Vol Report
WVLT video
Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
- When: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, time TBA
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Tennessee freshman football player Eric Berry was a popular source for debate in preseason.
There was no question he would play. There was debate where he should play.
The debate subsided a few weeks into the season. Once you saw how porous UT's secondary was, no one could argue where Berry was most needed.
He first started at cornerback. Then, he became a starting safety.
And he didn't just play. He made plays.
His interception return for a touchdown was UT's biggest play of the Florida game. His 52-yard return of a fumble recovery and his 13-yard return of an interception were the two biggest reasons UT had a 21-0 first-half lead en route to a 27-24 overtime victory over South Carolina on Saturday night.
Those two plays did more than help decide the game. They reminded me of the preseason debate.
And they convinced me to change sides.
When some media-types (Dave Hooker comes to mind), said in preseason that Berry should play offense and defense, I quickly pointed out their flawed logic.
Berry didn't have a single down's worth of college experience at that point. He needed a cram course in college defense. He didn't need a cram course in college offense, too.
Eight games into his freshman season, Berry is needed more than ever in a pass defense that has become easy pickings for almost every quarterback on UT's schedule. Moreover, injuries have further depleted the secondary's depth.
But right now, the offense needs him, too.
In case you haven't noticed the offense has dropped off - first against Alabama, then against South Carolina, which admittedly has the best defense UT has played. As the Vols prepare for their stretch run for the SEC East title, which is theirs to lose, now is the time for a change of pace.
UT has a rare off Saturday this week. It's not an open date, but in a conference as brutal as the SEC, a game against Louisiana-Lafayette is the next best thing to getting a Saturday off.
So why not use this week to put in an offensive package for Berry, who was a quarterback in high school?
Put him in the shotgun formation, give him a few simple pass plays and - most of all - give him a chance to run.
You saw how he ran with that fumble recovery against South Carolina. Has any other UT player looked that dangerous in the open field?
By this time of the season, SEC defenses are honed in on their opponents' personnel and tendencies. If nothing else, you could give them more to worry about. But you could gain a lot more than that.
You could get just enough extra firepower to propel you to a division championship.
I'm not suggesting you move Berry from defense. Instead, give him a series off on defense, two or three series on offense and an offensive package.
Don't just put him in the shotgun to take a direct snap and run. Anybody can figure that out.
Let him hand off to a running back or throw to a wide receiver. Remember, he played quarterback in high school. It's not foreign territory.
As well as quarterback Erik Ainge has played this season, you could argue that he needs to be on the field every offensive series. Before the Alabama game, I could appreciate that argument.
Now, the offense needs a boost. So does the entire team.
Is it a little risky? Maybe.
But the bigger risk could be standing pat.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 75
FWBVol writes:
John, interesting observations. I don't argue the merit of what you are saying. The one concern is the risk of injury might be a little higher when you are the nail instead of the hammer.
I understand full well that defensive players get hurt as do offensive players, but if Berry got hurt on offense it would really spell trouble for a secondary that is struggling at best.
utmdm writes:
This sounds great and in normal times, I think he could add a dimension to the offense. With the loss of so much defensive back field support, the team simply cannot afford putting him at risk of injury on offense.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Let Eric choose the starting secondary himself. It couldn't possible be any worse than what Slade has put on the field.
Clear the benches for this next game. Let loose some of that talent that we all know has been sitting over there, just waiting for a chance.
Play 'em all and give them more than one snap or one series to make something happen.
I have a feeling there are more Eric Berrys riding the pine and either the coaches don't know it or they're just afraid to give them a real chance.
SmokeDog72 writes:
We have a secondary? I thought it was just Eric Berry and a few tackling dummies.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
I am glad to see the mention of the "don't put him in the shotgun and run" because we have seen that too many times.
Our "special" packages almost always are disasters. I would rather see us work on putting in some slant patterns, deep square in patterns, counter plays and ditching the screen pass over the next 2 weeks than some other poorly designed "special" package.
Our offense is stagnant because we only throw 5 yard hitches and screens, and we only run off tackle left or right...with an occasional hand off and run around end.
Tennessee hasn't thrown slant patterns with regularity since Peyton left.
We should also scrap our "zone coverages" because they are awful. If the players are young and talented, but not experienced...it seems to be me it would be better to simply go man and tell our great athletes to run with the receiver he is guarding, and bring the house than to make these inexperienced players "think".
asleep#212036 writes:
SmokeDog72,
I think they just get all they guys with low numbers together and the ones that can't catch play in our secondary. If you can't tackle, you start. If you're a freshman, we make excuses for you. If you're a senior, we make you all-SEC first, then excuses. Berry is a stud and the only reason Fulmer is hard to fire. God bless him in every other area but the man is a silver-tongued devil when it comes to recruiting. How he keeps talking 4 and 5 star athletes into orange jerseys is beyond me but thank God. Think how bad uncoached 2 star players would be! Go Vols!!!
Volunteered writes:
Eric Berry is a talented athlete; however moving him to offense is not a good idea. He is still learning to play defense against college level talent. Sure he’s getting better, but he’s not there yet. Moving him to offense for any period of time at this point will only slow his defensive development. The vols defense needs his continued improvement, not setback. More importantly, his talent would be completely wasted on offense, particularly with coach Cut’s utter lack of imagination. I agree he is a threat with the ball in the open field, perhaps letting him return punts would be more beneficial.
jt1369w writes:
How about Berry on special teams as well, the way he runs we might actually take one to the house.
andy112382#209793 writes:
I can see how it wouldn't be really a BAD idea, but given the injuries in the secondary, maybe too risky. I think with Gerald Jones see the field finally, and speedsters like Moore, Rogan, Jones, and O'Neal....there should be a way to get those guys ready......
What they should really do is rest Taylor this week and get that toe healthy and play some of the younger WRs, that is the only way they are going to get experience, actually playing! We shall see.......
cphil writes:
Seeing the moves Eric Berry made after picking up the fumble made me say at the time we needed him on offense. His interceptions proved he has good hands. I dream of an Ainge-to-Berry combo.
asleep#212036 writes:
But God help us if Berry got hurt! We would have to play a less-talented underclassman with no experience. Imagine the possibilities - for opposing QBs/receivers. Go Vols!!!
ONUV writes:
fulmer said once berry learned the defense, he would play on offense too. what happened to that?
snafu14u#241639 writes:
The problem is that the "package" that would be designed fro him would be so predictable as to surprise no one. Negative yardage.Bad idea.Same package for Schaffer/Taylor, big deal. bonzaivol
OldNumber7 writes:
Don't like the shotgun idea - too predictable; wide receiver maybe. UT should use EVERY player to their fullest if they are interested in winning college football. But the fact these kinds of things haven't been implemented is a sign of coaching stagnation - and probably won't happen.
And trickery - since a great play against Georgia we've seen nothing.
vol52 writes:
What about Berry at some wide receiver.
NCCOLTSFAN writes:
"A wonderful team win by our football team. It wasn’t pretty all the time, but it was a darn fine effort," said Fulmer. "A lesser team with a lesser spirit and a lesser will would have lost that game tonight."
No Smokey!
Coach is OK.
He thought it was 1997.
Down boy!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Won't happen as long as Fatfill finds fumbling Foster fine (whew) in his own mind! Foster almost gave away game 4 in his butter-fingered career! Berry could be a threat when Ainge has one of his 2 for 10 streaks. Thank God for Colquitt time and again punting us out of immediate peril only to see this "here they come again" no-tackling defense cause major heart pains. If there are three slower out-of-position line baskers in the country, pls point them out. And God bless our non-exsistent defensive line! No way we'll see Atlanta giving up over 500 yds to a SC team that COULD NOT SCORE A TOUCHDOWN ON VANDERBILT! Sorry for the dose of reality! Go Vols!
frbologna#210373 writes:
I would love to see Berry on Punt Returns and Kickoff Returns. He has moves like Dale Carter and can be a game changer. Berry and Coker on Kickoff, WOW.
I agree with John. This is a game to try some different things. It is a opportunity to create some new wrinkles.
Nashvolfan88 writes:
Hefney is the worst punt return man in UT history who somehow thinks he's the best. Put Berry back to return punts and see if he can get better than 6 yards...
jweaver3#395614 writes:
Let's roll him out there and let him run the ball some, I think it is a great idea. The kid really has a lot of speed and field vision.
New suggestion: two separate post areas, one for the negatives like NCCOLTSFAN and Co. and one for the TRUE VOLS FANS!!!, like the rest of us. They can spread their negativity to each other and we can support UT athletics!!!
GO VOLS!!!
TXVOLSFAN
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
I just want to clear up one thing for pdhuff. You said that Foster almost gave away game 4 of his career with that fumble. I have to disagree with you. That game was almost given away by the SORRY second half defensive play. It is unfair to lay something like that at the feet of one player's mistake. The fact is, if the UT defense could stop ANYBODY, they would not have been in that position. I sincerely believe that no game is won or lost on one play. It is a collection of events that happen throughout the course of the game. I agree that Foster fumbles too much. However, no one was complaining about his fumbles when he was running for 130 yards per game and crushing people. I'm sorry, but I believe that his positives outweigh his negatives. If Coker was actually living up to his potential from last year, then foster would only be a 3rd down and goal line back at this point. But, he isn't and so Foster is the best option we have when Hardesty is injured (as is usually the case). Just my opinion.
grandolph1958#209664 writes:
you guys want to call sorry second half play on the defense i am not sure you watched the game or not but in both al and sc games the offense is what caused the d to look so bad. you can not go 3 and out taking 30 seconds off the clock 3or4 cosecutive series. The best defense in the land cant even deal with that. Our major problem to me is coach cut and his play calling of late and ainges poor decision making. Ainge looked horrible in Alabama and had alot of passes in SC that were 4to10 yards off mark. Time of possesion is key for UT.
histine writes:
as dangerous as i think he is, im not sure if we could even risk losing another defensive back. maybe if injuries hadnt of gone thru the secondary like the 10 plagues. as much as i would love 2 c that, im just not sure we have the personnel. if the coaches try it, im all for it, but just not sure we can risk any other injuries at this point in the season. we have an sec champ. game 2 get to!!! GO VOLS!!
eefor10c writes:
WOW!!!! We now have a new coaching staff. Head coach John Adams, Offensive (and he certainly is) coordinator Pennington, defensive coordinator Dave Hooker and they have the support of the Fulmer haters and the nay sayers so they could fill a couple of sections in Neyland Stadium where a lot of these keyboarders probably have never been. Oh, maybe we should increase that to three sections when we include the juvenile name callers who, I am sure are lean, muscular, and smart, NOT! Adams & Co can't even PREDICT games so I doubt they can coach. Please John tell me you are picking against the Vols the rest of the season.
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
I agree with you grandolph. The offense was just as bad as the defense in both the second half of both the SC and AL games. But, I think that if the defense could have gotten off the field in either of those games, the offense stood a much better chance of getting into some kind of rythm. If they had gotten the ball first at the start of the second half in either of those games, I believe they would have been better. But it is hard for the offense to get in sync when there is so much time between their last posession of the first half and their first posession of the second half. I think that was the biggest problem for the offense in both of those games.
eb502us#225637 writes:
Problem is......we don't have a coaching staff that has a clue of how to use him on offense. Cutcliffe is a disaster and Fulmer is completely lost. Save Berry for when we hire a real OC.
tenvolone writes:
And how does this good article about Eric Berry relate to FIRING THE COACHING STAFF...because that's ALL I want to read about at this point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need change now!
frbologna#210373 writes:
tenvolone: What is your problem? Maybe you should get a new hobby. Fishing might be good.
Hey we won the game and possibly have a chance to win the SEC East. Yes we have problems but at least we have hope!! Look at the East Standings. Georgia is back, Florida is slumping, Kentucky is fading, South Carolina is facing Ark at Arkansas this weekend. This is a wild and crazy season. Enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
iowavol writes:
Spot on Grandolph and whoever commented on how the offense was really the problem with the defense. Make no mistake about it, Berry is still getting burned on defense, but he is learning and he does make plays. He has a lot to learn and it is just like Adam's to make a stupid recommendation to move the kid over to offense and ruin his career. I've been saying all year that we need those damn freshmen receivers in the game now so they can learn because clearly the ones we have besides Tayler are not getting it done. However, Ainge needs to take some responsiblity on this one (and he has) for this was his worst game of the year. But, no defense can be out there for basically 30 plays in a row (two 3 and outs to start 2nd half) and not be winded, out of place and run over. The offense has got to make first downs and move the frigging ball. One question: did our defense play pretty good in the first half? Nuff said.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
dumb, dumb idea. I've got not problems with getting Crompton some snaps. I think a lot of college (and pro) teams do a poor job of using the QB talent on their rosters.
LSU does a good job, and UF did last year with Tebow. The No. 1 has to know he's No. 1, but the No. 2 can bring some good things to the game, just like a No. 2 LB or DL (how about J. McClendon!!!).
Maybe see if he can return punts or whatever, but he needs to learn to be a reliable defender first.
huntwithmojo writes:
Image a simple option package like FL runs with Berry at QB and Coker at RB.
Hunter writes:
Two words Vol fans: Eric Locke.
Volfan1 writes:
All you haters have probably never played or coached a single game, probably don't give a dime to UT other than scalping a ticket to get in on your once a decade trip to Neyland (if your parole supervisor approves or your paycheck isn't garnished). It must be a sad life to be so morose and cynical while the team you allegedly support is in the lead in the SEC East. You would make GREAT Florida or Alabama fans.
As the song says, You are so much cooler on line. So, don't bother yapping about how much you give or how much you know. You haters prove my point every time you log on and post.
asleep#212036 writes:
Interesting paraphrase (Gene Stallings?). If you think a game like this (in our case, La. Lafayette) doesn't matter, just lose it and see what happens. I never want my team to think they have an automatic win, especially this year. Is there any team in America that couldn't put up 30 points against our D on a good night (I'm including high schools too)? Seriously, I think our D players are trying, not tanking as some have said. Somehow, this year, they just don't get it and I think it is the linebackers. In person, they look slow and never seem to be in the play. I'm no expert but watching other teams play, their LB's are always around the ball. Karl is at his limit from a talent standpoint and McCoy just needs the snaps but what about Mayo? I thought he was supposed to be the stud but my goodness, he looks as lost as our secondary. What gives? Go Vols!!!
bowerst#242774 writes:
Normally a good idea but agree with the fans who say we can't risk it. Between academics, rules violations and injuries, UT has lost an entire defensive backfield. How in the world could any fan expect anything better given all those lost players? Slade can't put on the pads and run out on the field, and it's one heck of a cheap shot to blame him.
I think it is a shame when so-called fans wish the team would lose so they can get the coach fired. That is sick. Where are you going to find a coach you could be sure will do better? I wish we were a top-10 team too, but look around folks. Where is Nebraska? Miami? Florida State? Even the might Gators have fallen now, (to a team we totally crushed) and Georgia, who couldn't beat any SEC East team, handles Florida with ease!
Guess what? We beat Spurrier and his most-talented SC team, you know, the team that he said had the talent to finally beat the big 3 -- heck, who are the big 3 anymore?
cphil writes:
My son and I were discussing the USC game yesterday, and he brought up an interesting question. How much does Fulmer control the play/set decisions made for the offense/defense during the game? Are Chavis and Cutcliff solely responsible for the decisions, including which players are on the field at a particular time?
I told him I wasn't sure. He mentioned it because we were both talking about the moves Berry made on the fumble return and how he'd make a good wide receiver. That led to him commenting about how he was surprised with the offense in the second half, or lack thereof, as we both agreed Cutcliff has always been great with the quarterbacks over the years.
Any ideas folks?
wyomingvol writes:
Hmmm John,
Good call, unless the entire secondary is dropping like flies.....
asleep#212036 writes:
llowry1000,
Like many here, I never played or coached a game after 9th grade. But I do have season tickets and go several times a year from quite a distance and at reasonable expense. I don't hate UT, nor do I hate any coach or player. Just the opposite - I bleed orange and a loss ruins my mood for hours to days afterward, depending on how ugly it was. I am ecstatic that we are leading the East and have said so in several posts. But you have to admit, we don't appear to be playing well enough to keep winning and our lead is due more to other teams losing games they shouldn't than our taking control. You also have to admit our defense is as bad as most folks have ever seen it and our offense suddenly looks kind of stale. I agree some of us can get a little negative but I hope that most are like me, just frustrated and trying to find a relatively harmless outlet for that frustration. I have never intended for anyone to think my occasional negativity implies that I have given up on my Vols. NEVER! In fact, my wife thinks I care too much! Go Vols!!!
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Interesting ideas on here for how to use Berry on offense. Only trouble is: they're fantasy.
Everyone in North American college football knows our coaching staff is far, far too conservative and unimaginative to take any risks with creativity on offense.
Since I've been watching Fulmer's teams, I think I've seen maybe one or two "risky" or "trick" plays per season.
Think of the Lucas Taylor to Lamarcus Coker pass earlier this season -- same exact play we ran against Florida last year.
And I'm sure Fulmer and Cut had to get treated for heart palpitations afterwards.
Taking risks with daring plays is just not part of this coaching staff's character. Think of Nick Saban's onside kick to start the Alabama game. Think Fulmer would ever do such a thing? Puhlease.
Im all in favor of using Berry to return punts and kickoffs. Put him back there with Kenny O'Neal and Coker.
Why Fulmer sticks with Hefney to return punts, I'll never understand. I guess he's just terrified of a fumble. Again, playing not to lose rather than playing daring, dynamic, make-things-happen, unexpected football.
DadwasaVol writes:
Keep Berry on defense - he is really needed there. Juking his way in the open field after an interception against offensive players is not the same as lining up against a defense ready to cover him. And isn't Coker as fast as Berry, anyway?
thevol writes:
Great idea if we had not already lost 5 db starters in the last two years. Would like to see Berry on punt returns though.
invisiblekid writes:
Llowry1000, does it really take a high football IQ or coaching and playing backround to understand that giving up 400+ yards per game and 30+ points per game is not a good thing?
invisiblekid writes:
As far as putting Berry in on offense, it sounds like a great idea in theory. He is a tremendous player and I have no doubt he could handle the load. In practice, I suspect it would look much like the Eric Locke package or the Leonard Scott package. I would just as soon see him stick to defense and possibly kickoff and punt returns.
Phowell23 writes:
When will we get the next Kevin O'Neal sighting? This guy was a great athlete at Florida State and I highly doubt his skills have eroded in a few years. He only has 1 more year left let's get him ready for next year and start him in the next (non-conference) game and get him the ball and see what he can do. The kid needs some time on the field and the ball to break the ice I believe.
Rogan is our best returner on kick offs and punt returns. Let's get him more playing time this kid can run. I'm glad they finally got him out there and we'll be sure to see much more of him next year I hope. We have no need for Barry returning punts or kick offs. Maybe we can give Barry a few series off on Defense and hand him Chavis's headset and allow him to call some plays since Chavis seems to look like a kid lost in the woods at times with his play calls. Please Chavis, no more 10 yard cushions on the WR!
Hefney still thinks he can just knock people down without wrapping up. He continues to do this over and over again and never seems to learn. I saw him do this at least once in the South Carolina game and the player wasn't knocked down and kept running while Hefney falls to the ground. WRAP UP THE GUY WILL YOU???
The next game is the next best thing to an open date. It's non-conference so it doesn't matter in the SEC race. It's not like we are still in the race for a national championship so rankings don't mean much at this point. If we win the SEC championship we get a BCS Bowl whether the BCS committee or Florida likes it or not. The best bowl we can hope for is the Allstate BCS Sugar Bowl in New Orleans if we win the SEC Championship. At least we'll be one of 4 teams playing in New Orleans after the 1st of the year. Here's hoping...
Sorry for the rants...
Phowell23 writes:
Oops I meant Kenny O'Neal not Kevin. I guess I still have some bad memories of an Ex-Basketball coach that worked at UT.
james#216392 writes:
Berry returning kickoffs and punts would be great but the risk of injury might make it unacceptable. Berry as part of the offense - Can't see that happening.
kjneel#238751 writes:
Why when UT coaches would simply run an end around like they have done wasting O'Neal.
Volunatic writes:
I want to see Rogan on punt returns, but almost anyone on the team who doesn't play OL could return them better than Hefney has this season. I find myself cheering when he calls a fair catch and catches the ball. (Hey-- no lost yardage and we have possession!)
I suppose Hefney probably looks GREAT on punt returns in practice, but I think it's time to make that change. (Or three/four/five games past time.)
Volfan1 writes:
asleep,
You are the exception, not the rule, to the inane ranting and negativity that overwhelms this site. You were being kind when you said, "some of us can get a little negative." That's like saying the bomb on Hiroshima did a little damage.
Thank you for your calm reasoning instead of the wild ranting many have been displaying.
Are we the best team? No. Are we playing great? No. Are we ahead? Yes. The best team doesn't always win. There are too many examples to name. But the team that does win should be happy and not claiming the world is coming to an end as many of these would have you think.
iowavol writes:
sjt,
I understand what you are saying. Yes, Ainge had a bad day and it happens. But the question marks at the beginning of the season about our starting receiving corp were real. Taylor has impressed and to me, that is not a surprise. Rogers does get open most of the time - see him running the wrong route and not even looking back for the ball in the first half - that's happened several times this year and his drops are just unacceptable. Briscoe is okay. But what we don't see is why Ainge is dumping the ball. Many folks on this post and others have been complaining about the number of screens thrown. I think it is more Ainge dumping off to the safety valve rather than a screen called by Cut, that's why they fail more than work. That also indicates that receivers are not getting seperation and Eric is being conservative. In reality, my comments were more of a focus on getting the young talent sitting on the bench into the game rather than Adam's stupid comment about putting Berry on offense. We have dynamic athletes on offense, just not at receiver beyond Taylor.
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