Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. South Carolina
- When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, 7:45 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
What's the fastest way for a freshman wide receiver to gain favor with a senior quarterback?
Try going over the middle and making a tough catch, for starters.
True freshman receiver Gerald Jones did it twice against Alabama.
And it's precisely the kind of play that gets noticed.
"He made two tough catches that aren't easy across the middle," sophomore receiver Austin Rogers said. "That goes a long way with (quarterback) Erik (Ainge), knowing he can trust somebody over the middle like that."
Rogers has built up trust with Ainge through spring practice, summer workouts, fall camp and seven games this season.
But with leading receiver Lucas Taylor questionable with a toe injury and Josh Briscoe held out of practice again with a concussion, Jones and receivers like Quintin Hancock and Denarius Moore don't have the luxury of time.
Ready or not, No. 15 South Carolina comes calling Saturday night (TV: ESPN, 7:45 p.m.).
"It's tough when you don't throw to guys and even more so on their part," Ainge said . "Like Gerald Jones, especially. Going into the game thinking he's redshirting and then coming out and playing like he did. I thought he did well.
"Definitely we'll get more practice time with Denarius and Gerald and Quintin,"
Jones, who was limited early with a hamstring injury, was on the path to a redshirt - until Taylor proved ineffective last week against the Crimson Tide because of the toe injury he initially suffered against Mississippi State.
In the fourth quarter with Rogers as the only starting receiver in the game, Ainge completed just four of his 10 passes.
That's not exactly the kind of efficiency Ainge - or the Vols - are used to in the passing game.
Rogers, who is second on the team with 31 receptions for 392 yards, says the best way for Ainge and the young receivers to develop a feel for one another is game experience.
And offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe says it's up to those with experience to shorten the learning curve.
"That's when me and Erik and everybody who's experienced has got to help them," Cutcliffe said. "That's just what you have to do. Shoot, they're a game better. I'm really excited about some of the things I saw from them. That's growth. That's a positive."
Like Jones, the younger players have shown improvement.
In Tennessee's system, receivers are responsible for knowing all positions in a given formation. They must also show the ability to adjust routes to coverage. And they must know, as well as execute, blocking schemes.
"They're a little savvy on finding seams. I thought they read coverages well, much better than I thought they might," Cutcliffe said. "They knew more. (Receivers coach) Trooper (Taylor) has done a really good job with those guys, and a lot more than most freshmen would know."
Kenny O'Neal, a former Florida State receiver who came to UT from City College of San Francisco, has yet to make an impact, something UT coach Phillip Fulmer attributed to too many missed assignments.
Jones made the first step against Alabama with his two catches for 27 yards.
The next steps come this week in practice and against the Gamecocks on Saturday.
"Physically, I think they're ready," Ainge said. "There's no substitute for experience. A lesser player with a lot of experience is going to be better than a good player that has none. I'm not saying that about our receivers.
"But those guys could be ready if they take this week watching the film. If they go out to practice every day and say, 'Did I get better today?' That's the same for all of us."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 72
SmokeDog72 writes:
"Shoot, they're a game better."
Why are our highly touted receivers just one game better? Haven't we played 7? Can we not figure out a way to get play makers out on the field, uh I don't know, MAKING PLAYS?!!!
I get so sick of watching teams that Fulmer has a hand in that are so damn regimented and predictable. I swear, and tell me if I am wrong, doesn't it seem that we have to work hard as hell to put together a 60-70 yard drive? I mean, when you constantly can only pick up 7-13 yards (on a perfectly executed play), that leaves no margin for error for penalties, plays for losses, etc. We don't have a whole lot of big plays aka quick scores. Therefore, when we stall on a drive and turn it over to the defense, we are screwed (see vs Bama 2007). But, I am starting to wonder if Fulmer and Company are actually coaching away the athleticism of some of these guys. The system seems to be doing damage to flashy runs, big gains outside, space to operate in the middle of the field, etc.
Just an observation on the offense. The defense would be better if..........well, they really can't be worse.
VolsorCat writes:
I don't get it. Our stud recruits come in and disappear. USC and Florida get theirs in and they are contributing by week 2. Where are Chris Donald, Ben Martin, Chris Walker and William Brimfield? At 4-3, I would play all of them at least 30 percent of the game, not just a few snaps for the last few games. I don't think Walker or Brimfield have even played.
Txvol57 writes:
Isn't it amazing that all the other top programs in the country (i.e. USC, Ohio State, Florida, LSU, West Virginia, ect.) have their freshman ready to play and able to significantly contribute by the first game of the season. Hmmmmmmm, wonder what the difference is?
I really don't know what to say if you actually need an answer to that question.
FIRE FAT PHIL AND THAT SORRY EXCUSE FOR A STRENGTH COACH JOHNNY LONG!!!
CoverOrange writes:
Strategy for Saturday night. Foster, Hardesty and Coker with occasional post pattern for Oneal. The trust a QB has is not whether a WR will go across the middle, it's whether he will be where he is supposed to be when the QB decides to throw it.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
You've touched on an opinion I share, VolsorCat. At 4-3, why not just clear the darn benches and turn the talent loose? If the 1s aren't getting it done, then let the 2s and 3s have their chance?
Nobody expects much from this team anymore. But I for one would be a lot more optimistic about the future playing all the freshmen and sophomores as much as possible -- even if we lose four more games.
Some of expect at least three more losses, anyway.
This is how you create depth -- by playing the youngsters as much as possible. Simplify the system so it doesn't overwhelm them and LET THEM PLAY.
Playing them now gives precious SEC game experience for next year.
They can't get experience, coaches, if you don't give it to them. Give them a chance.
Txvol57 writes:
In response to mbumburu and volsorcat,
Fulmer will not play his freshman or be smart enough to redshirt them. I will never forget when Fulmer burned Travis Henry's redshirt year with two carries. He put Travis Henry in for 2 carries in one game in the middle of the season and never played him again (year wasted). Chris Walker has played on special teams while Ben Martin played the last series against Ark St. Gerald Jones now has his 2 plays (probably wont see him for the rest of the season).
Just more of the same for ol' "were workin like heck to get better"
CoverOrange writes:
"In the fourth quarter with Rogers as the only starting receiver in the game, Ainge completed just four of his 10 passes."
Where was Chris Brown? Yeah, I know TE/HB/FB not WR, but still.
chrisw2967 writes:
Fulmer still our coach ?
I thought by now Hamilton would of sent him packing . I guess I will check back tomorrow to see if we have a new coach ,
hcjournals#206623 writes:
To all the idiots who just read the above story and wrote a response that talked about firing coach Fulmer. Go back, read the story again and then act like you are a Tennessee fan. Fulmer isn't getting fired. We just need to fire all of you fools who think you know better. Be a little bit more loyal and stop acting like Florida fans. And CR whatever is the first one who needs to go.
dowdpat#654244 writes:
Yeah you wouldn't want to be like Florida fans and complain about the job Ron Zook was doing, get him fired and have a new coach who delivers a national title with the Zooker's recruits in two seasons. That would be terrible if that happened to us. Stay the course and work like heck! Fear change.
utmdm writes:
Cut and Fulmer - item for your improvement chart. Forget the Rockies and focus on the sport for which you get salary.
injunvol writes:
workin like heck and watching alot of film - gonna find a spot on campus for krispy kreme
NOLAvol writes:
#1 reason the Vols run a complicated offense that few freshmen (receivers, backs, QBs) can quickly become proficient with? It's much closer in concept to what the NFL runs, which is a key part of our recruiting pitch and separates UT from many of the schools they're recruiting against.
#1 incidental benefit? You don't lose as many Juniors (from the offense) to the draft if it takes them 3 seasons to really learn it and show what they can do (think Stallworth, Price, Meacham, et al., who suddenly blossomed their senior years after we grumbled through their "disappointing, underachieving" junior seasons)--and with the way the NCAA figures graduation rates, losing a Junior to the draft can be a double-killer to a program.
#1 Concern? Since the NFL can't find enough quarterbacks capable of running complicated offenses against all the defensive schemes they're facing now, I wonder if some version of the spread offense will begin to appear on Sundays. The NFL will HAVE to do something soon--you can't sustain a 32-team league on the shoulders (brains?) of Manning, Favre & Brady.
All these things have a cycle, and certainly change will come to the NFL. For college teams like UT who are totally dependent on recruiting out-of-state talent, preparing players for the NFL is vital. BUT if we change schemes before the NFL does, we lose that recruiting advantage--even if we guess right about where the NFL is eventually heading.
vol4jesus writes:
tdtn why don't ewe open a franchise of KK so you can lure Coach Fulmer there and kidnap him away from Neyland. I still think the references to Coach Fulmers girth are childish and disrespectful. Focus all ewe want on the ineptitude of the coaching/play ,but leave the third grade name calling to the 3rd graders. Go VOLS please beat Gamecocks so I can live down here another year in SC without being hassled. Are the young'ins at WR going to surprise us pleasantly this Sat pm?
juicetke#226846 writes:
And the rest of the nations Freshmen and newcomers learn in the summer.
tmartin writes:
NOLAvol, thanks for letting us all in on the secrets of UT football, i wasn't even aware that stallworth or meachem played their senior years, all this time i thought they left early. i also wasn't aware that our recruiting efforts were so effective, and that all the blue chippers are buying it and coming to UT. i mean we are just a feeder system to the NFL with all the talent we send them. you forgot to discuss how knowledgeable our fans are too.
webbofconfusion writes:
We have the talent all over the field... Overwhelmed by the schemes on Offense.. maybe.. but practice and patience will lead to a title.
Remeber the QB that led us to the NC was not the prodigal son of todays modern offense, but a student in waiting that learned from the best and made us better.
If we do get rid of Phil who could the ewes hate next? John Peterson for his inablity to lower the acedemic standards for our players?
I remember paper gate and we have not been the same since. I am thinking conspiracy.
webbofconfusion writes:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage...
The infamous day that has started the unraveling of a great football tradtion....
Basketball_Jones writes:
This program has a lack of player development. Maybe its the coach in charge if receivers. I mean when Ainge was a freshman he developed pretty good and he had to know a whole lot. Are the receivers that dumb? Another why is our system so hard? Simplify it, Florida, USC, Cal, OSU and Company play their receivers and other freshman early maybe we should takea look at thier playbook.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
Tell me if you can imagine a post game press conference where we ask the questions..now insert typical Fulmer responses...LOL.
CRVol: "Coach, why did we go to a pass happy offense with our best receivers out, while running the ball effectively and only being down by 7?"
Fulmer: " I wasn't aware that we did that. You know, like the Hardesty thing..Didn't Know"
rbhobbs: "Coach, why did you punt at midfield 3 times on 4th and short when your defense obviously couldn't stop them?"
Fulmer: "well, it's because we were so young at WR with Briscoe and Taylor out, and you know Hardesty just doesn't catch passes very well..."
rbhobbs: but Coach, you just said you didn't know about....
Fulmer: Well Chief told me the defense was going to work like heck to stop them all three times, and well that was good enough for me, so I punted."
VOLFAN: Coach, what happened on that opening kickoff?
Fulmer: " If Britton had just kicked the dang ball out of bounds like I told him too..."
VOLFAN: Coach, THEIR opening kickoff!
Fulmer: "That is something we will get corrected in practice this week. We will spend about 3 minutes on it, that should do it"
This could go on and on...a little humor for your Wed. morning.....
volfans_1#225396 writes:
Well said Vol4Jesus
vol4jesus writes:
CR go stand in the corner for being disrespectful again. I said can't we leave the third grade name calling to the 3rd graders? Evidently not. Larry, Moe and Curly are not our coaches. Oh by the way, recess is next period for all who qualify themselves as 3rd graders.
MOOREVOLS writes:
tmartin, you're not missing anything. Stallworth and Meachem both left after their junior years. Of course, Meachem did red-shirt his first year here.
mtnvol writes:
I find it hard to believe as I type this...but...I agree with CR. ;-)
Are we in the business of feeding the NFL or are we in the business of winning games? And if feeding the NFL is a major recruiting point, wouldn't NFL caliber players (our recruits) be smart enough to pick up the offense more quickly than the 3rd season?
When the coaches talk about making game plans simple, we seem to do better (UGA) than when game plans are complicated (UF). As we used to say in math class, "this don't figure." Maybe the coaches are making this game more difficult than it has to be!
MOOREVOLS writes:
Fulmer has made some questionable comments lately. Another comment that bothers me was saying the young receivers weren't on the same page with Ainge in the second half. Basically blaming the freshmen for our poor second half passing performance. What if the young receivers had been inserted into the offense more than one meaningful play a game from the first game on? Do you think they might be on the same page by the 7th game? I think we should have run the ball more, but if the young receivers had been used more often in the first 6 games they would have been more prepared to step up when the injuries hit in game 7.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
I forgot one..
VOLFAN: "Coach, how do respond from this?"
Fulmer: "We've got a tough row to hoe. We have to keep getting better each week. Steve will challenge us. We are so young in the secondary, you know. If they will just get in there and watch the film, we will be ok. I am proud of this team. They work their rear ends off. When you consider we have lost to California, Florida and Alabama on the road...we have to be the best 4-3 in the team in the country. They remember what you do in November.
vol4jesus writes:
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me. I hope the staff has thick skin and deaf ears to the negative chatter. Criticism is allowed and due based on our lack of performance in the big games this year. Again I think the name calling is not justified and is childish. I know thats my opinion and everyone has one. I just think we would be better served by keeping the immature name slinging back in the 3rd grade where it belongs. Last post to that effect today. Traveling from SC Sat to hopefully see VOLS get a W over SC and Coach Spurrier. No, I'm not holding my breath, but will support players and our homefield. Hope young Wr's grow up big time and support the ability to run via key receptions and good blocking. GO VOLS!!!
TommyJack writes:
Vol4Jesus: I like immature
RemembertheAlamo writes:
vol4jesus....you are so correct we shouldn't be calling our coaches the "3 Stooges"....The coaches are not that smart........
GoVol writes:
hcjournal - you must have a very weird definition of 'loyalty' to tell all of the TN posters that want a coaching change they are NOT 'loyal'?
The folks that want the coaching changes are passionate supporters of TN football. We don't bury our heads into the sand or look the other way, or accept sub par performance. We have a strong, dedicated tradition and that tradition is rich with winning and pride. We are loyal contrary to your statement. We just don't choose to lower our expectations simply because the performance isn't there. We choose to 'fight' to have a winning program!!! Now, that is loyalty!!
jonathan012 writes:
No matter what I think should happen with my VOLS, I still root for Coach Fulmer, his staff and our players that wear the orange. No matter how much better I think I could do out there, I still cheer for my VOLS!
RemembertheAlamo writes:
jonathan012......no matter how bad the play calling is...I am still rooting for our VOLS...and the play call is really bad...I know I couldn't do better, but I expect better if you are being paid $2 Million a year......I do root for Coach Fulmer and his staff to wake up and smell the roses! I watched the replay of the Bama game last night and no matter how I know it will turn out....I will still root for my VOLs...1 and 20...Foster up the middle for 10 yards, 2 and 10 Foster up the middle for 9 yards....3 and 1.....a lazy pass that is knocked down......4th and 1....punt......but I am still rooting for our VOLS.....
Basketball_Jones writes:
I think Fulmer and Bush are related. As for Vol4 Jesus, how can you now see the writing on the wall? Do you not watch the same games other fans do? Did you Tevo the 98 season and just continue to believe the world is in a stand still? Gimme a break and a new coach
wyomingvol writes:
One starting receiver in the game,,,,,
Good thing we abandoned the run early in the second half....
jhenson#377512 writes:
***At the krispy Kreme cross town
***The Chief and Phil were down
***For the dozen was through
***And the season was too
***And the ball coach was coming around
west_tn_volfan writes:
The whole idea that our system is a recruiting tool and players from other schools aren't ready for the nfl is crazy. I see first year players in the nfl who came from schools that don't run our style of offense and many of them make an impact immediately. I can just hear that recruiting line "son your gonna go about 6-6 or 7-5 and your not gonna know what your doing until your third year but after 4 years with me you'll be ready to leave". Gee sign me up coach!
NorthGreeneboy84 writes:
I say keep Fulmer. He has done nothing but represent the University well. He should be rewarded for his many successful years. I hated to see Bama beat us and us give up on the run so quick...but maybe Peyton will retire after winning the Superbowl again this year and join the UT Staff as Quarterback coach. Things will get better.
jonathan012 writes:
Vols76..... that's great, I'm glad to hear that! All I'm saying is all this bashing isn't doing anything... try to be a little more respectful to our coach. Let me say this, I also agree with most posters on here, I think the game may have passed Fulmer by and we probably need some new life in here. But I'm not gonna put down Coach Fulmer. He's done a great job at Tennessee (probably the best we've ever had) and he deserves a little more respect! Just ask yourself this one question... who are we gonna get to replace him? Will we get someone that can win 77% over a 14 year span? That's pretty good guys, come on! Look at powerhouses like Florida State, Nebraska, Miami, Penn State, USC (before Pete), Notre Dame, Michigan... they suck! Every team has their low points, and maybe we're in ours. And yes, I DO THINK WE NEED A NEW COACH, but let's send him off in a positive way... why? Cause we're TENNESSEE and that's how we do things around here!
jhenson#377512 writes:
NorthGreeneboy...you "hated to see Bama beat us"...
Dude, have you been in a cryongenic freeze since our last SEC championship back in 1999? They didn't beat us...they destroyed us...as did Florida...as did Cal...as have more than 50% of the top 20 teams we've played this decade.
"Things will get Better"...There you have it sports fans. NorthGreeneboy says it'll get better. Phew...I'm relieved! Because for a while there, I really thought our program had issues.
BOASoldier writes:
I would settle for a coach that had a six and five season but had a pair when it came to play calling ... and lost being aggressive as opposed to the phooey calling we have from the "staff" now. I've seen thicker spines on a jelly fish. It is sad when you haven't got the testicular fortitude to "stay the course" and "pound the ball" holy phooey that is all that did go right for us Saturday ... I know we all want to be a "balanced" football team, but dang If 1 dimension can win a game then use it. I've stood up for Fulmer for a long time and pushed back at the haters in person and on here, but when do you draw the line? When we are the laughing stock of the SEC (check) when our defense couldn't stop the local highschool (check) when the team plays uninspired football (check) when the coaches look like they are watching a funeral (check) when Fulmer stops getting excited and claps his hand as a response to everything (check)
jhenson#377512 writes:
It's a sure sign your program is going down hill when the apologists use other bad programs, who refused to make the necessary changes to remain relevant, as barometers to try and illustrate that your programn isn't that bad.
Guess what...I don't care about Nebraska, FSU, ND, Miami, etc. THEY AREN'T IN THE SEC!!!!!
I care about Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, LSU, Auburn. Where are we compared to them? Why would you use the least common denominator as a measuring stick? For us to even have the conversation about being relevant on the national scene again, we have to compete in the SEC and WE AREN'T EVEN CLOSE!
vol4jesus writes:
CR I won't rag you if we win. I'll take the win and enjoy. Then I start sweating how to stop McFadden and Jones. I think Monk will be back at Wr also. I won't rag ya I promise.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Hey, NorthGreeneboy84, you ever heard of Brittontown, Cross Anchor, Roarin Fork? I think I'm almost home. Geaux Vawls!!!!!
vol4jesus writes:
orangebloodgmc those are some small, nice little towns. Friend of mine from Bearden High school in Knoxville was born in Cross Anchor. I see ya puttin' on Bayou flavor for the VOLS. Are we cookin' chicken Saturday night? I hope so and no 50yrd field goals to beat us please. Much them 6point type either. GOOOO VOLS!!!!
99gator writes:
one of the amazing things i keep hearing is how complicated tenn's system is, which is the reason freshman can't jump in and play.
1. other system's are not complex?
2. what does tenn run that every other school doesn't. what makes tenn's system complex and why? when i see tenn run plays, the last thing that comes to my mind is.... wow, what a innovative, complex offense.
3. it is the coach's job to get the best athletes on the field and let them make plays. if you have to "dumb down" the offense to get a special player on the field. you dumb down the offense.
jhen713#212078 writes:
Are there any REAL names of possible coaches floating around? haven't heard any, just alot of talk about fireing Fulmer. I believe we need to know who our guy is before we run Fulmer out of town.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Amen, vol4jesus, those are good places and I left out Dogwalk, Grassy Valley and Lost Mountain. Yeah we gonna pluck and cook some scrawny gamecocks. Down here on the bayou you make a roux (brown gravy) then add the "holy trinity" of chopped onion, green bell pepper and celery.
jhen713#212078 writes:
tngeoff, I understand we should expect more. Hamilton is just as much to blame for how much he is being paid. Fulmer has been great for our University. He shouldn't just be thrown to the curb. I can name 100 division 1 programs that wolul love to have the program we've had under Fulmer. That being said, I too believe it is time for a change. I just believe it should be done in a respectful way. I can see all the bad play calling, the under preforming, the recruiting of "bad charcater" players, etc.... but the University has to take some of the blame. Everyone needs to be thankful for the run we had. Fulmer needs to bee cheered on his way out for what he has done not because he is leaving.
webbofconfusion writes:
You know people bash the coaches for losing...
But let's consider the things we bash him for.
The team has faced some injuries at the wrong time, Turnovers at the wrong time, and the love of the Fans on their sides. I will ask you this...
Could you drive your car with a Broken Gear shift, and a misfiring engine?
The coaches are not making excuses. Nor do they get fired up... It has never been their style. I can not remember a time when Phil cracked a smile in 1998 other than after the NC game was over.
I think that with the challenges that were presented to the staff at the beginning of the year, they have done an OK job. I am just as disappointed that we have not won a National title every year since 1998 as the next guy.
If you are upset with Phil's salary, blame Hamilton and Dickey... they offered up the contracts.
Blowouts hurt, and so did the first time your daddy spanked you... Hurts your pride, but you didn't quit your family. Don't quit on Phil. I am sure he has not quit on you.
The next time you post give him advice.... I am sure they need it right now... not the bashing they get everyday.
What piece of coaching advice would you give him?
jhen713#212078 writes:
tngeoff, I never said i disagreed. I just believe the AD is partialy responsible for the demise of the program and the amount Fulmer is being paid. As I stated, I too believe it is time for change. It just needs to be done in a respectful way. That benefits the University in the long run.
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