media.

Posted by LazhilUT on October 23, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bottom line is: Fulmer is not the coach he used to be, he used to be great now the game whoops his butt...TIME TO GO!!!

Posted by jdcdjc on October 23, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington is right on, and is just saying what the other writers are thinking but will not put on paper. This is shameful. Wait all year for the season to roll around and then another one of these. Come on roundball season.

Posted by volfans_1 on October 23, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To the people on here that thinks John Pennington cares about UT you ARE drinking the Kool Aid not me. I plainly said that we as VOL FANS should be the ones speaking out not the so called objective Knoxville media.The true fans still love UT football and wish for us to win each and every game regarless of who the coach, quarterback,runningback etc.... is. I have posted on here before that I have always said Fulmer should be given the respect as a VOL to walk away and that now is the time to do so. I do not think that the media should be forcing the issue though, all that comes from that is fuel for other schools to show recruits and also possible coaching candidates how they will be treated once here if they come. I believe the media should be objective and speak the truth,there is nothing wrong with that unless you have hidden agendas which pennington obviously does.Good job John with throwing in the story about your so called trip with your so called pappy to soften up the audience. That really fooled a few on here, keep up the crappy work fat head.

Posted by Mr_Bandman on October 23, 2007 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's next year's schedule:

Aug. 30 UAB
Sept. 6 at UCLA
Sept. 20 Florida
Sept. 27 at Auburn
Oct. 4 Northern Illinios
Oct. 11 at Georgia
Oct. 18 Mississippi State
Oct. 25 Alabama
Nov. 1 at South Carolina
Nov. 8 Wyoming
Nov. 22 at Vanderbilt
Nov. 29 Kentucky

Looks like there's a decent chance we'll be 3-5 at this point next year.....and 5-7 at season's end.....yeah---I can hardly wait!!!!

Posted by finn on October 23, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Like them or not, at least Pennington and Adams actually come somewhat close to being honest about the sad state of our program. Most of the other clowns (radio and print) just tow the company line for fear they will lose access. Can anybody tell me how Zook's tenure and departure was handled by the press down in FL??? I have no idea but I am willing to bet they were a little more 'candid' when rating his performance.

Posted by Sheepscape on October 23, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We're 17-13 in our last 30. Pennington is speaking the truth.

Posted by arkyvol on October 23, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i keep logging onto this website expecting to see news that somebody over in knoxville has woke up, something like 'chavis tenders resignation-apologizes for unacceptable results', or 'hamilton has frank discussion with fulmer'. but no, its only tuesday. i didn't need to log on to find that out.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on October 23, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Pennington would do an article on "Parity." You see that word being flung around a great deal lately. Perhaps John is the only one with enough guts in the media to tell the truth.

Talent wise, there is no doubt other teams in the SEC have stepped it up a bit. I do believe the talent pool is more even now than it has been, and yes, UT does have talent... albeit very under developed talent. Someone, perhaps on another thread, said the reason coaches like Spurrier, Miles, Urban, Tubberfield were brought into the SEC was because no one could beat Phil consistently. Enter "parity."

Yet, in the past many have said Fulmer out talented his opponents, much of which is true. While UT still has some very good players (who could become great players), there is still yet another problem. While other coaches were brought in to level the playing field a bit, and they did, the UT coaching staff has not grown with the game. They have not developed themselves to learn new schemes. They have sat still and let the other coaching staffs in the SEC pass them up. Exit "parity."

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Next thig we'll hear is that Coach bought them all the book "Baby Steps" from the movie, "What about Bob"

Posted by Feared_Mustang_Package on October 23, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you people are idiots. You know that. Just staright out the trailer park idiots. KNS is like any other paper. They need to sell ads. What makes adds shoot up into a premo price zone? Readership, or stats and numbers that someone is reading. You know stats those funny little things that prove fact.(See Fulmer's Stats since 98)

How many people would read the KNS Sports section or come to this site if every day another writer was stroking the UT Machine and saying "Oh it's okay guys we'll get them next time". "Fulmer will get us turned around just wait and see."

You know Pennington gets alot of comments on his stories. WONDER FRIGGIN WHY? Cause you rubes read it and can't take reality or don't have enough sense about you to understand what's happening. You all get all emotional and hit repeat on your CD of Rocky Top and bust out a comment that equates to "Pennington you're dumb"

Seriously, some of you all would be better signing off and reading a damn book or something. I heard Dr. Seuss came out with a new one, ya'll might want to check that out.

As much as UT is a machine KNS is too, and they are playing you under educated like fiddles.

Posted by ggcolyer on October 23, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fans, Fans, please lets stop and think about the new signees to be. Arron Douglas, and a host of others that are the lifeblood of Tn. Football.
If they are looking at thier future? Isnt it time Hamiltom makes a decision. For UT and the players who are betting thier future on this program. GO VOLS

Posted by spam247buster on October 23, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stupid article. I haven't heard ANYONE say "wait 'till next year". Pennington doesn't have to make up a lame premise like that in order to fill his quota of Fulmer-bashing. All he needs to do is point out the mediocrity to which we have grown accustomed as Vol fans.
I suppose this article isn't as bad as the YELLOW journalism in his "unnamed former players bash UT" article a few weeks ago, though.
Seriously-- it isn't that hard to bash UT football right now. You don't need to make stuff up in order to do so.
Pennington should stick to TV-- his show is pretty good, despite being basically an hourlong commercial for State Farm agents, Madisonville Marine, that tobacco shop, and (of course) David Hall's store, with occasional comments by former UT football players and one respectable journalist (Strange) thrown in for content.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on October 23, 2007 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The "Feared Mustang Package" isn't so feared by opposing offensive teams any longer.

Posted by phi0129 on October 23, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Feared: I not only love your name, but that was one of my favorite posts ever. I feel the same way. All these retarded cry babies complaining about sports writers? Are you kidding me? At least we can thank these people for picking up our trash or refilling our coffee every day. What a joke. No wonder America has a bunch of fat, lazy, underachieving citizens. With attitudes like the "trailer park idiots," failure in life is an absolute. And ggcolyer, I have no idea what you are trying to say in your above post. Please return to 2nd grade English class and then give me a shout...thanks

Posted by Basketball_Jones on October 23, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How come no one is ripping TouchdownTN and CRVol anymore? Man according to about 90% of you they were idiots after we rolled off 3 wins in a row and now they are right. This team and this program has been in shambles for years now. Many of us have been saying how bad a coach Foolmer is and Vols76 I have said the exact same thing for years. No one wants our coaches, yea Cut got hired at Ole Miss but once he lost little Manning he showed his talent for coaching and recruiting. Don't worry Vol fans he's gone once the regular season ends. UT will be gracious and let him coach the bowl game (if there is one) during that time we'll be hunting a new person. Then on January 8th Mike Hamilton will announce the new University of Tennessee Head Football coach is Norm Chow.

Posted by VolsRoadRash98 on October 23, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer's a nice guy. He did get us our first national championship in half a century. Players and assistants come and go, but he's the constant. Our 90s style of football has become old and predictable. It's time for a change. Johnny Majors was a nice guy too. I think in order to stay competitive, you have to change your coach at least every 10 years or so.

Posted by dtaylor0730 on October 23, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hamilton is $$$ hungry, and will not opt to pay the excessively large buy out to dismiss this current lack-luster coaching staff. Lets just face the facts. We have at least one more year of this to look forward to... if it is possible to look forward to it.

Posted by bowerst on October 23, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My guess is that Fulmer won't be the coach next year. I see at least two, if not three, more losses and 7-5 or 6-6 should finish him.

I think UT needs a new direction, but I am concerned that things could get even worse. Mike Hamilton scored big with Pearl, and he will have to pull another rabbit out of his hat or the football program could slide much further.

I know everyone thinks Neyland Stadium and the preactice facilities draw the recruits, but the fact is we don't have that many top players on this end of the state most years. Who ever takes over better be able to match Fulmer in recruiting or we may be on the verge of becoming the SEC's other basketball school, with one decent year every other decade. It could happen.

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TouchdownTN,

Do you remember this stuff from last week? Do you think he still believes the message is limited to two or three people?

Posted by movol77 on October 17, 2007 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff said, "It already is public with National media and local media touting the fact that Tennessee is not a secure place right now if you are the head coach of the football program. There are also a few other surprises for Fulmer coming in the next couple of weeks via media."

No, it's not public. It is hiding in the press and forums. I want to know when you are bold enough to take to the parking lots and stands.

My point is...that won't happen because the "fireFulmer" message isn't as popular as you think. It won't happen because the "fireFulmer" group would not be welcomed with applause but rejection. Prove me wrong!

Posted by 55Vol on October 23, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bowerst..

Suggestions:
1.) Tuberville
2.) Bellotti
3.) Muschamp ( DC at Auburn )
4.) Spurrier

All can recruit

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's kinda sad to see what used to be a great program now consumed with internal turmoil. The rest of the conference is laughing. Alabama is getting their swagger back. They blame Fulmer for their woes these past few years. Florida is pleased with the way Tennessee is gasping for air because of what UT did to us in 84' and 90' with respect to the SEC. Teams like Vandy and Kentucky are circling like vultures because they know there is a stench on the ground in Knoxville which means something is dead and they can feast. Spurrier is in his glory. Life is good.

Posted by phi0129 on October 23, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Heels: I haven't been posting long, but I have been praising them since I got here. I agree with your posts as well. I understand everyone worrying about if the new coach gets the job done or not. But let's be honest, can it really get any worse than the direction we are headed in now? I personally would rather have 2 years of a Zook and then get our own Meyer then continue on with Fulmer knowing I had 6 to 7 more years of watching TN football become a joke and witness our slow, painful death before he retires. As with any other important decision, there are inherent risks in change. But in this situation I think the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. It is time!!!

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ilove_football you can take Spurrier off that list. It's not about money to him so you can't pay him enough to go to UT. Muschamp would be a good one.

Posted by phi0129 on October 23, 2007 at 10:32 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by spam247buster on October 23, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ilove_football--
Tuberville did a fantastic job losing to Mississippi State this year (and UT can't outbid Auburn for his services). Spurrier just lost to Vandy, and is 1-2 in his last two meetings with Fulmer (and he would NEVER agree to coach at UT anyway). Mike Bellotti is 97-48 at Oregon (and his teams seem to allow 40+ points a few times every season).
All of the above are "fire-able" offenses, according to the angry folks posting on these boards.
Muschamp is unproven as a head coach, but he might be a possibility.

Posted by bafactor14 on October 23, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looking at next year's schedule and going at the rate things ar at now with Fulmer being retained next season, TN WILL start 1-3 next season and be lucky to finish 5-7. That is my honest opinion.

Ainge is a good QB and without him our offense will be worse off. Georgia should be improved next year and that game will be in Athens. Alabama will be improved and they just blew TN out. Florida will be improved...moral of the story--things will bet worse before they get better...answer?

Don't expect TN to be a national power anytime soon, no matter who the coach is. That being said, we need another Bruce Pearl to right the ship.

Posted by TheAntiSaban on October 23, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When will someone listen? Get all the bucks we can and go after Pete Carroll!!!!

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

“The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change; until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.”
Ronald Laing (living guy)

Posted by jhen713 on October 23, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i am a big supporter of what Fulmer has done collectively over the years, but i saw alot of coaching mistakes from my standpoint as a fan. If he is going to be replaced they need to know who is going to replace him first. Are there any names floating around? i've heard alot about fireing him but nothing about who will replace him.

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jhen713,

I would just expand that a little and say, "Any REAL candidates." Plenty of names floating around...but they all seem less that feasable. I have no great names to throw out there that are REAL candidates...but at this point, Smokey could do a better job than is being done.

Posted by libertytn on October 23, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now we really are becoming like Kentucky of old. Instead of saying, "Wait until next year", we are saying, "Wait until basketball season"!!

Posted by AF_CE_VOL on October 23, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've always wonderd if Pat Summitt would coach football during her off-season for $5M per year?

Posted by spam247buster on October 23, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mlross1113--
Pete Carroll would never come here, and I doubt he could be successful here if he was somehow persuaded to take the job at UT. His success at SoCal is largely based on the EASY recruiting within the state. He would not have that situation at UT.
Additionally, he has quite a few "player development failures" of his own-- like Patrick Turner, for instance.
While I'm sure there are several coaches who could do a better job here than Phil Fulmer, finding them and getting them here is the problem.
I believe UT is stuck with Fulmer at least through '08, unless we win fewer than 8 games this season.

Posted by RunRunPassPunt on October 23, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who think that the hefty buyout will keep fulmer in place are far from right. Perpetuating this disaster of "staying the course" even more will have far more serious and far-reaching financial implications for the program - and Hamilton knows this. Keeping fulmer in place would be a huge deterrent to getting top coordinators to come in anyway (should chavis and co get rightfully canned)because he is on a very short leash and his tenure is in question.

The right move is to clean house and start over. I pray every night this new regime does not have Cut at the helm either. While I have all the respect for him in the world, it would be an epic mistake. There has been lots of talk of "turning this thing around" for over 3 years, but there is little to no promise of it ever happening as far as I have seen. Its indeed unfortunate, but true.

Posted by hoskinsfive on October 23, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There was a time - When we could expect all out effort.
There was a time - When we expected to win or a least be in every game.
There was a Time - When being Tennessee meant Power Football.
There was a time when we could brag with pride.

Fulmer has run it into the ground and those times are gone.

Posted by bowerst on October 23, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Tuberville might listen to an offer. Remember what Auburn did to him a couple years back? So what if he lost to MSU. At least he has proven he can beat Florida.
If you take a guy who hasn't proven he can win in the SEC, I think you have to be careful because when you change regimes you always have one wasted recruiting year. Then, if you get a good-but-not-great recruiter (like Spurrier) it could take years to get the talent back.

But I can't defend Fulmer any more. I don't think the onside kick was that big, because we stormed back to take the lead. It was when he showed his lack of confidence in the offense by refusing to gamble on fourth down in the middle of the field that I threw in the towel. We punt. Touchback. Two plays later, 'Bama has the ball at midfield anyway. Heck, who didn't see that coming, the way our defense was folding?

Posted by marc_ash on October 23, 2007 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, for those of you that said Cal wasn't a top 10 team what is worse....losing to a top 10 team or losing to a cupcake that poses as a top 10 team. I would think it much worse to lose to a team that isn't very good than to a top one so I don't know how that argument helps Tennessee look any better.

The article was actually well written. UT isn't a good football team. SJT has been a consistent poster on this site, but I haven't seen him in a while. He made the argument that the team was good at it was all coaching. WRONG. Both the coaching and the team both stink. Look at the stats...or defense is 3 from last in the nation. Sad.

Stay the CURSE.

Posted by fasteddy41 on October 23, 2007 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My how times do change. Kentucky is now a football power and Tennessee is a basketball power. Maybe the Vols can start a lacross series with Duke!! A lot of our fathers and grandfathers would turn over in the grave if they knew how the Vol's once prowd defense has dropped off to nothing.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

phi0129 you dummy! I never tried to conceal the fact that I'm a Gator...read this carefully...in..sti...GATOR. Read it again! The end is a dead give away with the word GATOR!

I was being nice in the original post, then you made it personal. Here's the bottom line dude. We beat the living snot out of you and so did Alabama. UT is the most disrespected team in the SEC and their fans are pulling the wagon.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bowerst, Tubberville would be an excellent choice. BUT...UT will keep Fulmer because your adminstration doesn't have the guts to fire him. He knows where all the skeletons are.

Posted by marc_ash on October 23, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator, relax. We don't need you telling us the current state of UT football...we live it every day. And even if the Vols lose every game, there will be fans that still bleed orange...just like you did I'm sure during the Zook era.

FL has had some good success, and continues to do things right...you'll get no argument there. But every program has its ups and downs. Thats the way it is in college athletics.

The problem UT ran into is commiting a large sum of money to Fulmer after a 5-6 season and are now locked into a big payday if they choose to fire him (unlike FL was with Zook).

Making it "personal" isn't the way to go, nor will it make Vol fans look on FL fans any better. Hopefully, UT will get things turned around at some point. Regardless, true fans will always cheer for the team that represents "home".

Posted by marc_ash on October 23, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator,

As I said in my previous post, its not about having the guts to fire Fulmer..its about money. UT has again extended Fulmers contract and locked him in for multiple years. Because UT competes at such a high level in mens/womens basketball as well the dollars are very high. At this point, it isn't logical for the University to cut ties with Fulmer after throwing so much money at him after 05 (not to mention Pearls and Summits multi million dollar contracts and incentives).

Believe me, I do hope some changes are made...and if thats firing fulmer, then so be it.

Stay the CURSE.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash I agree with everything you said.

Now let me say this. It doesn't help any of us when UT is down. On a personal note I hope they lose every game, on the other side though we need them strong in the polls. I'll tell you something else, IF UT goes to a bowl game I'll be cheering for them, I have to wonder how many up in Rocky Top will do the same for us.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash sometimes you have to just pay up and move on. Alabama paid Shula to move on, Auburn paid Pat Dye and others have doe the same. The Alumni has to lay down the bucks to pay off the contract and chalk it up to life's expreince. Hell, we paid Zook to get rid of him, but not as much as UT would have to pay.

Posted by dbartteach on October 23, 2007 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you would be taken more seriously if you learned how to spell and write a coherent sentence. It's "assistants" not "assistance".

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator,

I have never (except the term backstabber) called anyone on here a name. And while I'm not calling you a name...you sound kinda' goofy. What does our business and the way we deal with it have to do with you...a gator...and what you think? No offense or anything, but stop being so condescending in that thinly veiled manner you use.

Posted by yemmusdarb on October 23, 2007 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellent article, I don't care what anyone else says Pennington.

"Wait till next year" is the sign of a sad program in hope. We will be just as bad next year, trust me. Ainge is the only thing keeping us in games this year. Crompton is garbage (comes into games against 3rd stringers and throws INTs or fumbles). The only good thing he's done was throw a deep ball into double coverage against LSU and had a future NFL receiver grab it out of the air for a TD.

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator.....I know you guys hatted Zook and got rid of him....but he did recruit 21 of the 22 starting line up that won the NCS... Lets see how long it takes Meyer to recruit a NCS team? I root for any SEC school (Florida included) that plays out of the conference. I rooted for Florida last year against Ohio State (twice).

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, that's the pot calling the kettle black. I'm in no way patronizing you, or your team. What business is it of mine? Not one bit! I made it clear (no thinly veiled manner at all) that I don't like UT. I just hate you are dragging the rest of us down.

I'm being much more polite than UT fans have been who visit the Gator sites.

Posted by snowvol on October 23, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To the people who think it's John Pennington's job to "care" about UT, you need to attempt an early understanding of what it means to be a columnist; a writer who is asked to do what amounts to an Op-Ed piece...someone who isn't a beat writer and someone who isn't employed by UT, like Bob Kesling on Vols Calls (where everything with the Vols is just fine no matter the losses, no matter the score).

Pennington is merely pointing out what the vast majority of Orange Nation is saying. And let's face it, that vast majority does not have the forum he and other writers have. The glaring difference is that many fans either don't want to be told the truth or, they are unwilling to accept the truth.

People like Pennington and John Adams (another non-homer, thank goodness) -- they are paid to offer opinions based upon what they see. And what they see is what the rest of us are seeing. They are not employed to be UT shills.....which seems to be what some Vols fans would prefer. Me -- I love the Vols like everyone else but I'm tired of watching the sad demise of a once-prominent program. Florida and LSU have passed us. It can be argued that Alabama had their "turn-the-corner" benchmark win against us last Saturday and, if things stay the same with this coaching staff, will pass us in the next year. Many other prominent programs that were beneath us in the 90's (USC, Oklahoma and Texas come to mind) have passed and lapped us.

It's time to clean house and it's time to do so with a head coach and coaching staff NOT from the Tennessee family. It would seem Florida, LSU, USC, Oklahoma, Texas and certainly some others have done just fine going outside of their own comfort zone. And yet, so many Vols fans have this delusional notion that only a "UT man" can coach the Vols. The aforementioned schools have laughed at that notion and are now reaping the benefits from truly doing national searches. That term, "national search", has always been a joke when its come to hiring a UT head coach.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vols76, I speak to Ron Zook on a fairly regular basis. I give him 100% credit for our success last year. I echo your sentiments about Meyer recruiting a NC team. I'm not sold on him just yet.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

snowvol, your post made more sense than anyone else in here.

Posted by bowerst on October 23, 2007 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

InstiGATOR, I was there just like vols76 in front of the tube, pulling for the Gators to beat Ohio State and actually pumping my fist as your team proved to everyone that an SEC team deserved to be in the title game. Now I'll admit I couldn't have been so supportive had Saint Spurrier been on your sideline, but we are southern brethren, so let's none of us get so high and mighty that we lose sight of the not-so-good-old-days that could come back to each of us anytime.

(See Nebraska, Notre Dame, Penn St., even Michigan, the high and mighty USC Trojans and yes, right now Tennessee)

Posted by VolsRoadRash98 on October 23, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator, you don't think Spurrier would come? He's a natural winner - I'm not so sure he'll be able to stand staying at south carolina much longer. SC can't pay him enough to comp all the visors he loses during their season. The football gods won't allow SC in the top ten (just ask vandy.)

I'd love to see Spurrier or Tuberville come. Thinking outside the box, what about someone like Jerry Moore from app state - or Chuck Martin from Grand Valley state? Those guys are proven winners in 1-aa and division II.

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator,

This is the line I thought sounded condescending:

"I'll tell you something else, IF UT goes to a bowl game I'll be cheering for them, I have to wonder how many up in Rocky Top will do the same for us."

In the SEC I pretty much think we all pull for SEC teams no matter what. I couldn't have been happier last year when Floride (my younger Brother went there) kicked the crud out of Ohio State. We are painfully aware of how Tennessee is pulling down the Conference. When you know emotions are high, even speaking politely can be likely to set off sparks. You are polite...no doubt. I hope you keep posting, but just don't think we aren't way too well aware of the abismal spot we're in. The truth is that I have no CLUE who a good replacement would be. Some of these guesses sound as good as any of the others...but we're in a deep hole and no matter who comes here, they are going to be challenged to the nth degree. The only thing I know is that a high school coach could get more motivation out these guys.

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator, thanks, I do admit Meyer did good recruiting Tebow....and that will probably save him for a couple of years....I am in a wait and see for Florida after Tebow.....As for Zook....I am pulling for him to do good in Illi country...he has recruited a good quarterback and possible a couple of other good players....

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you are right about tennessee pulling down the conference....LSU was stating at the beginning of the season how much better the SEC was than the PAC 10.....and then Tennessee let the SEC down by losing to Cal......We do have the chance to redeem ourselves next year when we play UCLA.....but we have a lot of changes to make before then...

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolsRoadRash98, i really don't believe Spurrier would go to UT. He took on SC for two reasons. First, Lou asked him to consider it. Second, he loves a challenge. UT would no doubt be a challenge but I wonder if too much water has flowed under that bridge. His wife Jeri made the statement one time that Steve Spurrier will always be a Gator. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to beat us, but I wonder how the Vol nation would take a loss to Florida under his coaching. I think he is content.

bowerst and vols76, your candor in saying you pulled for us was refreshing.

Posted by RocketVol on October 23, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More Cowbell!

Posted by GoVol on October 23, 2007 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, enough is enough. I took the remainder of my season tickets and tore them in half and mailed them to Mr. Hamilton. I'm sure he'll understand that if enough of us were to do this he'd know we are seriously sick of this coaching staff. I tore them in half so that they could not be re-sold.

Hamilton - take care of Fulmer or it will be your A_ _ on the line next. Do the right thing while you still have the option.

Posted by VolFanDC on October 23, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really didn't have time to read all these posts, so this may be redundant -- but I have a question. When we brought Cutcliffe in, Fulmer was, for the most part, on the hot seat. Cutcliffe specifically stated he'd like to be a head coach again. I have to think that if we fire Fulmer (and buy him out) that Cutcliffe has first rights -- contractually. Then, that means we have to buy out Cutcliffe as well. I think Hamilton would like to fire them -- he just can't afford to fire them and actually have money left over to buy a decent new coach. Maybe I'm wrong -- but I guarantee Cutcliffe has some sort of clause about this. Does anyone know?

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vols76, I didn't like the way we handled the Zook situation. He has said on several occassions that he was on the road when he heard Spurrier was going to the NFL and his first thought was "I feel sorry for the guy who follows him." The only problem I had with Zook was the fact that he was predictable, or at least I felt he was. I watched with great intrest Saturday and was pleased to see that he has changed the way he calls his plays. I want him to beat OSU so bad.

Posted by basehitmb on October 23, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At least Pennington didn't quote any made-up "annonymous sources". I believe the first person to say UT would be better next year was Tim Irwin, whom I'm thinking is a little better educated than Pennington. It would be interesting to find out the following: If you took all the football experience of Griffith, Adams, and Pennington at the KNS and combined it, would that be enough to qualify for one high school letter jacket?

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolFanDC surely UT didn't promise Cutcliffe first dibs on the job if Fulmer gets canned, or leaves.

UT has deep pockets and it sounds like the fan base might support a change. After all, they canned Majors and he had about the same record Fulmer has now...maybe even better.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

basehitmb, I'm not sure being "better educated" has anything to do with predicting what will happen next year, especially this year. After all...look at all the "experts" who said UT would win the East this year...or the ones who said Georgia would....or the ones who said Florida would...no one picked UK or SC and they have as much chance as anyone else.

Posted by VolsRoadRash98 on October 23, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

instigator, you're probably right. It's probably just wishful thinking on my part. At this point I'm just ready for a change - ANY change. It would probably be better to bring in a completely new face and have a fresh start. Spurrier probably would bring too much baggage.

In general, I don't think we'll have a problem recruiting a coach like Alabama did. We're pretty patient and loyal fans once they're in. We've only had two coaches in the past 30 years and Neyland stadium is packed even during the dismal years.

Posted by instigator on October 23, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolsRoadRash98 the head coach at UT is one of the very best in the country. UT has deep pockets and should be able to bring in a top drawer coach if that's the direction they elect to take. At some point in the future I would even venture to say Manning might be a choice, but that's years down the road. The bad thing about bringing him back would be if he lost, some of the luster would be gone. That's why I didn't want Spurrier back. Expectations can be a show stopper.

Posted by mtnvol on October 23, 2007 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it hard to believe that Spurrier would consider UT for the following reasons:

1. He instigated too much hate between the schools while at UF.
2. I hear he dislikes recruiting, which we must do for lack of in-state talent.
3. Three SEC East schools? Too weird!
4. SC will be his last "challenge" before he retires.
5. He really wants to play golf!
6. Would the Vol Nation embrace the man we love to hate? I doubt it.

Posted by marc_ash on October 23, 2007 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Instigator,

I understand the concept of paying up. Yes, Bama paid up as did Florida. However, the financial responsibilities at Bama are far different than at UT. UT has a number of top 10 athletic programs from Lady's basketball, mens basketball, football, track, etc. All of these teams compete for championships year in and year out (except football lol).

The issue is bama has 1 program that competes year in and year out-football. Florida comes much closer with at least football and basketball, but when you have salaries of 2 mil, 1.5 mil and 2+ mill shelled out to both basketball coaches and the football coach, that makes it a bit hard to just cut ties with a coach.

Posted by marc_ash on October 23, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

woah, instigator!!! I'll have to stop you right there in your tracks. UT's coach is NOT one of the best in the country, not by a long shot. He can recruit, but that doesn't win games (see Zook). Fulmer has run the same system both on offense and defense for many years. After a while, folks are going to figure things out.

Raw athletic ability is probably the reason UT has won as many as they have....and 10-10 in the last 20 SEC games is not acceptable by any stretch.

Posted by marc_ash on October 23, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mtnvol- "Would the Vol Nation embrace the man we love to hate"? absolutely....if he won championships.

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash,

Like you said...if he won Championships they would for sure.

Posted by mtnvol on October 23, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc, it would take some time, at least from spring practice to fall kick off (hahaha), to get a championship run started. SC has given Little Stevie time, but would we? I just think it would feel too odd for most of us to have him at the helm.

Big names at big schools are out (Carroll, Stoops, etc.). Why leave a good situation? Just like Pearl, I'd like to see a hotshot from a smaller school who isn't afraid to get creative.

And that new coach has got to recruit players AS WELL AS coaches on the way up. Remember, Kippy Brown and Lovie Smith were once Vols coaches.

Posted by west_tn_volfan on October 23, 2007 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A few names that are feasible as replacements are Pat Hill at Fresno St. (very intense and fundamentally sound with pro experience). The coach at Boise St. is very good and has an excellent record. The coach at Wake Forest competes at a high level with alot less talent than we have at UT.

Posted by leroyrogersusa on October 23, 2007 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think the win loss column will cut the mustard with the Haslam Family, who have given 40 million bucks to UT in recent donations. Also, the carpet man Thunder Thorton. They expect the 2 million bucks a year coach to win while playing the Big Boys and I don't mean late comer, South Carolina.
We shall see.

Posted by RunRunPassPunt on October 23, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

again, Money is not the obstacle to ousting fulmer - its his ties to and within the university. If he quits why would we buy him out? If the need to actually put together a send-off package arises, it will be subsidized by haslam and thunder. the university needed money to buyout buzz because the basketball program had no money or ability to generate it. When the big donors decide its time to put phil out to pasture, it will happen.

Posted by gmccown007 on October 23, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What if I were to GUARANTEE you that I can give all of you the name of the ONE and ONLY coach in the whole of America that can return Tennessee to ALL of its heartbreakingly long lost days of glory? Now, if I could "do" such a miraculous, seemingly impossible thing, would you immediately "sign up" and --- with all of your heart --- "get on board"? Or would you --- with the NEGATIVITY that has now engulfed the VOL NATION --- and indeed, is now threatening to DESTROY it --- INSTEAD join --- GLEEFULLY, no doubt --- in the FLOOD OF NEGATIVITY that would almost certainly follow an idea so "wild" and, no doubt, certain to be PERFECT? Perfect, that is, once all EMOTION is completely wiped away.
I have --- literally --- been sitting in that once hallowed stadium for OVER 55 YEARS!!! NO ONE'S blood runs any more orange than mine! NO ONE'S!!! Consequently, there is NO PRICE (other than my immortal soul) that I would not pay for a return to those once halcyon days of glory.
Want to return to such days of triumphant joy? Admittedly, now, only for a mere handful of remaining years? Or do all of you prefer to merely continue to endlessly, fruitlessly bicker? There is only the tiniest window of opportunity now left. But that window DOES exist. With no blasphemy whatsoever intended, there is a "savior" available to us. Incredibly, he is even a native son. Tennessee born and bred. Further, he is, regardless of one’s prejudices, the GREATEST football "genius" alive. WITHOUT QUESTION!
Now, mind you, we do not always see eye-to-eye. Collectively, or otherwise. But who cares? Particularly, for such a magnificent ultimate "prize"? I have sat around a hundred tables and heard it repeated a thousand times.
"Native son or not he would never take the job. Besides, there is no one alive who hates Tennessee any more than he does”.
I promise you, folks. Neither statement is true. Now, it IS true that out of high school, he “refused” our recruitment. But only because he was determined to remain a quarterback.(Tennessee still ran exclusively single wing and not being a Tim Tebow “type” (of that day or any other), he knew his running skills simply were not adaptable to U-T's offensive sets. And, mind you, he was more than "right".
Once he became a coach, though, he has been ready --- more than once --- to come back to Tennessee. Justifiably, though, he has never judged it "right" or "proper" to do the asking. And, indeed, why should he have?
Of whom are we speaking? Well, the one and only one man who can save the "train-wreck" that is now Tennessee football. Steve Spurrier.
By the way, time is running out. Like Lou Pinella with the Cubs, this would, guaranteed, be Spurrier’s last hurrah.
At this stage, it would probably call for one dollar more than Lou Saban. In case you have forgotten, the man who just handed us our a$$.
I don’t know about you but I will never forget that pain. Never.
I’m good for the first $100,000.00. Anybody got a dollar?

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone have Hamilton's email address...thank you

Posted by carolinababe on October 23, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mhamilton@tennessee.edu

Posted by jandjhome on October 23, 2007 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brian Kelly from Cincinatti. Somewhat like Bruce Pearl, he would look just fine in Orange.

Posted by 55Vol on October 23, 2007 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sphs_vol... I still would like to see CPF win everyone once more...but the reality is he will not be able to do so without a dominant defense, shut down special teams, and an adequate offense. That may be too old school for the younger posters but if you look at EVERY NC school, everyone to a tee had a defense capable of winning almost on it's own. I am afraid CPF has lost heart and " the speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack." CPF is a great person and has been a great coach but I believe it is time for him to move up or out. We need DEFENSE ...no charts, just heart

Posted by phi0129 on October 23, 2007 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A couple of things. Cal IS a top 10 team. They lost without their starting QB of 3 years. I'm pretty sure we couldn't even beat Ark State with Crompton...so don't tell me that doesn't make a difference.
Now the former kool-aid drinkers who are late to our Fulmer can't get it done parade worry about not getting the right coach. Well I personally would rather have a couple of years of a Zook before we find our Meyer then 5 to 6 more years of watching our slow and painful death. The point is that the inherent risk of switching coaches has finally become worth the potential rate of return.
And the drive midway through the 2nd quarter sums up Fulmer's lack of coaching in a nutshell. 3rd and 1 put in a freshman back with no carries while Foster proved time and time again in the first half he could run all over AL. 4th and 1 punt in order to save 25 yards of field position instead of letting our dominating (to that point) O line get us the push and let Foster keep the good looking drive alive. But what made that call even worse was the failure to take into account clock time. Punting at that moment allowed AL to get the last drive of the half (minus our miracle field goal) and swing the score from perhaps us up 4 at the half to them up 10 at the half. Fulmer doesn't think about the strategic future impact of those decisions that appear simple.
HORRIBLE COACHING AT ITS FINEST!!!

Posted by Southland on October 23, 2007 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so how do you think the girls basketball team and the baseball team and the softball team is going to do we need something to take our minds off of this pitiful excuse for a football season Wonder if it will mean anything to Fulmer if Vandy beats us like they did SC and SC will beat us unless Spurrier quits before the game and oh boy UK is going to make us pay for 20plus years of defeats. Man am I depressed At least its raining and that is something to cheer about. I may take up checkers to get my mind off of football. Maybe I'll cheer for Austin Peay. They are at about our level now

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

alcofc,

Don't forget the Hogs. Strong running (ex Heisman hopeful...maybe we can get him back in the race!) attack vs weak running defense.

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arkansas has the potential to wrack up some yards against our pourus (pronounced and true meaning - poor us) defense. McFadden might shoot back to the head of the class. After all we are in the business of creating Heisman candidates these days.

Posted by UT_Tim on October 23, 2007 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I became physically ill during the Bama beating. It became all to apparent that Bama had our number. Think that on sides kick was just something off the cuff? It’s called looking at game film. Bama knew our guys hadn’t been coached to “see the ball kicked” because they had been selling out all season long.

I called for Randy Sanders head (PFRS) all too often. He’s having the last laugh………

Posted by vols76 on October 23, 2007 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

carolinababe....thanks

Posted by invisiblekid on October 23, 2007 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Add these two gems to the list CRVol: "We've just got some young guys out there having challenges,'' Fulmer said Sunday. "We can get those things tightened up and get back to being ourselves, or as close as we can be.'

Posted by invisiblekid on October 23, 2007 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TDTN, it must be another instance of "do as I say, not as I do" when it comes to Fulmer. You brought up the Pennington-Fulmer incident of '07 where Fulmer calls out a local columnist, yet his players are being told to ignore all the criticism.

"We're a tight-knit group of guys," Mayo said. "Coach Fulmer and his staff do a good job of keeping us together and keeping us close, blocking off the media and blocking off the nay-sayers. That's pretty much what we have to do this week as well."

Posted by invisiblekid on October 23, 2007 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And BTW, I can't print what my granddaddy would think on these family pages.

Posted by rbhobbs73 on October 23, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

South Carolina 27 Tennessee 24
Tennessee 55 La-Lafayette 20
Arkansas 38 Tennessee 21
Kentucky 55 Tennessee 33
Vanderbilt 31 Tennessee 27

There are my predictions...welcome to 6-6 Boys!

Goodbye Phil!

Posted by rbhobbs73 on October 23, 2007 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, if Fulmer follows his normal routine...he will beat South Carolina before following the rest of my predictions like a script!

Posted by ktm589 on October 23, 2007 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually rbhobbs73 that would put us at 5-7. I see us 6-6. Beat Vandy.

Posted by DennisVols on October 23, 2007 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My hope is that if indeed this is Fulmers swan song year that UT will do the right thing here. Fulmer has done many good and great things for this university. His loyalty is 2nd to none. I do think times have changed since he became coach and that change is necessary for this program to regain it prominence among the elite. This does not make Fulmer a bad coach just not the right coach for the times. Fulmer wants this program to be strong and no one wants them to win more than he does. So in that UT should sit down with coach Fulmer and work out a retirement plan that would reduce the cost in his existing contract and at the same time reward him for his outstanding service to the university.
As fans our emotions run high and our expectations even higher. The pressure that is on any high profile programs coach is more than any one of us would want to face in our own jobs. UT football is a multi-million dollar business. The revenues from football alone pay most of the salaries for the professors at UT. The cost of going to UT or any other school like them would be enormous without such funds.
So let’s hope that Hamilton will do the right thing for the university on all fronts and we can go forward.

Posted by mtoms1272 on October 23, 2007 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great article from Commercial Appeal(Memphis).

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...

Posted by orange71 on October 23, 2007 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Volunteers have extended Fulmer a greater degree of patience than permitted any other head coach in our history. Since 1938 no UT coach has been permitted to continue with the Vols without winning the SEC at least once every 5 years. UT has 13 SEC championships, 10 outright (38,40,46,56,67,79,85,90,97,98); 3 shared (39,51,89). Neyland won 5; wyatt and dickey 1 each; majors won 4; fulmer has 2). The longest span between champions for Neyland was 4, for Majors 5, dickey 3. Wyatt was eased out after failing to win the SEC over a 6 year period, battle was given 7 years before dismissal.

Why is Fulmer given a longer time? Past leaders of the Athletics Board had the courage to do what had to be done. Evidently, the current board is a bunch of "girly-men."

Posted by tngeoff on October 23, 2007 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good post orange71.

Posted by Volaholic on October 23, 2007 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The players have a chart asking themselves "did I get better today". What about the coaches. Do they have a chart? Do they have one saying "did I motivate a player today"? "Did I get in their face instead of being