TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - OPENING KICKOFF, Alabama against Tennessee, with Alabama kicking off. Alabama sends out its usual kicker, Leigh Tiffin ...
Oh, wait. That isn't Leigh Tiffin. It's Jamie Christensen, the backup kicker. You don't think that Alabama coach Nick Saban is planning something funny?
Coach Phillip Fulmer? You ready for this?
"We practice it every Tuesday," Fulmer said.
Christensen sends the ball bouncing end over end. Alabama's DeMarcus Waldrop grabs the thing.
Alabama ball.
"It was a tremendous moment-getter for us," said Saban.
Coach Fulmer? Any thoughts?
"That little thing didn't have anything to do with it," he said.
Deep, deep, sigh.
But, hey, what do you expect for a mere $2.2 million a year?
Saban makes $4 million, and most Alabama fans would be willing to double it after watching Saban outwit Fulmer on Saturday as the Crimson Tide defeated the Vols, 41-17.
Two years ago, Fulmer needed protection from the Alabama fans during his trip to Tuscaloosa. This time, he might need the protection when he gets back home.
"It's nothing we haven't seen," Fulmer said, still talking about the kickoff.
Then, um, WHY DIDN'T YOU COVER IT?
It's impossible to overstate the play's impact. This is an Alabama team that doesn't have a whole lot of talent. It's an Alabama team that came thisclose to losing to Arkansas, Houston and Ole Miss. It's an Alabama team that lost five players -- including two starting offensive linemen -- to suspension before the game.
The Alabama press release said the players were suspended for "impermissible receipt of textbooks." To which Billy Bob in Pell City must have said: "What are our guys doing receipting textbooks anyway?"
It was a serious blow to Alabama's chances. Especially when Doyle Jackson didn't overturn the suspensions from the replay booth.
Saban ordered up the onside kick to give his team a jolt.
"You either get it or you don't get it," he said.
The man is practically Zen.
Sure enough, Alabama got it, drove down the field and kicked a field goal. Nobody was thinking about suspensions anymore.
"I wasn't surprised," said Fulmer.
"The onside kick definitely surprised all of us," said Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo.
Y'all want to get your stories straight?
But that's the way this day went: Saban looking brilliant, Tennessee looking less so.
On Alabama's second drive, Saban went for it on fourth-and-1 from the Tennessee 19. Except the Alabama players didn't actually run a play, they just drew Tennessee's J.T. Mapu offside with a pre-snap shift.
Alabama faced another fourth-and-1 in the second quarter, this time from the Tennessee 24. Saban went for it again. Running back Terry Grant surfed through the left side for 2yards.
Alabama scored touchdowns on both of those fourth-and-1 drives. The momentum built and built. And when the players ran off the field, there was their maniac head coach, acting like even more of a maniac than usual.
"I just thought that my intensity might help them keep theirs," Saban said.
Gee, why didn't Fulmer think of that?
Or maybe that's unfair, a low blow, and entirely too predictable. Fulmer has won more than his share of games against Alabama. Coaches tend to look a lot smarter when their teams win than when they lose.
Saban's instant success at Alabama isn't going to make it any easier on losing coaches, either. Boosters are going to look at what's happening in Tuscaloosa and figure there's no reason it can't happen at their schools, too.
All they have to do is change coaches. All they have to do is pay $4million. But no amount of money will change this irresistible math: For every winner, there has to be a loser; for every genius, there has to be a dunce.
OK, say Tennessee fans. But isn't Fulmer the dunce a lot more than he used to be?
The answer: Yes, absolutely. The numbers don't fib. In Fulmer's first six years at Tennessee, he had just one season with three or more losses. In the nine years since, he has had just one season with fewer than three.
Alabama was the third loss for Tennessee this year, with games against Kentucky and South Carolina yet to come. Once, those games looked like they might be for the SEC East title. After Saturday's games, Florida is back in control.
All of which puts Fulmer back on the hot seat, or at least the defensive, which is the only way to describe how he sounded after the game.
Was he surprised that Alabama's DJ Hall caught 13 balls for 185 yards?
"It's nothing we haven't seen," he said.
How about Alabama's pass protection?
"That wasn't any big surprise."
OK, but Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson sure completed a lot of short passes.
"They spread it out and threw it quick," he said. "That wasn't any big surprise."
Maybe Fulmer knew what the score was going to be, too. Just like the rest of us do now that the rivalry has been resumed.
Saban 1, Fulmer 0.
Is anyone surprised by that?
To reach Geoff Calkins, e-mail calkins@commercialappeal.com
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Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 79
bowerst#242774 writes:
Great column? Great columnist? Hmmm.
A great columnist might have pointed out that despite the onside kick UT came back to lead the game. The Tide did not win because of that play or any other single play. They won because UT's defense never stopped Alabama, and couldn't come close to covering D.J. Hall. They won because on three occasions, Fulmer did not have the faith in his offense to go for it on 4th down in the 2nd half, choosing instead to punt and let Wilson and Hall shred our defense over and over again.
To say that Fulmer did not do a great job coaching this game is an understatement. To say that this was a great column is total BS. It was a cheap shot at an easy target that somehow managed to miss the mark anyway.
Coach_Joe writes:
Typical Fulmer comments. Nobody in here is surprised by this. What would be a shock is if he came out and said, "We were simply outcoached."
If he were to do that I may have a new respect for him.
Volchaz writes:
Phil shouldn't be surprised that the entire Vol Nation knows we were outcoached this past weekend. We were schooled by a first year OC, brand new to the SEC. How does that happen? Anyone think we'll outcoach Spurrier this next weekend? Bring on Louisiana-Lafayette! Am I surprised Saban is 3-1 vs Fulmer, no, I guess this is what 2.2 million gets you nowadays.....
DooleyNoted writes:
Bobby Petrino as new UT coach. I'm sure he wants to get out of Atlanta.
murrayvol writes:
Q: What is the most important thing blockers on kick return teams must do. Call it a Maxim if you must.
A: Make sure the ball is actually kicked before turning to race downfield to meet your buddies.
Q: What must one make sure of before lurching into the neutral zone on 4th & short.
A: The ball has actually been snapped.
Fundamentally unsound is the best way to describe UT football at this juncture and it's been that way for awhile. Sure the players have to make plays and remember what the coaches tell them BUT if the coaches are telling them, why are they not listening and remembering. Beats the hell out of me.
Volchaz writes:
Marc_ash, i'm actually going to be at the OU-A & M game that week, thanks though. I married a Sooner, she's loving this year, They might actually get to the big game this year, then i'll have to here about it from the in-laws. :)
bowerst#242774 writes:
Maybe no one wants to do anything but rip our coaches, but this textbook thing might turn out to be pretty serious for ol' Alabamer. Apparently there is a heck of a pile of money tied up in textbook sales these days. You might want to check out Indianavol's link…
volintexas writes:
The consistent lack of leadership, accountability, discipline, preparation, and imagination around this program over the last 10 years is enough to make General Neyland roll over in his grave. The kicking game put UT on the map with Johnny Butler's famous return against Bama, and it is ironic that the kicking game was the turning point in this one as well. The UT nation was in dire need of Fulmer coming into the press conference and giving a heartfelt address. Something like this:
"What happened on the field today in this great series made me sick as a former UT player and your head coach. What happened out there begins and ends with me and it was not the way football is played at Tennessee. I won't settle for anything less than the pursuit of excellence from myself, my coaches and my players. We will all be on the same page on that pursuit or UT needs a change. If the Vol Nation will have me, I will do everything I can to make our program what it has been and what it can be again."
Even his harshest critics would have embraced that and given him a chance. Instead we get improvement charts and "I wasn't surprised". Don't be surprised when the pink slip shows up in the mailbox Phil.
vol52 writes:
It will be interesting to see the fan's reaction fo Coach Fulmer Saturday. Will Spurrier get more boo's or cheer's?
BigOrange1 writes:
I think Fulmer started those fires in Southern California. I can't believe he would do that!
bowerst#242774 writes:
And where was Phil the day JFK was shot? On a grassy knoll I bet.
vol52 writes:
I was wondering where Phil was last Saturday between 12:30 and 3:30. There were some pretty bad decisions made.
memphisvolman writes:
Good point Volintexas and great article Calkins!
This lack of accountability and attitude has plagued our team for the last 5 years at least- Since 1998 we had steadily gone down hill. Our team lacks direction, discipline, intensity and that is the responsibility of our coaches.
Hamilton and Fulmer are very close so I wouldn’t expect any changes for another couple of years at least even if we lose the remainder of our games! Just get ready for 2 more years of beat downs by everyone in the SEC only then and maybe then will we see some changes.
Tennessee will somehow find a why to win this weekend so Fulmer will get a contract extension for 2 more years especially since he gave back that Million!
CoverOrange writes:
Right point but a sleazy method of making it.
DennisVols writes:
Excuse is all we hear, "staying the course", "we need to fix these problems". Well from were I saw this game along with the other beating at FL the problem was in coaching.
1)Excuses:
2)Guts:
3)“Staying the course”:
4)Poor Preparation:
5)Parity:
Go to my blog for the details and leave your comments with your.
Am I off base here?
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/Denn...
TruOrangeBlood writes:
Finally, we have someone "grading" the money-earners instead of going after the players who are risking their careers for free. It always bugs me to read how bad the free service was our players gave, but nothing about how poorly the money-makers did. Thank you for mentioning the $2.2 million we paid for this great service Fulmer has provided.
DennisVols writes:
tngeoff
Thanks for the compliment. We all have our ideas, the trouble is I don't see anything happening to correct the problems.
DennisVols writes:
Sometimes it is not if you lose that matters as much as how you lose. Watching UT being out performed, out prepared by teams that rarely have that higher of or even as high of a talent level leaves only one conclusion. It is a problem from the very top and yes it does roll down hill.
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
No worries!
Here is what coach said about the SC game.
"Both of us are in the mix for the Eastern Division championship, so you have a game that is crucial, both schools coming off tough losses," Fulmer told the Vols' official Web site. "We want to get back on the right track."
Hmmmmmmmm.
Can you say "dumbbbbbbbbbb?"
utnutt writes:
GREAT ARTICLE NOTHING CHEAP ABOUT IT. IT IS THE TRUTH. FULMER WAS SO IN OVER HIS HEAD IT WAS RIDICULOUS. FULMER CANT RECRUIT ANYMORE THERE IS NO GREAT TALENT ON THIS TEAM. I CANT SAY THERE IS MUCH GOOD TALENT EITHER. NOW AD IN NO COACHING NO LEADERSHIP (FROM COACHES OR TEAMMATES)AND YOU GET WHAT HAPPEN SATURDAY AT ALABAMA. FULMER NEEDS TO BE FIRED TODAY! WHY WAIT! WE HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN BY KEEPING HIM AROUND TILL THE END OF THE SEASON. LETS START THE HUNT FOR THE NEXT COACH. WE CANT START TO SOON. I AM NOT GOING TO WASTE MY TIME WATCHING THEM ON TV ANYMORE AND I D@%# SHURE WONT WASTE MY MONEY BY ATTENDING ANOTHER GAME THIS YEAR.
DennisVols writes:
LINCOLN,NEB (AP) Bill Callahan claims the uncertainty of his future is undercutting his ability to recurit.
This is the same mess we are facing at UT right now. No high profile recurit wants to commit to a university that has a football coach he will not certainly be playing for.
The AD has to take control of this situation and do it ASAP.
Things are bad enough as it is. If we can not compete in the recuriting game because of the uncertainty surrounding who is going to coach at UT this drought could become as bad as the one we are experiencing in N. GA with regard to the rain.
I have already seen the nations current top 10 and UT is not there. This is truely due to the mess that our current AD has allowed to fester by repeatly saying "we need to wait to the end of the year and then evaluate the program.
Ray Charles can see the problem here why can't our AD do the same?
DennisVols writes:
Hey TDTN Thanks for the compliment. I tried to be level headed with the assessment in that blog. But facts are facts and everything I placed in there is fact based.
Here it is again for any one who missed it.
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/Denn...
Rate it, leave your commits
GoVol writes:
To Fulmer & TN fans - There is a saying that goes like this. "more of the same" usually just gives you more of the same.
Fulmer keeps stating we are going to 'stay the course' and work like heck to get better.
Fulmer needs to realize that trying harder and harder does not necessarily get better results. What can get better results is trying something new or different.
It's kind of like the fly in the window flapping his wings to death trying to get through the glass.
The fly can see outside and keeps flapping the wings and struggles to get outside...this is the only way he knows.
However, only 10 feet away is an open door and would only take 2 seconds to get outside. The fly cannot see this because he is trying so hard and does only what he knows...try hard to get through the glass.
Fulmer is definitely the fly. He isn't open to looking to other possible solutions to get the desired results.
raynochonspeed#212632 writes:
utnutt, it is not National Caps Lock day. We get it - you want to be heard.
VolMoment writes:
Bowerst is right on! It is a BS article and most people who read the article don't really read it or they would see what you saw in it. We overcame the on side kick.
DennisVols writes:
ESPN is talking about the Tebow for Heisman right now. Does anyone think that he should send a Thank You card to UT if he wins for allowing him to pad his stats?
jobrando#216494 writes:
Will Spurrier put the final nail in Fulmer's coffin? This could be a historical game for the VOLS. Can't wait to watch this game.
TommyJack writes:
BigOrange1: phil phulmer had no part in SoCal fires..he moves too slow to cause any friction.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
JWraynond,
I am all for Fulmer going as well, but let's clear one thing up.
Fulmer is NOT a state worker. The University of Tennessee Athletic Department is 100% privately funded. NONE of your tax dollars goes to any UT athletic program.
Just thought I would set the record straight.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
we need more people from the media/boosters, ex players and coaches calling for fat phil's head... we're just fans and the AD doesn't care about us we just pay the bills and hell he'll just raise the ticket prices if people stop going to the game and still get the same amount of revenue :):):)
FIRE them both if he doesn't get rid of fulmer.. to make those comments instead of being mad and letting everyone know it makes me sick. be a man for once!!!!!!!!!!!
tenvolone writes:
This week, a writer on this website, wrote that the "fans who wanted to fire Fulmer" were in the minority. The minority? Is he joking? There isn't a TN fan or alum I've spoken with in the last four years that HASN'T wanted Fulmer to go. Where is the invisible majority out there that thinks our program is heading in the right direction with Fulmer at the helm!?!? Funny, I've NEVER heard a single one.
AlpharettaVol writes:
One thing that Calkins left out that I am sick and tired of hearing: "We're a young team and we have to get better." The difference is that everyone in the SEC has young players and they have already gotten better. It's the last half of the season and our coaches can't use that as an excuse any longer.
hallsguy writes:
We lose to SC,Ark.and Vandy and Ky which is quite possible and Hamilton will have no choice.He let Buzz go over the objections of many and Buzz wasn't losing.Fulmer has Big Jim in his corner and that is what has allowed him to survive.
I'd be talking to the Cal coach,Tedford, now.He would come for less than Phil and seems to be able to get things turned around.He's a class guy.Or the Rutgers coach.
DennisVols writes:
Present day history can show us what we are in for if something is not done.
Look no further than to the Neb. Program. Not but a few years back this program was one of the most feared programs in the country. Remember the ’99 Fiesta bowl and the 31- 21 loss they handed UT.
Their AD ignored the problems that were developing with bad choices at the coaching staff, which lead to a down turn in recruiting and now no one fears this once proud program. They have now got Osborne to come back as AD but it will be years before they can re-group from this with the continuing recruiting problems because of an un-settled head coaching situation.
The problems at UT are rising above the coaching staff on the football team. The inability or lack of ability to take some kind of control of this growing situation by the AD will only make things worse. Someone needs to come out and say Fulmer will be our coach next year or say that changes are going to be made. We are in the middle of the recruitment season and if stability is not shown by the athletic department in one direction or the other we are going to lose that game as well. Look at how UT’s recruiting rating dropped after the 5-6 ’05 season. The high profile recruits thought a coaching change was coming during that season and back away from considering UT. The ramifications from what is going on right now will only cause this program to suffer even longer even if we go and get a great coach.
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/Denn...
winbigvols writes:
Fulmer and the rest of his men, including Trooper need to hit the road. They have all had their day and it has past. Do the right thing Phil and resign, be assistant AD or something but do the right thing. We all know you have gave your life to the University and we will respect you so much more in the long run if you do the right thing and resign. Don't be remembered for dragging the UT program down but for the good years in the 90's. Your a very rich man, go sit in a box seat on the 50 yard line and enjoy your family, don't think we will get it back. You are not working as hard as you once did, it happens to everybody. Move on while you can still be remembered in a good light by the Tennessee faithful. DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
abrown#232236 writes:
Guys -- Phil played her and has been a UT guy all of his life. So are we going to unceremoniously ruin that experience/relationship now? I appreciate Phil's place in the Tennessee story. I've met the man a few times, and he represents the University with class. Hamilton will deal with the business issues at hand -- until then, lets try to have class. The whole world expects UT fans to act like tacky-a$$ rednecks whether or not we fit that mold is a choice. This is surely on a downhill spiral, but lets treat the man with dignity and let it run its course.
AlpharettaVol writes:
I noticed that PF said they practice against the on-sides kick every Tuesday. Unfortunately, the game was played on Saturday. I guess that was the problem.
yeavols#228407 writes:
BASKETBALL BAAAABYYYYYY...It's almost here..FORGET EVERYTHING ELSE...SOMETHING WE can look forward to..( i thought it would never come to this, but I guess change is good)
DennisVols writes:
abrown
No one on here is questioning Fulmer's class,his part of the UT history, or even the sucess he had back in the '90's.
What I question is his current ability in the what is a new climate in college football today.
The style of play has changed and Fulmer has clearly shown a reluctance to change with it.
Read this article and tell me how can a coach be that un-prepared for one of the biggest games we play every year.
As I stated earlier: "Sometimes it is not if you lose that matters as much as how you lose." Saturday I saw a coach that no longer had confidence in himself as a coach or the abilities of his team when on 2 different occassion he punted on 4th and short with the game still on the line.
I admire coach Fulmer, he will hold a great place in UT football history if, and I mean if he does do the responsible thing now.
stanwilliams5#640914 writes:
Doubling 4 million for outwitting Fulmer? Most guys on minimum wage can do that. Sorry Phillip, but I'm not surprised that you weren't surprised that I wasn't surprised that I was surprised. Dang it, I'm losing my grip here. Just discard your trick play, the feared Fulmer Reverse, and win a ball game. Your reverse came over on the Mayflower and didn't surprise the Indians...well Coach Powhaten said he wasn't surprised. Surprise us all Phil and out coach somebody else for a change...
vol52 writes:
abrown we need only look at the last 7-8 years. This program has gone down hill and now the wheels are coming off. We better make a a change before we take up permanent residence in the SEC east cellar because that is where we are heading. I was on the Fulmer bandwagon until the outback and it only took a review of the last 7-8 years to realize we are going below wear Majors had the program. If you want Fulmer to stay WHEN is the program going to return to a contender. I keep hearing a lot of BS and NO action.
abrown#232236 writes:
Yeh -- I know the team's been sliding and that control of the program has been suspect for a few years. But I hate to send a life long VOL out in nasty fashion. I like to think we're not an angry, stupid mob. Doesn't mean that I've got my head in the sand -- just expect some southern decency and decorum.
abrown#232236 writes:
BTW tngeoff -- I see that LSU game as a critical turning point, too. I also watch the "little indicators" in terms of how the players address their coaches. I know that the player culture has changed, but the boys stand at attention when they are coming to the sideline and Spurrier/Meyer/Saban are jawing at them. THere is something missing for sure, but let's keep it cool here. I want this to be a dignified transition for Fulmer and fans alike.
vol52 writes:
abrown I too don't want Coach Fulmer drug through the streets, have moving van's sent too his house or burned in effigy like Bowden Whyatt ( I remember that after Chattanooga beat us back in the 50's) BUT Fulmer needs to know that it is time to step down. I believe people will rally around him to conclude his coaching career. Also it would permit a better time for the search and not hurt recruiting.
yeavols#228407 writes:
When you have to worry about South Carolina and Kentucky in Football because you can't cut it in the beginning of the year..IT"S TIME FOR BASKETBALL BAAAABBBYYY..CINDERELLA GOING TO THE BIG DANCE..OHHH..IT"S SHAKE N BAKE BAAABBYY with a twist and turn and a SLAM DUNK..OHHHH OHHH DIGORNO's PIZZAA BAAABBYYY!! ( is it March yet?)
jobrando#216494 writes:
Lets face it. It is all Bill Clinton's fault
mattingly writes:
The kicking game success at Tennessee goes way back before Johnny Butler, whose famous run against Alabama was actually from scrimmage. Gen. Neyland placed more emphasis on the kicking game than did any other coach. He believed there were more ways to score on defnese than offense. Gene McEver (98 yards) and Buddy Hackman (94 yards)each returned the opening kickoff for a score in the back-to-back 1928 Alabama and Washington & Lee games. The quick kick was his way of turning around field position. Did anyone notice that Willie Gault was the punt return specialist on the Sports Illustrated 75-year All-SEC team? There were a few Vols who didn't make it, but should have.
mattingly writes:
The kicking game success at Tennessee goes way back before Johnny Butler, whose famous run against Alabama was actually from scrimmage. Gen. Neyland placed more emphasis on the kicking game than did any other coach. He believed there were more ways to score on defense than offense. Gene McEver (98 yards) and Buddy Hackman (94 yards)each returned the opening kickoff for a score in the back-to-back 1928 Alabama and Washington & Lee games. The quick kick was his way of turning around field position. Did anyone notice that Willie Gault was the punt return specialist on the Sports Illustrated 75-year All-SEC team? There were a few Vols who didn't make it, but should have.
elsinoresam writes:
All this "What have you done for me lately? " phooey. No one can be on top all the time. We suffered through 16 years of Johnny Majors with just a taste of success, now we have Coach Fulmer. After taking this program to the pinnacle of college Football in less than a decade, he is haveing what would have been considered a era of accomplishment under Majors and everyone wants his head on a platter. People SHUT UP! Let the man coach, let the kids play, sit in your armchair, drink your beer and think about how your miserable life is wrapped up in a STUPID GAME.
instigator writes:
Indianavol I'm sitting here laughing. Your team is going down the tubes and you are worried about Alabama cheating? Get a life dude. You need to worry about UT and let the NCAA and Fulmer worry about Bama.
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