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For the first 30 minutes of No. 15 South Carolina's visit to Neyland Stadium on Saturday night, the Tennessee defense looked like the group that shut down Georgia a month ago.
For the last 30 minutes, it looked like the sieve that gave up play after play and point after point in losses to Alabama, Cal and Florida.
And after one possession in overtime, none of that mattered a bit.
Not to the fans who stayed late and sang along with the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.
Not to the stunned South Carolina fans who lingered in disbelief.
And, at least in the immediately aftermath, not to Tennessee's defense.
No matter how ugly - and it was ugly to the tune of 501 yards for South Carolina's offense - the Vols escaped with a 27-24 victory after losing a 21-point lead in the final 20 minutes of regulation.
"Doesn't matter at all," senior safety Jonathan Hefney said. "We won. I don't care at all. We won. That's all that matters."
The Vols held when it mattered most, giving up just 2 yards on South Carolina's only possession of overtime that resulted in a missed field goal.
For the second straight week, the Vols spent more than 80 plays on the field.
Gassed doesn't even begin to describe the way the Vols felt late Saturday night.
"They started driving on us when we were tired," said linebacker Ryan Karl, who finished with 12 tackles, including two for a loss. "We just got out of sync. They were able to drive on us long distances. We didn't have the stamina for a little bit of time."
After 85 plays in regulation, Karl and his teammates found the energy to keep South Carolina at bay for four more plays.
It was a return to the first half for Tennessee's defense.
In the first quarter, true freshman safety Eric Berry recovered a fumble by South Carolina's Freddie Brown and returned it 52 yards to set up Tennessee's first touchdown of the day.
Then Berry came up with another big play when he intercepted a Chris Smelley pass at the Tennessee 43-yard line, which led to another touchdown.
The Vols got pressure on the quarterback and made Smelley so ineffective that he was benched after three series in favor of Blake Mitchell.
But in the second half, Tennessee's defense reverted back to its previous form.
That same form had the Vols ranked 11th in the SEC in total defense and 12th in the league in scoring defense entering Saturday's game.
The Gamecocks gained 200 yards of total offense.
In the third quarter alone.
Carolina wide receiver Kenny McKinley morphed into Alabama's D.J. Hall, catching four passes for 72 yards.
In the third quarter alone.
A Gamecock offense that been dormant for its last eight quarters - the longest scoring drought of Steve Spurrier's career - suddenly caught fire, scoring 21 unanswered points to tie the game.
The Gamecocks picked up 355 of their 501 yards of total offense after halftime.
But as tired as the Vols were toward the end, they found the energy to keep South Carolina out of the end zone.
DeAngelo Willingham, starting at cornerback in place of injured Marsalous Johnson, forced and recovered a fumble that stopped a Gamecocks drive in field-goal range.
After an interception ended the Vols' next drive, Karl picked off a pass that was batted in midair by Berry and Hefney.
Still, South Carolina managed to move the ball 27 yards to get into field goal range and take the lead with 1:24 remaining on a 49-yard field goal.
But that was enough to keep the door open for Tennessee.
And, despite all the second-half yards, it's a confidence builder for Tennessee's defense.
The Vols' four forced turnovers were a season-high.
So were the 10 tackles for loss, led by defensive tackle Dan Williams' three.
"It was good to hear some of them say, 'Coach we got it done tonight,'" defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "This team will fight. There's no doubt about that."
At times this season, some have questioned the Vols' fight, particularly when California, Florida and Alabama combined to outscore Tennessee 62-17 in the second half.
The yards piled up Saturday, but the Vols were resilient in Chavis' eyes.
"I don't ever answer critics, and there's a lot of people who said we threw in the towel even before this game," Chavis said. "This team will fight, and this is a proud program. I think people need to take notice of that.
"This team's not going to lay down and hasn't laid down."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 42
jimmy71#237592 writes:
This is the worst defense I have ever seen. I don't understand it. Our recruiting is in the top 20. There has to be a scheme/coaching problem. Helppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp somebody, please!
killer65forevervol writes:
Wake up call Kool-Aid drinkers!!!! Georgia has been the only game our Vols really put 110% effort. Look at Senior Jonathan Hefney said..."Doesnt matter at all.We won. I dont care at all. We won." If that is the attitude of a senior, it tells the rest of the story for defensive attitude anyway. Just pulling thru by luck and winning by other teams mistakes is unacceptable. If Slade coaches this attitude, he must go.
OldNumber7 writes:
I am going to say it again because I can't believe it: Tennessee upset South Carolina. I am still shocked - how did we pull it off.
I hope we can UPSET Kentucky. But I'm not sure we are good enough.
CrankE writes:
Another 500 yards of offense given, another career day for the opponents #1 receiver. What galls me more than anything though is the ineptitude of our offense.
Play calling from the offense was predictable and pathetic. Part of the reason our awful defense was out there 80 minutes is because our offense refused to do anything of significance in the last 29:00 of this game.
I didn't understand the end-game thinking. Using a time out to "ice" a kicker was a complete waste. Had they kept it, they'd have had 2 time outs and 1:00 to get down the field. That second time out would have come in handy when UT was trying to pass on second and 1-rather than just send Foster through the line to pick up the first down, stop the clock, and THEN take a shot at the end zone. Sigh.
And to think, this team is the only one in the SEC East that controls their destiny.
Ironcity writes:
Efforts never been the problem. What was amazing is we won despite everyone doing what they always do when the pressure is on. Ainge yacked when the presure was on, Foster fumbled at a criticle moment, the defense as well as Chavis looked like deer in headlights for the second half of the game. SC stopped executing at the end. The guys were still open they just didn't make the plays. On a positive note we won the game and our defensive line played well. The linebackers are the most over rated bunch in UT history. Mayo gets stoned by a 210 halfback on a blitz (this happens every game) Karl gets run over at least 4 times a game and McCoy who I like just takes ridiculous angles to the ball carriers. Its time for us to bring in a beefy middle linebacker and move Mayo to Karl's spot unless its a pass play then sit Mayo all together.
fivolfan writes:
its in the win column and hefneys comments weren't a reflection of his attitude, rather a sigh of relief. kept me from having to wear a gamecock hat for the second time in 15 years!
mikes70gto writes:
The second half just proved to me the staff is just sittng on their "ride out the season butts". This defensive staff needs to be let go,at games end would of not been to soon. Hats off to some of the frosh who played last night Jones,Willingham just two of the many good ones sitting on the pines due to the coaches lack of reasoning.We do contol our destiny "again" but lets all remember anyone can go down in this the EAST.
ibvolman writes:
If UT would ever put 60 minutes of football together, they would be a very good team. However. that is something I fear the coaching staff doesn't instill in the players. To hear Hefney say, "It doesn't matter, we won," is the same thing as saying we are satisfied to put forth just enough effort to get by.
Face the facts, the 21 point lead that UT blew by the inability of coaching to make needed adjustments, and the conservative mentality instilled in this team is sad. The Vols are very fortunate to have won this game. Granted, a really good kick off return helped, and I do attribute that to skill, but they were lucky to have fumbled twice and recovered both times at the end of regulation.
In reality, the Vols played 31 minutes of sound football. The other 29 minutes the usual uninspired play that emanates from the coaching staff was on the field.
bmaples writes:
Does it strike anyone that this team (and, frankly, many others) is out of shape? I'm not talking about injuries -- those happen to every team. I'm talking about people who aren't injured, but don't have it as the game wears on.
It just seems to me that there is a stamina problem, especially on the defensive side, and that's why the defense seems to get worse as the game progresses.
Any thoughts?
bigorangesob writes:
The Defense is not outta shape, hell they're tired from being on the field so darn long during the games
ballou1024 writes:
Gutless win. This team (Coaches included) gave up in the second half. Don't expect Tennessee to win out and win the East. Thanks Georgia, but No Thanks!
TommyJack writes:
Beware the Ragin Cajuns!! Parity, etc......
B_A_VOL writes:
Remember, SC was ranked in top 10 three weeks ago. NAH!! That's not going to help me keep from saying that we need changes and I hope we get them soon. Arkansas will be a win if we outscore them. Kentucky will be a win if we outscore them. Vandy is a win if we outscore them. I really would be concerned. The quicker the change the better for recruiting. I love UT. I respect Fulmer. BUT, I love UT. Lets get the changes started. Remember, Sanders was asked to leave and made a quick announcement. Maybe some others will have the guts to do that also.
Pullingguard writes:
Can you really imagine what the reaction would have been had Vols lost this game. It would have been a circus (past weeks only tent show) compared with past. I cannot really imagine what would have happened for the remainder of this season, to the coaching staff, possible recruits, and much more.
It was a close call and a very, very, good win for the Vols, regardless of the ugly nature.
DadwasaVol writes:
Just like Tennessee has done, Spurrier and Meyer will now have to work like heck to get back in the SEC East race.
zebra7933 writes:
You know, you can say what you want about how "bad" the VOLS have been. You can badmouth his team and say the coaching staff sucks or whatever. But, you still have to look at what the program has accomplished over the past 13 years. National champions, SEC champions, winning seasons, and graduating players are something that not all programs in the country have. I live in Kentucky, right in the heart of "BIG BLUE COUNTRY". It has taken them years to even get close to the level of UT's program, and they still aren't there. I admire all the coaching staff members and think that even though there are people who think that we need to win every game, you just cannot in todays climate of "pariody" in college football. Any team can beat any other (save a few exceptions) any given day. The VOLS have no experience at WR or in the defensive secondary, and they are still beating top 15 teams. Yea, there are going to be times we get burnt and don't make plays, but when you look at the overall status of the program, I think things are alot better at UT than other places in the country. Who would want to be a Nebraska coach right now anyway?
TommyJack writes:
slovog: you are pudekcufylsuoires?
wyomingvol writes:
Cry Cry Cry,,,,,,
We won,,,,,,
Cry Cry Cry......
wisonsinvol writes:
I heard last week that if Tennessee wins out or loses only one more game, that Fulmer would be back but Chavis and most of the defensive staff is gone at season end regardless. It certainly looked as if Chavis has checked out. To be fair, our inept offense in the 2nd half made our defense look much, much worse than they really are. But truly, I do not understand what the coaches can be doing at halftime that is making us look so absolutely horrible in the second half - all year. Fla, Cal, Ala were all close in the first half and SC we looked awesome. But four second half collapses means whatever the coaches are trying to do to motivate these kids is absolutely not working.
BigUn writes:
"The Gamecocks picked up 355 of their 501 yards of total offense after halftime."
And yet the sheep don't see anything wrong with our program and Jon Hefney says it doesn't matter.
No wonder we are a mediocre team.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
In short, I've been watching or attending UT games regularly since '68 and this defense (yes, I realize a lot of underclassman) is about the worst I have ever seen. I think at a minimum Chavis and D coaches have to go and I have actually thought that about Slade for the past several years.
tnbuco#393180 writes:
Hey idiots,
The reaction to this win underscores why college football is inferior to the NFL. Do you think that Dungy or Bellicek cares at all about how they one a game. Since the NFL is not a rigged beauty pagent they have the same attitude that Hef has. A win is a win no matter how you get it.
To the losers who don't want us to win the east so that they can call for Fulmer's head. Up your meds and get a life.
movol77 writes:
"To blow a 21 pt lead and get lucky we got a false start. Ironic that a mistake saved our season"
THE WHISTLE BLEW BEFORE Lincoln kicked the ball. He knew it was a dead ball, aside the fact that your concentration is broken (ever had someone say "hold on" in your golf backswing?). The bellowing about a 2nd chance is just that...BELLLOWING and it is out of context...THE WHISTLE HAD BLOWN AND THE PLAY WAS DEAD BEFORE LINCOLN KICKED THE BALL!!!!!!!!!
waterskier3#226480 writes:
just one comment... 21-0 at the half and 24-21 final... how bad is our D??? did chavis and fat phil on the sideline look like OMG we're going to lose?????
7M to buy out these guys this year so we'll have them one more year........
we still lose 1 or 2 more games but not sure who will represent the east in the championship game...
volsfan327 writes:
AP Poll just out #24 Tennessee #23 South Carolina
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
"It was good to hear some of them say, 'Coach we got it done tonight,'" defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "This team will fight. There's no doubt about that."
What would they have said if Foster lost that fumble? If Lincoln had missed? If Succop had made his? If we had lost?
Yes, they're fighters. They're supposed to be, just as ever other SEC/NCAA defense is supposed to be.
Chief, you cannot in good conscience let this fiction about "getting it done" last night linger.
The defense was awful in the second half. Everyone with a pulse who watched the game knows that, as do you.
Your defense gave up 501 yards -- 330 in the air, 171 on the ground. That is not "getting it done;" it's a "prevent" defense that doesn't prevent.
And why on earth didn't you anticipate some of the halftme adjustments Spurrier would make and then make some adjustments of your own? You've played against this guy enough to know better.
Colliervol writes:
slovog, talk to us at the end of the Kentucky game. If they somehow make it that far and to Atlanta, then the debate can begin. Until then, first place on Oct. 28 means squat. I will say it is better than being in last place though. But it still doesn't answer some of the basic questions about why this team can be so inconsistent from game to game (or should I say half to half).
One game either way doesn't change my opinion. I still lean toward a new staff but, if they make it to Atlanta, one of my stipulations in defining success will be satisfied. And, to be consistent, it would be hard to argue for Phil to leave at that point. But I stress the word IF.
DennisVols writes:
The Good: Vols win
The Bad: Still giving up too much yardage, too much chusin on recievers, too many points
The Ugly: What a way too win a game. Sometimes it seems the breaks go your way. The defense made some and luck provided some.
coachinhoops writes:
Everyone is asking for Fulmers head, because we are a better program than 8-4 and 7-5. If I'm not mistaken isn't it Philip Fulmer that raised those expectations. What were his averages before the national championship, and what are his averages since. If he gets fired I hope you idiots get just what you deserve. No coach is going to be able to meet the expectations in Knoxville. And even if they could why would they come here knowing that all the rednecks of the volnation will be calling for their head if they don't win a national championship or an SEC championship in the first season. I hope you all realize that no coach is going to want to come here because of you.
invisiblekid writes:
Nice post dtaylor0730. "Just enough to get by" may wind up as the theme of next year's media guide. I hope these players and coaches don't get so wrapped up in one win that they forget to "work like heck" the rest of the season.
According to Ryan Karl "They started driving on us when we were tired,". So I guess that means they were tired coming out after halftime. It must have been from the fiery locker room speech and all the adjustments that led to the Vols blowing a 21 point lead. A win is a win but I don't think I can recall one that was less-deserved.
DougGottliebsCreditCard writes:
I've skimmed through most of the posts and haven't seen much attention paid to the lack of second half offense.
I've thought the defense sucked all season, except against Georia, and they weren't very good again yesterday.
However, the offense killed the defense last night. The time of possession was unbalanced in favor of USC. Ainge blew last night and Cutcliffe abandoned the run again. Those were reasons 1 and 1A that USC got back into the game.
Madkels writes:
Dead last in the SEC on defense, tied for 1st in the SEC East. Go figure. No way with our defense we make it to Atlanta..Even if we did, LSU would win by 4 td's.
Colliervol writes:
Oh I don't know, coachinhoops. I'd say around
$3 million a year will talk somebody into coming. Just a hunch though.
mad_poly_uct writes:
If there was ever a reason to drop this current inane BCS phooey & go to a playoff system, here's one....Uconn is #13 in BCS standings & you guys are nowhere to be found! We'll take it while it lasts(1 week probably)....
NickelsVol writes:
slovog, keep fighting the good fight! And good luck with it! Unfortunately, you are dealing with some people who are currently unaware that Meyer and SOS have conference records worse than ours, so go figure. :-)
coachinhoops, you are right on the mark. These pseudo-offensive and defensive coordinators (and even some head pseudo-head coaches) on this board (who do not see these young men practice every day and know what's going on in their personal lives, I add) do not realize how being unsupportive and negative can really hurt the image a potential recruit gets. The ones who resort to namecalling and personal insults should also be grateful that boards like this one give them an outlet. I feel sorry for family members and friends who are around them on a daily basis and actually have to live with the dysfunction. We have the luxury of reading the posts and just laughing at their juvenile behavior.
That said, I am not "thrilled" with 5-3, but that is where we are; furthermore, I have seen worse. I remember sitting in the stadium and suffering through the first half of 1988. As a "twentysomething" then, I honestly never thought that a UT team would ever run the table and win a national championship. And I didn't care. I loved/still love UT football. Someone got us to that NC level, as you say, coachinhoops. That man (who I believe has eight seasons with double-digit wins) deserves some respect. It's not that I (or anyone else) agree with him/his staff 100 percent of the time and don't do some second guessing, but the personal attacks against someone who has done a lot for this program are out of line.
Right now, we have a better conference record than Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Let's support Coach Fulmer and this staff and team during the November stretch and see what happens. We might lose the next three conference games. However, we might win them and wind up 9-3 and playing for the SECC. Let's hope the latter happens!
GO VOLS!
coachinhoops writes:
Thanks Nickelsvol. I believe whether or not UT runs the table and wins the East that Fulmer deserves at least another couple of years to develop this class of freshmen. He and his staff are great recruiters and next years season looks tremendously bright. Not that this year still can't be very good. If I'm wrong let me know, but isn't the core of our offense and defense all back next year. I hope that no potential players get on these boards and read the ignorance spewed by the majority of the so called volnation. I bet South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky would be extremely happy to be in Tennessee's shoes right now. I am one UT fan that is still proud to be a Vol. I just pray that UT runs the table so all you haters will enjoy some nice big juicy crow for the holiday season.
invisiblekid writes:
Mbumburu, just to add one to your "what ifs", What if Coker doesn't make that 37 yard return to midfield? I think that was the biggst play of the game. I don't think there is any way the offense moves the ball 40-50 yards to get into field goal range the way they were playing.
asleep#212036 writes:
I think most pre-sesaon straw polls projected us at 2nd or 3rd in the East. If we win the East, even if we win it ugly, we have had a good season - period. Not great, but certainly good. I think what has most folks upset is the margin of defeat in our 3 losses. Fair enough and that is concerning. The defensive woes are also obvious and I think everyone understands that UT will not be able to maintain a successful program playing defense like that in the future. I feel coaching changes should be made, especially on defense. But if Fulmer is willing to make the necessary staffing changes, I think he should stay. Under his watch the bar was raised and he should be allowed to fix the problems now. If he refuses to change direction, especially with his staff, then maybe he is too stubbornly loyal - the program should come first - and he may need to go. Just a thought. Go Vols!!!
slovogthegayblade writes:
But I, slovog, neither refuse to be happy nor gay! I love it! It's FANTASTIC! Here's a little cheer for all you haters/losers -
man love, sheep love
strap on my collar
stir up my kool-aid
and make slovog HOLLER!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
slovogthegayblade writes:
Feeling a little schizophrenic over here...
slovogthegayblade writes:
Here are a couple more things for the rest of you losers/haters out there -
Fact - the Vols are sitting atop the SEC East with the inside track to the SEC championship game, owning the tie-breaker.
Fact - the coach that has them there is now 3 for 4 against the same Saint Steve you morons think can do no wrong.
Fact - your silly antics have as much chance of quelling my posting as they do of quelling my appetite for man love.
Fact - this orange kool-aid is STILL delicious!
budrhon writes:
The Gamecocks choked that one away!
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