Tennessee Stat Book
Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
- When: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, time TBA
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tired. Fatigued. Gassed. Spent.
You name it, and Tennessee's defense probably felt it Saturday night against South Carolina.
"You're tired. You're tired. Very tired," linebacker Rico McCoy said Monday. "You've got to push through, but you feel it the next day, I can promise you that. Your body's going to be sore. It's only natural."
What's not natural is the number of plays Tennessee's defense has been on the field the past few weeks.
Alabama and South Carolina ran a combined 173 plays on Tennessee's defense in an eight-day span.
Carolina ran 89 plays Saturday, a season-high against the Vols.
By contrast, Cal and Florida each ran 65 offensive plays against UT. Georgia ran 59.
When the No. 24 Vols step outside SEC play for the last time this season, getting off the field will be pretty high on their list of goals.
If only to avoid giving up the kind of yards it did to South Carolina (501) and the number of points it did to Alabama (41).
Linebacker Ryan Karl said a lot of the Gamecocks' big plays on offense were a product of fatigue - and mental mistakes that come with being fatigued.
"Their big chunks of yards came on mental busts," Karl said. "It was just mental busts. You get tired out there. They got a lot of yards on us just playing stupid."
Besides the mental mistakes, a tired defense is a slow defense, too.
"You just can't make plays that you're used to making," Karl said Saturday. "You're a step slower, basically. It seems like they're faster than you."
That's how it goes in football: defense tires before the offense.
Only fatigue wasn't a problem for the Vols' offense, which despite running 73 plays Saturday went three-and-out on five of its first six drives in the second half.
"We got fatigued some," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "That was both the inefficiency of the offense to consistently move the ball and allowing South Carolina to continue to make first downs."
McCoy, who estimates he was on the field for about 70 snaps Saturday, said he isn't worried about any lingering effects from so many plays the last two weeks.
The biggest problem - aside from giving up big chunks of yards - could be a crowded training room.
"It's about getting in and getting rehab, making sure you get that rest when you go home at night," McCoy said. "Get your sleep, make sure you're responsible for your body and make sure you've got time to heal."
All those methods, plus a little time in the whirlpool, mean about a two-day recovery time for McCoy, he said.
Yet, perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Saturday's game for the defense was its ability to keep South Carolina at bay late.
After giving up 21 consecutive points, UT's defense regrouped to force two turnovers and hold the Gamecocks to a field goal.
In overtime, after some 80-plus plays, they gave up just 2 yards before Ryan Succop missed a potential tying field goal from 40 yards.
According to defensive coordinator John Chavis, the defense's play in the waning moments of a 27-24 win was a product of sheer will.
"There's nothing I can do," he said Saturday. "I don't have a button. They have to dig down. They've got to have it within themselves, and they found it (Saturday).
"I wish I could take credit for that. It's our young men cowboying up and saying, 'Hey, we're going to win this football game.' "
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 117
jhenson#377512 writes:
"There's nothing I can do," he said Saturday. "I don't have a button." --Quote from John Chavis in the above article.
No truer words have been spoken by a Tennessee coach this millenium.
This just in...John Chavis was reportedly seen today at Staples purchasing an "Easy Button" (as well as more poster board to finish up the "missed tackle" charts)
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Rest up and get healed boys. We gotta a physical one coming in two weeks!!
I'd like to see some of the younger guys get some play against Louisiana. Let some of the older guys heal in time for the final stretch.
budrhon writes:
Does anyone have the minutes ratio of offense to defense being on the field?
debaser11 writes:
In addition to the question from budrhon, I wonder what the average gain per play (offense) was for TN compared to USC / AL. Anyone have those stats?
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
I'm sorry, I don't buy this fatigue stuff at all. No doubt the starters are tired after all those plays -- and my hat is off to them for the heart they showed there at the end -- but this is why we're supposed to go two deep at every position: to a void game-changing fatigue.
If we can't go two deep on the defense, how do we expect the 2s to be ready next year? Oh, I forget...we're watching last year's 2s right now. They're still in on-the-job training.
And this year's 2s will go through the same thing next year. They won't be ready when the season starts because they don't have any significant SEC game snaps under their belt. More OJT for them.
And the cycle goes on and on and on...
spencer1989#206886 writes:
OK team....You better be working on those charts!!!
RocketVol writes:
Stats:
1st Downs; SC 31 UT 16
3rd Down Efficiency; SC 7-16 UT 5-17
Total Yards; SC 501 UT 317
Yards Per Pass; SC 6.6 UT 6.6
Passing; Mitchell 31/45 (68%) Ainge 26/44 (59%)
Yards Per Rush; SC 4.4 UT 3.6
Time of Possession; SC 36:25 UT 23:35
Turnovers; SC 4 UT 1
Basically what this says is Tennessee was dominated - much like the Florida Spurrier teams. This was a story of who made the fewest mistakes (Maxim #1). If most folks saw these numbers they'd bet $100 on SC - until you see the turnover stat. SC took much lesser talent and clobbered UT's passing and rushing stats. Time of possession is hideous. Thank goodness for ol'fashioned ball protection, QB protection, and kicking game - when you are getting hammered these are the only things that'll save you.
bigorangesob writes:
Hey we won, who's gives a darn how we won, our guys sucked it up and got it done
ODA751 writes:
Has this site turned into the firephilfulmer.com website?
jafischer92 writes:
I'll take you up on that, TouchdownTN! When and where?
T0MMYJACK writes:
I live in fairy land! Can I have some, too, TouchdownTN?
Displaced_Vol_Fan writes:
Can't we all just get along?
callen825#321558 writes:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again...don't look past La Laf. Michigan looked past Apple State, but that has already been forgotten. One game at a time. Granted, we can give the depth chart some exercise this Saturday, but do not go to sleep!
GreerVol22 writes:
Now when exactly did this "fatigue" kick in? Was it after SC's first drive of the second half? the second? or the third? I just need some clarification because from where I sat 15 rows up, UT appeared to be clueless, out of position, and in tackle free mode for the entire half. To me there was no performance drop off. If the second stringers are such awful players that there not even good enough to sub for a play or two then we are becoming Vandy for sure.
paulvol writes:
Our secondary gives way to much space for wide open cathes and first downs. Very few of our defenders know the basics of how to wrap up when tackling. We let running backs and recievers have season high numbers on us and we very rarely get to the QB for a sack anymore. What happened to the legendary defense that UT was once known for? How could things change so much for the worse in the last few years? Can anyone tell me? I love UT football but I am so disappointed and embarresed as an avid fan by the way they are playing. The win/loss record, although bad, could be worse. However, the team is playing a lot worse than what our record shows compared to the way they use to play. I miss the good old days.
murrayvol writes:
Numbers occasionally lie but not often. 100-37 vs. FL & Bama tells the cold hard truth. There's no way to spin those baby. Not now. Not ever. And in closing: Good grief Charlie Brown & callen825. If a team with aspirations for an SEC Championship appearance can't look past La Laf., what difference does anything make?
atxvols writes:
mbumburu: Fatigue is real and its dangerous and it impacts Defense the most as they expend an incredible amount of energy on every play.
Here's some math. At 73 plays, assuming a sub every other play means the starters played 36.5 plays. That's almost a full game in itself.
For the D-Line, that's means fighting a 300 pound monster 36.5 times which equals ~10000 pounds or 5 tons. Anyone who played 75% of the plays dealt with 8 tons.
Plus our guys have to run every play. For the D-Line they average about 20 yards per play X 36.5 plays = 0.4 miles of sprinting or 0.6 miles at 75% of the plays.
That's atop of being knocked down and getting back up 20-30 times; having some 200 pound guy run into you at full speed multiple times, getting knocked silly a few times plus the usual scrapes, bruises and bleeding that comes with being in the trenches.
I focused on the D-Line because it starts up front and football games are won or lost there.
This is why it is so important for the Offense to sustain drives. That's why running the ball is critical...it shortens the game. The D-Line must have time to rest.
The fact that our guys sucked it up at the end spoke volumes about their will to win. We all should cheer that.
The fact that we were in that situation is inexcuseable and I am critical of the Offensive play calling and execution. For some reason, we are unwilling to commit to the run. Arian is a horse and we should have been pounding the SC defense in the 2nd half with him. We were running well at Bama early and for some reason went away from it...then got blown out once our Defense was exposed and tired.
GO VOLS
jweaver3#395614 writes:
touchdntn, I would be real shocked if your arse was orange, Unless it is orange with a gator on it!!! or maybe crimson with a big elephant?
Talk to Hamilton because the real Vol fans don't listen to you anyway.
GO VOLS!!!
RUN THE TABLE, GET TO ATLANTA!!!
TXVOLSFAN
wallyinman#208691 writes:
This just in. "Posters on this site are primarily sophmoric whiners, most of whom, apparently fro the mturity of the postings, have yet to carry a job and haven't had to perevere through difficult times in their petty lives yet. Quit ashing the coaches and team and get on board. Pansies.
rockytopfrog writes:
slovog - UT did not win the game. SC lost it, plain and simple.
BTW, for all of you who keep saying SC's lesser talent dominated UT, you have to ask the question: does SC really have lesser talent? We have kids playing who would not be on the two deep at other major colleges.
The bottom line is UT certainly does not have the talent on campus that was there when Fulmer and co. were on top of their game in te 90's. And that is definitely the fault of Fulmer and his staff.
Volalumnus writes:
Just because OJ was aquitted doesn't mean he is innocent.
And just because we won doesn't mean it wasn't a terrible performance and they aren't some really bad problems. Thank S Carolina for giving the Vols gift after gift at the end until they basically gave the game away.
Same old problems of can't stop the run and can't stop the pass on defense and we can move the ball on offense until its time to put it in the end zone and they are getting worse - not better.
webbofconfusion writes:
Chavis was right with his statement. By the end of the game, he can only set formations... Congrats to the D to make a big stand in OT to pull out a victory.
Get your rest... Pound LaLaf!
Go Vols.
GreerVol22 writes:
just to add to that..I saw Chavis up close during the VolWalk Saturday and don't look now...but there is a new "Great Pumpkin" in town!! I think he is actually eating the defense one player at a time. Happy Halloween!
jhenson#377512 writes:
This isn't rocket science boys. There's a simple way to ensure that the defense isn't on the field for 89 plays. MAKE A FREAKIN PLAY EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. Anyone remember the defensive strategy in our upset win of Miami a few years ago? The linemen never got set, they were constantly swithcing gaps pre-snap, they stunted and twisted on every play, moved between a 5-2, monster, and 4-3, the corners chucked the receivers at the line and the secondary constantly mixed up their coverage schemes. They played with reckless abandon and they got the job done. I haven't seen that kind of creativity, passion, or heart out of a Tennessee defense since that game. I don't know that I've ever seen a defense more out of position more often than this defense. THE COACHING IS PITIFUL.
webbofconfusion writes:
I was there to... Did anyone notice how much weight Cut lost...
Who cares if they are fat or thin?
Did anyone notice UT beat South Carolina? Oh and they are first in the East? Get behind the team.... Pull em out of the ditch, instead of spitting on them while they are down.
TurboFan writes:
Interesting theory, jawbreaker. But I say that slovog is CR's evil/nice twin. Notice that 'slovog' is 'govols' spelled backward. Perhaps a freudian clue? It makes some sense: CR watches every play and grimaces. Slovog doesn't watch the game at all, just reads the box score the next day, sighs, and says "tomorrow will be another day", because the result is all that matters.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
We would all like to run the table and get to Atlanta! That is why Tenn competes. That is why there is a scoreboard! Now more simplfication (new word). Playing .500 (barely above) for 3-4 years is CAUSE FOR ALARM. I'm waiting for someone to point out the improvement since the start of the season. 100 points to average Bama and Fla teams!! 501 yds to a SC team that couldn't score a TD against Vandy! We all love the Vols, but some have their heads above the sand and some below! Must be worst defense in last 50 years! I guess that's why we leave the coaching to Philapottamus and the female doging to guys like us. Somehow win out Vols and we can watch the SEC cg against LSU from behind the couch. Show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser! Go Vols!
TurboFan writes:
ATX, agree we should have been running more with Arian, but did you notice how SC was lining up with 8 or 9 in the proverbial box? We weren't getting much production running on first or second, setting up a lot of third and longs. Smart plan of Spurrier to load the line of scrimmage and daring Ainge to throw.
vols76 writes:
first I was called stupid, then an idiot, then a kid, now a sophmoric whiner and pansie.....but I do know Football and if we continue to run 3 and out on every series then the defense will be tired whether they have none deep or 2 or 3 deep. It appears our defense is better than thought, having to defend so many plays per game, because of our offensive play calling sucks big time.....the no huddle doesn't seem to be working so we need to try something new........so call me a sophmoric whiner and pansie, I don't care.....I call it the way I see it......Go Vols
asleep#212036 writes:
First, SC didn't give us the game, we took it. They were sloppy with the ball and it cost them. We've done it many times as well - run up big numbers but couldn't hold the ball. Check out Auburn's stats against MSU, South Florida, and Ole Miss. Total domination, ridiculous amount of turnovers. Only Ole Miss was too pitiful to take advantage. Rule #1 on offense - don't give the ball away. They did and they lost. And before we start talking about our "luck" with fumbles, Smelley and Mitchell each put the ball on the ground as well and it bounced right back up. Was that "luck" or skill? Second, our D is shaky and gassed. We all know that. What coach in the country would a team not want to play with a shaky, tired defense. One Mr. Steve Spurrier would be my ulitmate nightmare if I'm Chavis. The guy is probably the most creative offensive mind in 50 years so a lot of yards was to be expected in this game. However, when faced with that, you do what you can, and win how you can, which is what our Vols did. Give them some credit, please! Arkansas will present a different challenge, but one we are likely better able to handle - physical we've got, speed we've got, cohesive, efficient secondary, not so much. I'm scared to death of Kentucky. Thank goodness their D isn't so strong. Go Vols!!!
surfing_vol writes:
I love being late on the message board. I love the back and forth between tngeoff and slovog. Both make points, and I agree that I am disappointed with the lack of creativity and excitement on T's defense and with the overall coaching scheme.
Crunching numbers, though, we're getting what we're paying for. Tennessee is only one of lots of schools paying big bucks for coaching. If Tennessee wants a national championship, I estimate that we'll have to pay a Fulmer replacement at least 35% more than Phil is being paid.
Now, are you that unhappy with Coach Fulmer?
VolsorCat writes:
If mis-tackles were a stat, this team would lead the nation hands down! I love the Vols, but Jesus Christ boys, wrap your arms around them and hang on. After watching endless hours of games over the weekend, every other team manages to stick a guy and put him down. Even Miss State put on a tackling clinic Saturday against UK.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
this is how far tn football has fallen... another team that we know we're going to beat and the fans act like we've won the NC by beating them... i hate to tell everyone but tn is a bad team and it showed again sat night.. it just took old ball coach a little longer than usual to make adjustments. typically he would have made them mid 2nd qtr but for what ever reason he waited until half time... any time your up 21 points at half and need OT to win says volumes about the team.... THEY ARE BAD.......... ITS EITHER BAD PLAYERS OR BAD COACHES so TAKE YOUR PICK.... I SAY COACHING
asleep#212036 writes:
Waterskier3,
I agree we are shaky, shaky, shaky, but may I submit that a truly bad team would not be 5-3 in the SEC. Especially considering that had we played UAB or Tenn Tech at home instead of a road game at Cal, we would be 6-2 and reasonably ranked. Not that I believe rankings (UGA @ #10?), but you see my point? But you are right - we shouldn't need OT to beat a team we led 21-0 t the half. Sometimes it's just bad chemistry on the field or in the locker room. We had that in 2005 and in 1999 as well. This team reminds me of that. Our coaches aren't that bad - I think there is more too it. Just a thought. Go vols!!!
nashvol writes:
Hey slovog
Hey tngeoff
Why don't you guys take it out back and settle it away from all of us.
I think most of us are tired of reading your off-topic argumentative posts.
We really do not care what each of you thinks of the other.
We are here to air our views and opinions of Tennessee football, not
each other. OK?
vol4good#206163 writes:
asleep, I see your point, however, it's the overall effort of the team in the blowouts that has bothered me. I also havent seen the adjustments, some that were obvious, from Fulmer. I also question some of the decisions he has made(not going for it 4th and 1 at Bama). Refusing to mention to Chief that our DB's were way too far off the ball. I know TN cant win every game--I just want them to leave the field knowing they have given TN all they had after EVERY Game. You remember how it felt when TN beat Florida in '98? Remember Al Wilson Standing in the middle of the field, Completly Spent, bleeding and crying? That is giving all for TN. I know it is much to expect, but to those that much is given, much is expected!
jlange#632002 writes:
fire Spurrier, the game has passed him by
juicetke#226846 writes:
I think you mean "Are Empty" not "Running on empty." Those defensive backs need the fire of Fred White. He gets worked up!
asleep#212036 writes:
Vol4good,
Yes I do remember '98 and you are absolutely right. Where's the passion on the field? The players don't look angry or upset when they get beat on a play. We don't tackle with authority (when we tackle at all), we don't crowd receivers and dare them to beat us deep, we don't "fly to the ball" like we used to. Our D has never been at Ohio State's or Florida State's level, but we used to play with reckless abandon and heart. Can you coach heart? I'm worried it's the players we recruit, using their time at UT to pad stats for the next level. Al Wilson for president! Go Vols!!!
ntansey7#207282 writes:
Are the kicker and special teams not part of the football team? Do interceptions only happen because of quarterback mistakes?
To say that SC gave the game away and the Vols did not win it is insulting to the players who made plays to win the game, to the coaches who called the plays and to the fans who had faith that they would win the game.
The point is: Even though the Vols gave up the big lead they found a way to win and that's all that matters at this point in the season.
vol_in_lsu_land writes:
Guys,
Man, I keep checking into this site every few days and I am so very very sad to see the sheer level of negativity here. I don't blame everyone for breathing down coach Fulmer's neck. I don't blame anyone for getting frustrated over the poor statistical performance of the team.
Upper tier college ball is a business, very much like the pros. Economic factors are involved. Hometown pride is involved. It can be an emotional and financial issue when a team isn't performing. Yes, someone is accountable to the fans, the boosters, the alumni, and the athletes who choose our program.
Indeed, the accountable person ultimately will be Phil Fulmer and his staff.
I submit to you that your displeasure is being heard and recognized no matter how you frame your comments. Actually, I submit that well reasoned and factual analysis of the game will carry your voice further than petty gripes, insults, and name calling. I have seen plenty of the former, but I've also seen a great deal of the latter. It is the name calling that ultimately will have your comments ignored. Besides, it makes you appear foolish and juvenile.
The future of Fulmer's career will not be based on his physical demensions, neither will Chief's. If Fulmer was 300 lbs but he had three NC's under his belt, would his weight be an issue? Gimme a break, hell no. He'd probably still get heckled by opposing fans, but he'd be a saint at home. Given that, how does it help your argument to insult his appearance? It doesn't, not at all. All it does it make YOU look like typical Alabama fans. Is that what you are?
Most importantly, cut these kids a little slack! If it is coaching, then they don't deserve the ridicule. If it is inneptness, they deserve our patience. If it is team depth because of injuries or poor recruiting, then we need to analyze why this is happening. Maybe we need a new strength trainer, maybe Fulmer IS losing it in the recruiting game. Maybe we've just been unfortunate and some highly recruited players have turned into flubs. I don't know, but I can assure you our team isn't suffering because of Fulmer's size 46 inch waistline!
jhenson#377512 writes:
surfing_vol...To answer your question...YES, I'M STILL THAT UNHAPPY WITH FULMER.
I understand that Thompson Boling generates revenue through events other than basketball, but make no mistake, Tennessee football is the biggest cash cow on campus. In addition to gate sales and concessions, it provides the catalyst for most of the merchandising sales, not to mention it provides the impetus for many of the main booster's donations. So, if we can come up with $30 million to modernize Thompson Boling, I'm thinking we can find the extra cash for a buyout of the current staff and a big raise for the future staff. If we can't or if we are unwilling, then expect more of the same heartless mediocrity.
Just a side note...I read a report a couple of weeks ago in Nebraska. Contributions, revenues, endowments, merchandising sales, and gate receipts when adjusted for inflation are at 25 year lows. It may take time, but don't think for a second it can't/won't happen to us.
jhenson#377512 writes:
vol_in_lsu_land..."Man, I keep checking into this site every few days and I am so very very sad..."
Friend, turn that frown upside down. Lighten up!
View this site as a sports bar minus the bar. We are all in here talking football, bball, whatever. Yeah we disagree, and joke, and poke fun, and we are all expert armchair quarterbacks in our own right. We all love our team and we all have our own opinion on what's wrong and how to fix it. Ok,not all of us have an opinion on what is wrong as there are a few that seem to think that all is peachy in Vol Land.
So if some our fellow Vol Fans want to make Krispy Kreme references while discussing Fulmer...so what. I don't recollect anyone on this site connecting his excessive dougnhut consumption with his lack of football creativity. While there is probably a large measure of truth to both, I'd never suggest the two were connected.
BE HAPPY!!!
mjohnsonvols writes:
The only stat I care about is the score and the conference standings.
27-24 UT wins
3-2 and leading the east
Who gives a phooey if they had more yards. last time I checked you don't get W's for yards just the score.
Hey hiresanders I remeber Mcfadden last year but Spurrier was going to win this game as well.
We are not the best team and we do not have the best coaches but right now we are in first and I think we all need to calm down and see what happens.
Let's go to dream land now and please all you haters just play the game for a few minutes. What if we win the SEC what is your argument then?
asleep#212036 writes:
jhenson,
It can always be worse - we could be Nebraska fans. Ouch! Let's hope we don't go that low! Go Vols!!!
jhenson#377512 writes:
asleep...LOL! Very true. It's great to be a Tennessee Vol!
jhenson#377512 writes:
ALLVOL...who's in the running today for the Purple Helmet award? Last night's recipient took ignorance to a whole new level with his "no players in the NFL" take.
That was classic.
99gator writes:
the key to tenn making it to atlanta may the weather forecast in lexington when they play ky. tenn defense will need help from the weatherman or the tenn offense to win that ball game with the way tenn's defense has played this season.
Concerned_Mother_Focker writes:
So did we LOSE to cal, fla and bama or did they win they WIN those games? Somebody explain to me the difference. We "won ugly" on satuday night but we WON.
hueypilot writes:
So if SC lost that game and we didn't win it, does that mean that we still are on top of the SEC east with two losses, or do we get an asterisk like Roger Maris? Just look at what is lost in all the folderolon this site,is the fact that this is probably the most exciting SEC race in memory. In my 50 years of watching UT football and at least 40 years of watching the conference race closely, I can't ever recall a race where virtually every team save one (Ole Miss) is still mathematically in the hunt and it's almost Halloween. Makes you think of Billy Cannon, now doesn't it. But many of the posers (I meant to type posters, but I think the misspelling is a Freudian slip) on this site seem much more obsessed with firing Fulmer than what is going on between the lines. How about this all you whining, mouthy "nattering nabobs of negativism". Whatever are you going to do if Fulmer gets his team to Atlanta and (God forbid) wins the conference? Based on what I read here, you'd probably still call for his ouster, which would pretty well sum up what you know about retaining/hiring/firing a football coach in the SEC. Where have Coach 73, SAVol and CollerVol gone? Where are the voices of reason in all this sea of misery? If this site continues its intractable whirpool down the bathroom bowl, I'll be joining them. I never thought a sum as low as 39 bucks was the choke point for so many so-called fans.
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