Posted by Oenoboy on October 28, 2007 at 2:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, who are you and what did you do with John Adams? I can't believe I finally agree with an article you have written. Don't do that again. I love getting pissed at your usual banter.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on October 28, 2007 at 2:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It wasn't pretty. It was better than a pretty loss though.

Can anyone remember a game that pulled the emotions more than this one?

I'd love to hear if any of you older fellas know of any.

I can only think of Arkansas in the NC year.

Posted by Volunteered on October 28, 2007 at 3:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad we won. However, giving up 22 first downs and 355 yards to SC in the second half compared to only 4 first downs and 112 yards for UT is not good. CPF et.al. are very fortunate to have escaped with the win. I wouldn't pack for Atlanta just yet! By the way coach, you might want to work a little on your halftime adjustments.

Posted by snafu14u on October 28, 2007 at 3:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I get nervous when "we" control our own destiny, with this team we need it handed to us, and Lord knows people are trying.The football gods were wearing Orange tonight.bonzaivol

Posted by slovog on October 28, 2007 at 3:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols beat SC tonight. 11 guys on each side of the ball, plenty of guys on the sidelines (including ,I'm sure, the weasel Chesney), and over 100K in the stands. They played on the same field, under the same conditions, with the same officials.

UT 27, SC 24.

Later, Steve.

Posted by slambob2 on October 28, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's good to win. But there's no way under heaven this team can win out. That's the worst defensive football team I've seen in my life. And our receivers kept db's closer than sweat.

Unless Kentucky and Arkansas play keystone cops football the way South Carolina did in the first half, we'll have to endure at least one more career day from opposing quarterbacks.

I have a suggestion. The Heisman committee, which has all the integrity of the Nobel Prize committee, should just give the Heisman to UT's defense. They've created more highlights for opposing quarterbacks than anyone.

I love the Vols. And I'll enjoy the run if we make it to the SEC championship game. But it won't mean we're a good team and it won't mean we're going to be better next year. Something fundamentally has to change.

Posted by RocketVol on October 28, 2007 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I never thought I would see these 4 words:

Tennessee upset South Carolina.

I hope we can upset Kentucky too.

Posted by yeavols on October 28, 2007 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you have never believed in divine intervention, luck, mojo, or fate, now is the time to do so. There was no other way to explain the win. But, a win is a win. So, don't get too ahead of ourselves, we can still lose 3 more SEC games sending Florida or Georgia to the championship. After all, Vandy beat South Carolina, Kentucky beat LSU, and Arkansas is just a spoiler.

Posted by tngeoff on October 28, 2007 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We won. It was very ugly. I think we need bigger charts.

Prediction: We beat Louisiana Lafayette (1 - 7) and the folks who think we're back will go wild. It will be a euphoric two week run. Then...three straight games against teams that have the potential to beat us and WANT TO BADLY. Big problem. Let's enjoy the win...and like I said after the Georgia game...its one game at a time.

Arkansas lost to Bama by three and Auburn by two. They have a running back who ran all over our defense last year and our defense this year is one of the worst in Tennessee football history. Vanderbilt is 5 - 3 and hungry as all get out. Kentucky is 6 - 3 and can salvage their season in one game...TENNESSEE.

Keep the Faith...but keep it in perspective. In seasons past we would be in a time of games that we would breeze through. Not this year folks. Those last three games are very dangerous.

Posted by eb502us on October 28, 2007 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A win is a win but there's no doubt that our offensive and defensive schemes are of the high school level. Especially offense. I've seen Chavis field good defensive units when there was marginal talent, but I've yet to see Cutcliffe do anything with anything outside of the Peyton Manning years. The man simply hasn't a clue. If Fulmer doesn't force him and perhaps Slade out the door at the end of the season, then Hamilton must force Fulmer's hand. Enough is enough!!!

Posted by lindahcanada on October 28, 2007 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been watching the Vols for the last 45 years and I know enough to give a team with Heart more blessings than one loaded with talent. Not that we do not have some talented players, we do, some first rate...but what we have is a scrappy team, who somehow justs hangs around even after flopping in the wind and wins. At the ripe old age of almost 54, I love this team. Yes, it is easier when you just go out and spank everyone but that is not Tennessee Football, not know and probably not ever (we have had our special years). In the end it is always the record that counts, not how you get there, ask Tee Martin and the 98 Team of Heroes without any special ego.
Love it.

Posted by pdhuff on October 28, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think our half-time adjustments should rank up there with "we're going to work harder" quotes! This is a SC team THAT LOST TO VANDERBILT!! Yes Tenn won, but SC did not score a TD against Vandy. How wide open can receivers get? We should be allowed to tie a rope to wideouts so we can stay within hollering distance! Well we won, but our defense is as bad as any in the country!

Posted by tlc429 on October 28, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nicksjuzunk I was gonna say the AR game the NC season but you nailed it. Here's my problem. It's a given our defense sucks and our specials teams are suspect at best. So we play to our strengths right? We have a seasoned QB and a plethera of receivers and tide ends, not to mention a stable of RBs. After someone removed Johnny Majors from the sidelines and we stopped running up the middle, 3 and out, Arian became effective and LaMarcus was having success running as well. Hardesty is hurt and we know this. So what do they do? Arian becomes MIA and they put Hardesty in for one good run and aggravate his ankle. Hell, I'm a woman and I know the passing game opens up the run and vice versa. It seems we're are our own worst enemy. We find something that's working and what do we do? Totally abandon it!! Y'all can speculate what the rest of the year is going to look like for us all day long but it comes down to simple math. Either we can score more than our opponent or we're toast. Gosh how I miss Al Wilson.

Posted by TommyJack on October 28, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tlc429: Good post, even if you would be better served watching HGTV

Posted by mark_debity2000 on October 28, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow what a difference a week makes. What happened to all that fire Fulmer stuff. But after that game, I am glad to have some nails left. But that second half (3rd 1/4) 3rd and 3 and you run a draw play from your own 4 and at least 1 or guys open down the field. I ahve to admit even though the Defense has been ran over this season, they played their hearts last night. Great Job you all. But stop giving up the big plays and yards Please.

Posted by Pullingguard on October 28, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There was no difference really inthis week and last week.. Thank God the Spurrier did not start Mitchell instead of Smelly. This week defense gave up over 500 yards, last week defense gave us over 500 yards.. Calls went in Vols favor this week, and although a win, this team is far from being a good team and anything can and will possibly happen with Ark, KY and Vandy one of the three blowing chances for game in Atlanta. Was surprised at the play of Erik Ainge, just not his night and he cannot play under pressure.

Posted by kiddtigger on October 28, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

True, the win was ugly, but don't you think Kentucky and Florida wish they'd had an ugly win instead of a loss yesterday?

Posted by murrayvol on October 28, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If I hear the phrase "we control our own destiny" one more time, I'm going to hurl. How does an offense go from (reasonably) efficient to non existant in 20 minutes? How does a defense go from staunch to stench in the same time frame? With a huge helping of divine intervention we may actually find a way to win out and go to Atlanta but does anyone really want to play LSU...or Alabama. Ugly doesn't begin to describe this W. This slow and painful train wreck has been going on for 9 years and unfortunately will probably continue for a few more.

Posted by watkigm on October 28, 2007 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's at least be consistent. Imagine had the roles between SC and TN been reversed. Here's what the critics would say: "Sure, great comeback, but not enough. And hey, Coach, how 'bout having the players ready to play at the beginning of the game." And what if our roles were reversed with FL: "How could we let a team that TN beat so badly turn around and beat us? It was obvious that GA was better prepared and we were out-coached." Guys, look at the SEC east this year. Frustration, craziness, everywhere. But these are among the best coaches in college football. So before yelling about wanting another coach, look at what's happening to their teams as well. One last comment. I do not understand what it could mean to be a Vol fan and not a fan of its members. For me, my happiness when we when is partly my happiness for the players and coaches. My disappointment when we lose, is partly my disappointment for the players and coaches. Many of you who claim to love the vols don't give a damn about the players and coaches. You don't rejoice and suffer with them. They are there merely for your gratification. You are fans in the smallest and meanest sense of the word. Perhaps we should spend a little less time talking about what Coach Fulmer should do (as if any of us know as much about football as he does) and a little more time thinking about how we could be better fans and persons.

Posted by tedpat on October 28, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is college football. Some of these players were in high school last year. If the Vols played in the Big 10 their record would be 8 and 0 and they would be ranked number 1 in the country, not # 1 in the SEC East. Enjoy it, It may not last but they get to play a big ten type team next week. Ted from Md.

Posted by Hunter on October 28, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The most plausible scenario for Tennessee to make it to Atlanta:

Tennessee (who hates prosperity) gives up 300 rushing yards to McFadden and Jones against the Hogs and loses the division lead.

Kentucky regains control, but quickly remembers that they are Kentucky and loses to UGA and the Vols.

Florida gets upended by South Carolina at USC, falling to 4 losses in conference, thus exposing the "Urban Legend."

Georgia loses to Auburn since UGA is the home team and they NEVER win at home in that series.

Tennessee has a "late November to remember" squeaking past Vandy and the Cats and falling into the Championship Game at 8-4 (5-3 SEC) and plays the best team in America with a chance for a little 2001 redemption.....

Any takers???

Posted by pjhaddix on October 28, 2007 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Call it grace...call it mercy...but like Nick, I was emotionally beat at the end of it all. My Spartan spouse was enjoying watching my prolonged agony. Hopefully we'll learn something from this...fast. pj

Posted by asleep on October 28, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone who was at the game (I was) saw that Spurrier put 8 defensive guys within 2 yards of the line most of the night. He had already decided to make us beat him through the air. Had Ainge had a typical night, that game would have been a Georgia-level blowout. Their second half TD's wouldn't have mattered and we would never have felt the pressure. Ainge was off, plain and simple and they were not going to let us run the ball. As for the D? Yes, the secondary has issues, but I would challenge any secondary in America to cover recievers for 6-8 seconds on every pass play for the entire game. We are last in the SEC in sacks, QB hurries, tackles for loss, and scoring defense. I think only Ole Miss gives up more yards. Our D line is just not getting it done and the entire defense is suffering for it. And knowing all that, we can't figure out how to get first downs and keep our D off the field. We didn't play any better the second half than we did at Cal, Florida, or Bama - we just had a lead in this game. We have tanked about the middle of the 3rd quarter in every loss this year. Amazingly, those games are also the ones we couldn't (or wouldn't) run the ball. Coincidence? Go Vols!!!

Posted by eefor10c on October 28, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TNgeoff, If you plan to play the who beat who game take it further. Arkansas lost by two to Auburn and three to Alabama and I assume that means that we have no chance. Why not add that UT blew Georgia out of the water and they just beat Florida and the Vols beat SC who easily beat KY. We just have to wait to see who beats who the next four Saturdays.

Posted by asleep on October 28, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hunter,

I would only change that we beat Arkansas and Vandy and go to Kentucky as the East champion. I think we would win for sure in that scenario. I think my plan would have us at 8-3 (5-2) with Florida and Kentucky sporting 4 losses each and UGA and USC with three. Even with a Kentucky loss, we would own the tiebreaker with the UGA/USC and finish with one less loss than UF or KY, even though they beat us. And my or your scenario is really not that crazy this year! Of course, the prize would likely be LSU. Good thing is that I think the SEC championship game loser gets a New Year's Day bowl as a consolation. That's probably the only way we're going bowling on Jan 1. Go Vols!!!

Posted by ncvol17 on October 28, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Watkigm, Wow after reading your post I wanted to rent STEEL MAGNOLIAS & AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMEN. Waa Waa
The worst paid assistant coach makes over 100K & Fulmer over 2M. The players live well, eat better and have access to study groups and personal tutors that I as a student would have killed to have. I guess that they are men enough to take a little flak for two of the last 3 seasons.

Guess I should skip the next home game and stay home to watch the O channel.

Posted by threehundredbowler on October 28, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff,I believe Tennessee also lost to Vandy a couple of years ago .What is wrong with giving a little praise to the opposition for playing well?When Tennessee gets a replacement for Chavis,we will see an improvement in terms of wins.Of course this is only my opinion and not an absolute fact.I have believed for years that Chavis needed to be replaced and have stated such on this site as well as the old pay site,only to be called every kind of name a childish poster could think of. I really believe Chavis is the major problem.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 28, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stat watch: After last night's game, we are ranked either 10th, 11th or 12th in the SEC in eight statistical categories.

http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Inter...

Posted by rsarazen on October 28, 2007 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regardless of the win, everyone should see the writing on the wall. The game was won on sheer luck. S.C. got some horrific calls against them from the officals that looked like the keystone cops. CHECK YOUR REALITY METER; If Fulmer does not lose his job this year, he should at least be ordered to fire Chavis, Slade and hire a special teams coach. I'm a huge Vols fan and a graduate and I only want the best for UT. Chavis, Fulmer, Slade et al look like deer in the headlights and they need to do the right thing and step down before it gets real ugly. Regardless of what Mike Hamilton said in his article, there are plenty of coaching staffs out there that could do a whole lot better than this and would be here at the drop of a hat.

Posted by chrisw2967 on October 28, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

asleep:I would only change that we beat Arkansas and Vandy and go to Kentucky as the East champion. I think we would win for sure in that scenario

I thought for sure we would win against Cal and Fla and ALA but we didnt and to say you think with that scenario your for sure they would win , now thats got to be a joke. as tenn def. makes any pathetic off look like world beaters . people kill me , it wasnt a 3 days ago everybody was chopping Fulmers head off and now were talking about running the table and its funny. 2 weeks ago we controlled our own destiny and people were talking about us running the table and the next weekend Ala drilled us to put that to rest.after 8 games you woulf think on off. and def. we would improve just a little and to be honest its got worse there hasnt been any improvements. I hate to see us lose as much as anybody else on this site does but this is pathetic to say the least.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 28, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ha -- the scheduling strategy behind this eternal "November to remember," wherein we have scheduled perennial doormats (Vandy, KY, Memphis, etc.) for easy wins may just jump up and bite us in the butt this year.

Unless we have a wholesale transformation of this team, especially on defense, within the next 10 days, this will indeed be a November to remember: we'll end up ranked below Vandy and KY.

Anybody think our feared mustang package and prevent defense can stop the remaining teams on our schedule?

If past results are a predictor of future performance...

Posted by tngeoff on October 28, 2007 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eefor10c,

I'm not playing the whio beat who...simply amking the point that the teams can play so we better be ready. That's my point.

Posted by Colliervol on October 28, 2007 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't want to even think about that "control your own destiny" thing. The same thing was said before the Bama game and look what happened.

Didn't see a lot of solutions to the inconsistencies we've suffered lately. As far as this game goes, my favorite cliche applies. They don't ask how you did it, just whether or not you got it done. In this game, it wasn't pretty but the team did it. But we all need to wait until after Lexington to know if we ultimately get "it" done or not.

On a separate note, I did enjoy Urban Meyer's headset toss at the end of their game yesterday. The announcer called it a partial Steve Spurrier.

Posted by tlc429 on October 28, 2007 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommyjack I don't even know what HGTV stands for but I'm betting you do. I'm also betting you wouldn't know a nickel defense from a blitz. Now go back to teaching home ec and leave the football to the real fans. I would've replied sooner but I was busy making Sunday dinner LOL! *Noticing the only comment you made was about me being female*

Posted by doctorvol on October 28, 2007 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tlc429, the HGTV reference was extremely chauvanistic, if you really are unaware.

I have reasonably supported Fulmer, and I understand that most of this season's shortcomings have been on defense, where we have no pressure against the pass. We will, however, have two all conference DBs w/in a year or two, regardless of who's coaching them. But, calling the timeout to "ice" Succop with 1:24 remaining was totally boneheaded. We needed that TO in attempting to drive to tie/win. I suspect if we would have had another TO that Ainge would not have created his panic "fumble" right b/f Lincoln bailed us out. That play reminded me of the desperation underhanded toss from the end zone at LSU. It all went back to forfeiting the TO above. Stupid.

Posted by DennisVols on October 28, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As much as this game was too typical for this year. In 98 when they won it all there were some ugly wins as well, AK for one.
Sometimes being lucky is better than being good. Remember this USC team was ranked 16 and had a top rated defense.
That said too many mistakes still being made by this young secondary. Alot of the defenses problems can also be placed on an offense that couldn;t muster drive of more than 3 plays to give the defense any time to regroup.
Let's hope we see the UT that played GA this year and not the one that play UF or Bama.
This was as ugly as having to take your sister to the prom.

Posted by jawbreaker on October 28, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

doctorvol, you're the only person so far that I have seen mention that TO to "ice" Succop. That was done in desparation by a coach who was panicing and had no idea of how to handle the presssure of the game at that time--just comical. Luckily, it wasn't critical to the outcome of the game.

Posted by volster on October 28, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess 90% of all coaches (NFL and NCAA) are stupid then, because almost all of them call timeouts to ice the kicker. They have alot to learn from you guys.

Posted by amorton12 on October 28, 2007 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Should we fire Phil Fulmer? We should get a coach who is a winner. Like Urban Myer of Florida, Pete Carroll of USC, or even Steve Spurrier of S.C. They always win. Why, they've won exactly as many national championships as has Phil Fulmer (one!). And they never lose a game. But wait, Myer is learning what it means to compete year-in and year-out in the SEC. Pete Carroll, with the greatest assembly of football talent outside New England has lost two games already, and the Ole Ball Coach, well, has he really won anything since leaving FL? We should be estatic that we have a coach who can win consistently for 15 years, who's won an NC, and can do it again. I hate that UT has been in a dry spell, and may continue to lose. But we're only kidding ourselves if we believe we can hire an outside coach and instantly win the SEC, the NC, and win 12 of 13 games every year. That is not reality.

Go Phil Fulmer, keep winning for the long haul!

Posted by TommyJack on October 28, 2007 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tlc429: How was dinner? I think a blitz is some sort of breakfast dish...Thanks doctorvol for an anstute grasp of the obvious.
No offense intended TLC...just a little razzing.

Posted by DCSOvol on October 28, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, I dont think CPF ranks up there with those other guys. Keep drinking the Kool Aid. Vols get exposed in November.

Posted by asleep on October 29, 2007 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DCSOVol,

While Fulmer (or his coordinators) has let this team wander wildly out of control, I think that Urban Meyer is doing a worse job this year. Young or not, nobody in the SEC has the talent he has and at 5-3, our records are the same. Competitive losses - yes, but losses count the same at the end. I'll bet they lose to USC as well and Tebow wouldn't be the first QB Florida State beat up either. They could end up 7-5 with a field full of 4 and 5 star players. Guess there was a reason the single-wing offense went out of style. Completely agree that CPF is a notch below Spurrier and Carroll on the field, just as good in a recruits home. Go Vols!!!

Posted by chuck0303 on October 29, 2007 at 1:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What Koolaid are you guys drinking? Do you really think we can beat AR, KY, & VANDY this year? Yeah, that timeout CPF took really iced their kicker didn't it? He made the kick (in regulation) which then left us with only 1 timeout and less than 1:30 to go. Had it not been for their stupid penalties we wouldn't have even been in field goal range. Give credit to Lincoln for making that 48 yarder but CPF lucked out--period.dot. Yeah, all you Fool-Mer lovers out there just think about another losing season being eaten up by smart SEC coaches next year. Stay the course, pound the rock, lose your A$$! Most of the second half was 3 and out. I particularly liked the brillant calls of hitting the middle when we were on about our own 8 yard line and made 3 yards in two tries then tried a pass to get 5 yards (not enough for the first down and failed miserable even at that feeble attempt. You better enjoy the party this weekend because after that it's lights out! This weekend was the only time in my history I was not only hoping we would lose, but by at least 6 TDs so we could save the season for next year and years to come by firing Mr. Fool-Mer! Yeah, that Blow-out of SC really convinced me we've "turned" the corner! Three convincing wins over AR, KY, & Vandy and I'll gladly eat my words, even though we would be shredded in an SEC CG. Trust me, you won't have to worry about an embarrassing SEC CG for us this year, just worry about those embarrassing losses the last 3 games of the season.

Posted by TNWOLFPUP on October 29, 2007 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I never thought there would come a day when Tennessee had to be concerned about Kentucky......I'm really glad I got to move out of Lexington to another state this year.....I dopn't want to know what could happen if I stayed there after the win.

Posted by tngeoff on October 29, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Over heard by an unnamed source after Fulmer and Hamilton hug; Hamilton, "I got the word. I know I can't fire you so let's just be firends. Okay? Buddy?"

Posted by tngeoff on October 29, 2007 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That is of course supposed to "friends"...just coincidence that it appears to have relevance to "fire".

Posted by mloaks on October 29, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nicksjuzunk , the Notre Dame comeback in the early 90's comes to mind. Ark in the '90 Cotton Bowl maybe. chuck0303, no crow would be better served, if only it'd happen...

Posted by doctorvol on October 29, 2007 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volster, no one ices the kicker with enough time remaining to mount a drive. It always occurs with less than 20 sec or so to go. Have you ever witnessed a coach throwing away a TO with 1:24 to go?

Posted by asleep on October 29, 2007 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I didn't like the TO either. We sure could have used it on the other end with 2nd and 2. Of course, had Succop missed the FG, it could have been said that the TO was the difference. I wonder if Fulmer and company would have tried to move down the field at that point (from their own 34 yard line) or been content to go to OT? I know what Spurrier would have done. I was more concerned at the end of the first half when we took a TO too late for another play and Lincoln had to attempt the 53 yarder. The play ended at about 16 seconds and we called TO with 9. If you weren't going to run another play, then wait until 4 seconds, otherwise call it immediately, run something inside or throw to the middle of the field and then call it, significantly shortening the distance on the attempt. Oh well, a win's a win. Go Vols!!!

Posted by invisiblekid on October 29, 2007 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you guys on the timeout not being the right move in that particular situation. I still contend that the biggest play was Coker's 37 yard return though. The way the offense was playing, they could have had 10 timeouts and still not gotten into field goal range.

Posted by NCCOLTSFAN on October 29, 2007 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"We've got to hang on some way,'' head coach Phillip Fulmer said Saturday night after a 27-24 overtime win over South Carolina.