Gameday Info
Vol Report
Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Southern Mississippi
- When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, 7 p.m.
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Tennessee center Josh McNeil is as aware as anyone of the history Southern Miss brings into Neyland Stadium.
In a way, McNeil grew up on the Golden Eagles.
"I've been watching them since I was little," said McNeil, who grew up a little less than 30 miles up U.S. Highway 49 from Hattiesburg in Collins, Miss. "These guys play big teams tough. If you let a team like Southern Miss stay in it for a long time, you're going to really regret it."
With so much regret already on 24th-ranked Tennessee's plate after last week's 45-31 loss at No. 10 California, McNeil and his teammates certainly don't want to take another bite in tonight's home-opener (TV: Pay-per-view, 7 p.m.).
To make sure McNeil's teammates know exactly what Southern Miss (1-0) has done in the past, UT coach Phillip Fulmer ran down the Golden Eagles' resume earlier this week in a team meeting.
Since 2000 alone, the Golden Eagles have beaten BCS conference teams N.C. State, Oklahoma State (twice) and Alabama.
They've played in hostile environments like Nebraska's Memorial Stadium and Penn State's Beaver Stadium. They've even been where the Vols were last week, Cal's Memorial Stadium, and where the Vols are headed next week, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.
Southern Miss hasn't played in Neyland Stadium since 2000, but coach Jeff Bower knows how to prepare a team for a noisy game on the road.
"It will be a big atmosphere, but if you're prepared and your focus is there, you won't be thinking about that," Bower said.
The Golden Eagles are thinking upset. The Vols are thinking about getting their first win of the season and correcting their mistakes before next week's SEC opener at No. 4 Florida.
Those mistakes were most apparent last week on defense, where the Vols missed 22 tackles, according to Fulmer.
True freshman Eric Berry will start at safety, one week after being on the field for his first collegiate play as a cornerback. Sophomore defensive tackle Dan Williams earned a promotion to the starting lineup as well.
Changes happen when a defense surrenders 471 yards of total offense and 230 yards rushing.
The Golden Bears had eight offensive plays go for more than 20 yards, and UT's special teams gave up a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown, during which Heisman Trophy hopeful DeSean Jackson eluded at least three defenders.
"It's vital for this whole team," linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "The offense came out and scored what, 30-something points? We just have to show up. If we had made a few more plays, a few more stops, we would have came out with a 'W.' "
But the problems didn't just belong to the defense.
Tennessee's offense struggled in short-yardage situations, most notably when it failed to reach the end zone in four tries from the 3-yard-line. A busted protection led to a sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown in the first quarter as well.
While Southern Miss, with its history of playing major conference opponents tight, might be the kind of opponent some fans would like to see tonight, it provides the Vols ample opportunity to correct those mistakes against a quality team.
The Golden Eagles feature sophomore running backs Damion Fletcher (1,388 yards, 11 touchdowns in 2006) and Troy Harrison (326 yards, 2 TDs) and head to Knoxville after rushing for 310 yards last week against UT Martin.
On defense, Southern Miss returns nine starters and its top 10 tacklers from a year ago, enough to test the Vols' execution in short yardage and its run game, which should get a boost from the return of LaMarcus Coker from suspension.
Tonight, it's all about improvement.
"We'll see how much progress we made there," Fulmer said. "I think it's important we play a tough game. You should improve from the first game to the second game.
"Considerably."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 33
objk1#231846 writes:
I hope we see a repeat of 2000. Dominating in one word.
BigUn writes:
Uh, if your a UT fan the 2000 game was anything but dominating. UT barely won and it took So Miss missing a 2 pt conversion late in the game I believe to keep it from being tied.
I fully expect UT to struggle tomorrow and if we do win, it will be by the slimest of margins.
However not to worry though, Fulmer will then declare our 14-13 win over So Miss as proof that UT is back on the football map and workin like heck has improved the football team.
imnotwithphil writes:
BigUn - So. Miss. 24 UT 17. Fill-up Foolmer will have to wait for a "signature win" over Ark State before he can claim that the Big Orange is back... Is it basketball season yet?
OldNumber7 writes:
Lack of discipline has haunted this team since the Air Force game last season - and really since 1999. Don't look for it to go away - fumbles, missed tackles, dropped passes, missed assignments (particularly overpursuit) are all proof that what's in the UT players' mind at gametime is off track. The mental aspect of playing solid football is not being taught well. Every game lost since the opener last has been due to mental errors. Noteworthy is that the penalties and dropped passes were way down last week - but other errors that ultimately lost the game surfaced. Coaching not getting it done. And for heavens sake, where is the run blocking?
72vol writes:
Well I just woke up and put my orange shades on. I am sorry to post something positive and not something negetive this morning. Vols 28 So. Miss. 10. Our defence will dominate! I am also going to go way out on a limb in saying we upset the gators! Oh I almost forgot to make my orange kool aid for tonight. GO VOLS
DadwasaVol writes:
Sorry guys, I'm feeling positive, too. Hate to disappoint you, but Tennessee wins by two Touchdowns.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Shame on you 72vol for being so positive. UT 31, USM 17. We will take one kick back all the way, probably Coker.
gohawks1 writes:
That 2000 score with Southern Miss that you are referring to was 19-16, according to an article in this morning's paper. Not exactly a dominating victory. Don't overlook the Golden Eagles - they have a good program. Vols still win, though, and I believe that Coach C will work out some kinks in the defense.
agentorange writes:
Go Big Orange! Protect the Mother Ship (Neyland).
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
I was at the Southern Miss game the last time we played them. I couldn't believe what I was watching.
OldNumber7 writes:
Wish I was as confident - I've been watching this team too long. They never beat an underdog like they're supposed to - only by the slimest of margins.
objk1#231846 writes:
FYI, I live in the bay area ca and the Cal game is not even on local T.V. Enough said.
After watching some games, as much as I hate to admit it Coker is the key to our season. His speed makes everyone look better.
It reminds me of James Stewart and Charlie Garner.
vol4jesus writes:
imnotwithphil=imnotwithvols? 2 and third postings of the day were so invigorating to Vol Nation supporters we voted and you can stay home and watch Jeopardy.
vol4jesus writes:
Sorry jcvet I didn't mean to leave you out of my prior post. Sound of Music was on last weekend. Sponge Bob marathon could be scintillating if it was only reality. Notre Dame game should interest any non-Vol fan to watch Jimmy's first start at golden dome. Well gotta get ready to listen on utsports.com for free down here in S.C.GO VOLS!!!
footballfan writes:
In former years, a Vols team that suffered a loss with as bad a performance as last week would walk all over Southern Miss. The game wouldn't even be close. I haven't seen that type of mindset in the players or coaches. Unfortunately, I suspect a pretty decent game. I look for the offense to do ok and for the defense to improve a little just because the D is already at the bottom. Thankfully, UT has enough talent on the roster to overcome the lack of heart they have shown recently. I expect a win and wish it could be huge one. Either way, this is no time to be picky for Vols fans. We'll take what we can get. 1-1 headed to Gainseville, then we will get a taste of how the year will be for Tennessee.
Go Vols.
CoverOrange writes:
I'm putting my curse on this game. Everytime I pony up for PPV I get a boring blowout (think Miss St). Everytime I decide to save a few bucks and "watch" online, it's a nail biter (think Memphis or Air Force). I'm spending money tonight.
GreerVol22 writes:
WD, looks like we both are waisting money. D-line look like swiss cheese again and DBs are all but taking a nap. Prepare for the worst guys...
Basketball_Jones writes:
who got beat on the 68 yd TD?
Basketball_Jones writes:
Do we run the ball anymore? All I see on gamecast is pass pass pass
GreerVol22 writes:
Like I said, gotta cover the kick.....41 yard kick off return...
GreerVol22 writes:
Marsalous Johnson is the one who got beat.
GreerVol22 writes:
Marsalous Johnson is the one who got beat.
GreerVol22 writes:
Marsalous Johnson is the one who got beat.
whistlinwingman writes:
Chavis must be watching how Michigan plays defense
whistlinwingman writes:
Finally, Hefney did something positive
Basketball_Jones writes:
Thanks Greer, now listening at yahoo sports....sounds like our defense is putting up another stellar performance like last week.....How much do you think we could get Mike Belotti for? His Oregon offense looked good today
yeavols#228407 writes:
I am listening to the Southern Miss Game and it's 16 - 10. WE are in big trouble. What is going on? I am at a loss. Florida next week. I can't bare to watch. Good luck anyway. Maybe next year?
yeavols#228407 writes:
By the way..I am in Atlanta, Georgia, and THANKS YAHOO for allowing me to listen to the game. Everyone else is a JERK. =)
GreerVol22 writes:
Good Lord....My one legged granny can squib it to the 40!
Is there not one kid on campus that can kick off?
footballfan writes:
Go Vols Go! What an impressive performance I am seeing! I love the way the coaching staff is approaching the game. Foster runs for 11 yards. Good job kid, now grab some bench. This is a joke. It should be common sense to give the ball to the ones producing. Just a tip, playaction is not going to work if the defense doesn't think you are gonna run the ball. Pretty soon teams are going to start keying in on Rogers and Taylor. Might think about that before you leave your quarterback susceptible to an onslaught of blitz packages. It's easy to guess what's coming when you throw the ball 47 times in game one and then 27 times in the first half of game two. At least it's working right now.
Go Vols.
Southland writes:
whew. glad its over now I can be sick thinking about what a whipping Florida will put on us. I hate it. South Carolina...Oh man I wish Spurrier wasn't such a jerk and I sure wish he was not as good a coach as he is. Fulmer is already panicking over that one.
GreerVol22 writes:
Well, Well....6:25 left in 4th qtr...Foster with 100+, kickoff went to the two yrd line and by George we covered it, corner blitza and a dad gum safety....Nice Recovery Chavis and the D in second half. Now go get ready for dem' Gators!
vol4jesus writes:
free on utsports.com...listening right now. VOLS 39 Southern Miss 19. Crompton and Creer....
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