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That's a little more like it
A better end than the start
Southern Miss wide receiver Chris Johnson gets past Tennessee safety Eric Barry for a touch down on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
Game info
- Box Score
- Audio slide show of the game
- Dave Hooker audio with DE Xavier Mitchell, OL Jacques McClendon, K Daniel Lincoln, S Jonathan Hefney, DT Demonte' Bolden, DB coach Larry Slade, RB coach Kurt Roper, and OL coach Greg Adkins.
- Sept. 9, 2007 Vol Report
- Video: Tennessee postgame highlights, comments
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Call it a step in the right direction.
As Saturday night wore on at Neyland Stadium, Tennessee gradually looked less like the team that was out of sync last week at California and more like one that has a fighting chance next week at Florida.
The 24th-ranked Vols pulled away from a tentative first half to notch a convincing 39-19 win over Southern Mississippi before a home-opener crowd of 106,311.
With Erik Ainge throwing two touchdowns and Arian Foster rushing for a pair, Tennessee (1-1) was able to spot Southern Miss (1-1) leads of 13-7 and 16-10 and still win comfortably.
The defense bent but broke only once, a busted coverage in the secondary that resulted in a 69-yard Jeremy Young touchdown bomb to Chris Johnson in the first quarter.
Otherwise, the Golden Eagles moved the ball but had to settle for a school record-tying four field goals.
The missed tackles that plagued the Vols at Cal were few and far between.
They notched two quarterback sacks - their first two of the season - and produced three turnovers, one a fumble resulting in a fourth-quarter safety.
"Chief (defensive coordinator John Chavis) called the plays and put us in position to make plays,'' said defensive end Robert Ayers.
"We did a little of everything. That was just good play-calling that set us up.''
Even the kicking game that had fatal flaws last week showed promise, despite Britton Colquitt staying on the sideline to rest his injured leg.
Daniel Lincoln was perfect on three field-goal tries, hitting from 36, 38 and 47 yards. Chad Cunningham kicked off and averaged 40.7 yards punting and had none returned.
All things considered, it was something to build on as Tennessee heads to Florida next Saturday to begin the SEC East title race (3:30 p.m. TV: WVLT).
Ainge finished 23-of-36 for 276 yards passing with no interceptions.
"Erik Ainge is a heckuva football player,'' said UT head coach Phillip Fulmer.
"He understands, he sees, he throws.''
And his receivers catch.
Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe had the touchdown receptions. Rogers had seven catches for 112 yards, all in the first half. Lucas Taylor had five for 118.
Foster, meanwhile, ground out 125 yards on 23 carries.
"It was good to see Arian Foster with 100-plus yards and two receivers over 100, that's fun,'' said Fulmer.
"You've got the offense going pretty good when that happens.''
It took a bit of slipping and sliding to get the offense going good.
Southern Miss led all but 11 seconds of the first half, up until Ainge's touchdown pass to Briscoe put the Vols ahead to stay, 17-16, with 4:29 to play in the half.
The Vols then expanded that lead to 27-16 in the third quarter, sandwiching a Lincoln field goal and a Foster touchdown around a Southern Miss turnover.
Lincoln's 36-yarder made it 20-16. The Golden Eagles' first possession of the second half ended when Jarod Parrish recovered a Southern Miss fumble at the UT 46.
It took a mere 82 seconds for the Vols to convert. A 35-yard pass to Taylor set up Foster's 9-yard scoring run.
"I was really pleased to see the defense come out with that kind of drive and get the ball back,'' said Ainge.
Southern Miss tightened the margin to 27-19 with its fourth field goal with 12:19 to play.
It could have been even tighter. The Golden Eagles had second-and-goal at the 3 when Tennessee's defense made two big plays.
Ayers and Jerod Mayo threw Young for a loss at the 7. On third-and-goal, McCoy blasted a receiver to break up a pass and force the field goal.
An onside-kickoff try failed, leaving UT only 45 yards to go for another touchdown, a 1-yard Foster run.
It was 34-19 with 8:32 left and momentum was all in Tennessee's corner.
"We knew (being ahead) three scores would put the game away the way the defense was playing,'' said Ainge.
UT's special teams made a contribution that maintained the momentum.
On the kickoff after Foster's score, Southern Miss fumbled the return and Nick Reveiz recovered to put the Vols back in business at the Golden Eagles' 45.
UT settled for a 47-yard field goal from Lincoln - he's 4-of-4 on the year - and a 37-19 lead.
The safety came with 5:29 left after Nevin McKenzie sacked backup quarterback Stephen Reaves, who fumbled and then intentionally kicked the ball through the end zone.
The second half was by far UT's best defensive half of the young season.
The Golden Eagles managed a modest 108 yards in the second half after rolling up 246 in the first half.
While Southern Miss moved the chains in the first half, the Vols limited the damage to field goals on all but one occasion.
Justin Estes hit from 30 on the game's opening drive and later from 40. In between, Britt Barefoot hit a 51-yarder.
After spotting Southern Miss a 3-0 lead, Ainge marched the Vols for a touchdown, a 26-yard strike to a wide-open Rogers for a 7-3 lead.
It lasted 11 seconds.
Young heaved the 69-yard touchdown on the first play after the kickoff, taking advantage of a busted coverage in UT's secondary.
An exchange of field goals left it 13-10 at the end of the first quarter.
Another Southern Miss field goal made it 16-10 with 5:18 left in the half, but that was the high-water mark for the visitors.
Tennessee began its march to victory with a 10-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in Ainge's 5-yard touchdown strike to Briscoe.
The Vols needed a clutch fourth-down conversion to keep the drive alive and Ainge delivered.
Facing fourth-and-7 at the Southern Miss 32 with 1:43 to play, Ainge found Rogers for a 24-yard gain to the 8.
Two plays later, on third-and-goal, Ainge fired a bullet to Briscoe for the score.
Sophomore linebacker Rico McCoy then ended the first half with an interception off Young.
"I felt myself getting comfortable tonight,'' said McCoy, "and when you get comfortable you can make plays.''
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Posted by gaVOLman on September 8, 2007 at 11:09 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by milldw02 on September 8, 2007 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cutcliffe said when he came here he wanted us to put at least 30 on the board every game. He's holding up his end of the bargain. May need more against Florida, but it's nice to see us scoring again.
Posted by gaVOLman on September 8, 2007 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know we will need more than 30, probably 45. Even though our D played lights out in the 2nd half we still have trouble with spread/option plays and formations. Plays right into their hands.
Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on September 8, 2007 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Play defense like the second half... we'll be fine in Gainesville.
Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on September 8, 2007 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It was great to see (or hear) the defense come up with big plays as well as on special teams.
Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on September 8, 2007 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like we need to avoid 3rd and short if at all possible.
Posted by gaVOLman on September 8, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not real sure why we abandon the run on 3rd and short so much. I'd much rather give it to Foster instead of a swing pass that may lose 3 or 4 yards. Time for the offense to man up.
Posted by TurboFan on September 8, 2007 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Robert Ayers showed up tonight, so did McCoy. Impressed by Austin Rogers and Lennon Creer. It's going to take a while for Coker to get back in the flow of things.
Posted by gaVOLman on September 8, 2007 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought Dan Williams had a good game as well and McCoy was all over the place. He had some highlight reel hits. The body slam of USM's QB was my favorite.
Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on September 8, 2007 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounded like the receivers had a lot of YACs.
Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on September 8, 2007 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounded like the receivers had a lot of YACs.
Posted by usnavyvolfaninva on September 8, 2007 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, i don't usually double post
Posted by budd on September 9, 2007 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What game did you watch?
Missed tackles.
A secoondary with no clue.
Line backers playing 10 yards off the ball.
No push up front.
With this kind of effort we will be lucky to stop FLA once.
Somebody needs to understand that So. Miss as good as they are does not play in the SEC.
Posted by thevol on September 9, 2007 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I watched a game that we won by 20 over a tough opponent. We showed good improvement on defense. Not a spectacular game but a good solid WIN. Bring on Teabag and the Gaytors. Go Big Orange!
Posted by agentorange on September 9, 2007 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
rogers, my friends. better than faulkner (sp). if we can take a lead, we can run and keep it.
Posted by thevol on September 9, 2007 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's hear all the talk now about how great of coaches Tuberville, Richt, Weiss, Peterson, etc. are. The cyclical and upset nature of college football is what makes college football so great and exciting.
Posted by FWBVol on September 9, 2007 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, Auburn looked impressive tonight against South Florida. Whoops, the Tigers lost...Weiss is 0-2 with the Irish this year, and Miami coach Randy Shannon got a taste of reality. Florida State trailed UAB most of the game, but pulled away in the forth quarter. I like UT's chances going into the Swamp. Florida has wins over Troy and Western Kentucky. Tennessee has played a team that is now in the Top 10, and another that received votes in both polls last week. I hate losing any game, but the tough games, even the losses will prepare UT for the run in the SEC. The Vols are battle tested going into Gainesville and the Gators haven't even had a real scrimmage yet. GO VOLS!!!
Posted by andy112382 on September 9, 2007 at 2:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good job Vols! Much better second half and yes, I agree that it is promising seeing Troy put up 31 at the swamp. This Southern Miss team returned 9 of their 10 top tacklers and Florida scored 37 on them last season, we were able to put 39 up on a defense with one more year experience. I love the lack of turnover (by our first teamers at least, last part was for footage to practice on...) and I think we are in much better shape headed to the swamp than Florida based on the experience we have picked up based on who we have played versus Floridas opponents this season. GO VOLS!!!
Posted by threehundredbowler on September 9, 2007 at 3:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
we say the same thing each year about Fla. and you know what happens.Fla. will be tough regardless what they do before they play us.They will pin our ears to the ground if we do not play much better than we have these first two games .
Posted by vol4jesus on September 9, 2007 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HEY BUDD.. be happy we won . Enjoy the moment if you will allow yourself to do so. Florida is going to be a huge obstacle to overcome for sure. Enjoy a W and pull for the VOLS instead of over analyzing a BIG ORANGE victory.GO VOLS!!
Posted by TNvolunteer on September 9, 2007 at 8:52 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by waterskier3 on September 9, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yes it was great to win but this is the same crap... we'll win 7 or 8 games and it looks like ga is worse than we are.... the d better get a whole lot better or fla will RUN us out of the swamp next week... D still has way to many issue to be considered a real team... O will get their points but D and special teams will get us beat... love a win but still see we're JUST AN AVERAGE TEAM.....
Posted by gaVOLman on September 9, 2007 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We're not average. We're good. (most of us can't realize that because we've set our standards as excellent) At any rate I didn't see nearly as many missed tackles or players being out of position as the week before. Also Budd... if you saw the QB pressures in the 2nd half you would have noticed how long they took which is indicative of the WRs being covered well by our secondary. Not sure if its because Gaines was taken out with a injury?
Posted by hueypilot on September 9, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dogs lose to Steve. Next week will tell a lot about the toughest division in the toughest conference in college football. I'm 2-3 against the Gators in Gainesville since I've been living down here in Florida. Sure hope we can even the record next week. It's almost always a dogfight (With apologies to Michael Vick) and I'm looking for the same kind of game Saturday. Meyer's scheming with the spread worries me. We don't defend well against running qb's in an option type offense, if you'll remember Air Force from last year. Go Vols.
Posted by BleedOrange on September 9, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1. Stick with Foster.
2. Get some push out of the offensive line.
3. Stick with Foster
4. Keep blitzing to make up for the lack of push out of the D-line
5. Stick with Foster.
Posted by rainman916 on September 9, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tebow has killed us in the past and I see no reason whey he won't Saturday....WE need to get our gamefaces on for once and show the nationally televised audience and the SEC we are for real....Can that happen? We shall see.
Posted by 3rdtenn on September 9, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so happy. I know the lack of posts indicates that almost everyone went to church this morning. We are not good but we are not Michigan or Notre Dame. So good to see them getting beat. Maybe we don't have to listen to people talk about Weiss walking on water. Why don't all you folks that talk childish talk about Fulmer being fat stay on the big boy at Dame
Posted by IR4UT2 on September 9, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hooray for the win! Glad to be playing somebody this week without "Golden" in their names, although Tebow is their "Golden" Boy. Hope someone gets in his earhole Sat. Thats more like it is right, at least on the right track! Go getum Vols! Good Luck at swamp. :)
Posted by FWBVol on September 9, 2007 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tebow's past against us amounted to running the ball a few times as a freshman last year. I believe Tebow has potential to be a great player, but he has yet to play a full game against a SEC team. Hopefully he won't have his coming out party against UT next week. The kid that scares me is a freashman running back they have by the name of Chris Rainey. He played at Lakeland, the top school in the state of Florida. I saw him play a couple of years ago and he's small, but quick, the kind of back that will be dangerous if Tennessee overpursues. I still think UT will be ready and will win in the Swamp on Saturday.
Posted by FWBVol on September 9, 2007 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tebow's past against us amounted to running the ball a few times as a freshman last year. I believe Tebow has potential to be a great player, but he has yet to play a full game against a SEC team. Hopefully he won't have his coming out party against UT next week. The kid that scares me is a freashman running back they have by the name of Chris Rainey. He played at Lakeland, the top school in the state of Florida. I saw him play a couple of years ago and he's small, but quick, the kind of back that will be dangerous if Tennessee overpursues. I still think UT will be ready and will win in the Swamp on Saturday.
Posted by andy112382 on September 9, 2007 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, I guess the 'sky is falling' group this week would say the following coaches need to be fired going by their guidelines I staying a head coach that are picked up on here, here are the top 5 for this week:
1)Tommy Tuberville
2)Frank Beamer
3)Mark Richt
4)Llyod Carr (well, ok he may be a legit pick)
5)Charlie Weiss
This, of course, is going by the 'lose or look bad and your head is ours' guidelines.
Florida hasn't had a test this season, just a couple of pop quizzes, so we can go down there and hopefully introduce to them the difference between playing western kentuck and troy compared to SEC play. I see plenty of offense in this game for sure from both sides. GO VOLS!!! Make it 3 out of the last 4 at the swamp!
Posted by mmeletiou on September 9, 2007 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
western kentucky put up and 87-0 outing yesterday and cal won by a touchdown.. not saying the sky is falling.. just stating the facts. more running (and maybe try using a fullback) and a defensive performance like we got in the second half, and i think we have a decent chance at the swamp next week. go vols!!!
Posted by 72vol on September 9, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tebow is tougher then anybody we have on our defence? I think Rico McCoy might have something to say about that! Tim meet Rico light's out McCoy! VOLS 35 gators 31! Uh oh I think Im going to have to clean these darn orange shade's. GOVOLS!
Posted by andy112382 on September 9, 2007 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mmeletiou, whats your point about Western Kentucky putting up a 87-0 victory? They played West Virginia Tech, I didn't even know there was a West Virginia Tech. Troy lost to Arkansas 47-26, so they couldn't score as much against Arkansas and Arkansas scored a bunch, you can't really go by that, because I am willing to put anything on Arkansas not having an offense quite like Floridas. Ainge can pick apart the Florida defense, I have no doubts about that, the biggest reason we lost last year was Reggie Nelson who had two picks, he is still in Florida, but with the Jacksonville Jaguars, so there goes one headache. We can very well make it 3 out of 4 at the swamp, we are indeed the first test for Florida. GO VOLS!!!
Posted by andy112382 on September 9, 2007 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and here is how good W Virginia Tech is, they don't even have a page on ESPN to see their previous scores, etc. They turned the ball over 7 times, Western Kentucky 'only' had 431 yards total and only 100 yards passing, they apparenly rely heavily on rushing, which the big weakness for Floridas defense is the secondary which is very, very young. Got to look at the box scores when breaking down different teams and their games, not just the scoreboard.
Posted by mrgatorman on September 9, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is head down to Gainesville boys were waiting for you...Its tennessee week. And all our focus and all our efforts are on you.
Were waiting...can your team handle the Mighty Gators???
Posted by mrgatorman on September 9, 2007 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is head down to Gainesville boys were waiting for you...Its tennessee week. And all our focus and all our efforts are on you.
Were waiting...can your team handle the Mighty Gators???
Posted by joebomb on September 9, 2007 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Budd...how's that Dickel? You mispelled secondary, linebacker is one word and that last sentence makes no sense. Nice work
Posted by jawbreaker on September 9, 2007 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
72vol, your pick on the game yesterday was a lot closer to being correct than mine, so I'm looking hard at your 35-31 Vols, and liking it!
Posted by LazhilUT on September 9, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's amazing that some people think that because we put 39 points on a Division I-A school that we have a shot at being good this year...How many points our D has allowed so far this year? yeah...60 points! We should have blown out So. Miss not beat them by 20 and let them score on us and scare us.
I still stand for what I believe:
FULMER FREE IS THE WAY TO BE!!!
The said part is that usually after less than convincing wins agaisnt crappy teams like that, our players manage to beat Florida in the swamp and all the blind fans will be back on the Fulmer bandwagon...FIRE FULMER NOW!
Posted by vol4jesus on September 9, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some people just won't be satisfied til.......Southern Miss is no ordinary team. Ask prior SEC teams who lost to said school. Also the said(sad) part is the inability to even remotely enjoy the VOL victory. Again look at the poster at 6:08 and his/her post name. Not an apparent happy camper by design. I choose to pull for the VOLS in the good and the bad. Swamp will be tough, but not undoable with sound execution and discipline. GO BIG ORANGE!!!
Posted by Basketball_Jones on September 9, 2007 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see were back to being world beaters again. Has anyone booked rooms in Atlanta and New Orleans yet? People we did what we were supposed to do, win a game against an under matched opp. on our home field. Whoopidy Doo! This team has shown us nothing except the fact we can score points against teams with no defense and really can't stop asnyone for a whole game. Florida 45 UT 24, we have no answer for Floridas speed
Posted by mtnvol on September 9, 2007 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A win is like bug spray...gets rid of the Fulmer haters and other vermin.
So. Miss won their conference last year and are picked to win again this year. How many SEC teams have fallen to them? Overlooked them? Our defense played (at least in the second half) like we have come to expect a UT defense to play. Johnson got beat once and they tried to beat him again and again, but it didn't happen. LBs played really tough and tackling got better as the game went on. The offense looked good for a QB less than 100%. 100 yard rusher and two 100 yard receivers. Very nice at spreading the wealth!
Overall, beating the spread by 10 points is a great night. BTW, for you "experts" that aren't satisfied with a 20 point win, the oddsmakers in Vegas make a living with the point spread and when you pay attention, they are usually right on the money....no pun intended.
Posted by LazhilUT on September 9, 2007 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmm...let's name the elite SEC teams that have fallen to So. Miss...hmmmm...silence....yeah...nothing...hard to name one cause there isn't.
I'm with heel_fan_23...he's aboslutely right, we did nothing that we shouldn't have.
I want more than 8 wins a season. If some of you are happy with mediocrity...well be my guests, I'm not.
Have you seen the talent we had in our roster in 2007? Half those guys are in the NFL now...Since 98 we haven't accomplished nothing. WE HAVE NOT WON A SINGLE TROPHY!!! NONE! ZIP!!! Let's keep fatty around some more and we will be like FSU...
Posted by vol4good on September 9, 2007 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've been guilty of expecting more myself, however, the facts are not going away. Yes, the D had great strides as compared to California. However, that didnt occur until the 2nd half, After Fullmer and Chief planted several size 12 boots in the backsides of a D that should never give up the yardage or points they have. I saw some heart in the second half. The boys will need that in the first quarter against the Gaytors. If they wait until the 2nd half, it may be 40-0. I am proud of an awsome 2nd half, but I want TN to be great again, that is not too much to ask.
Posted by vol4jesus on September 9, 2007 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lazilutdelt we have smelt the breath of unfresh air you have dealt. The pessimist must have a very sad life when all one can see or enjoy(it appears) is the glass is half empty. I referred to this earlier as the grumpy old man syndrome(no disrespect to my elders in life). The man who has one gear only that runs on complain...complain...etc. Yes, I'm realistic from an optimistic outlook on life. I have no ulcers, drinking habit,wife beating,_______ fill in the blank problem other than fighting sin daily. That is enough I don't need to create more dirt.I only would like to see those who are disrespectful of Coach Fulmer clean that up. You can criticize his coaching til the cows come home , but try leaving the personal attacks on his girth or intentions alone. If you want to do that go do it to his face and not in a blogish type setting which we all could be called cowards for in this setting with no or little accountability. Go VOLS beat the Gators!!!
Posted by utnutt on September 9, 2007 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GREAT WIN! BUT WE WILL NOT BE GREAT AGAIN UNTIL WE FIRE FULMER AND HIRE SOMEONE THAT CAN RECRUIT AND COACH. FLORIDA WILL HAND US OUR BUTTS NEXT WEEK AND IT ISNT GOING TO GET ANY EASIER AFTER THAT. THE ONLY BRIGHT SPOT IS WE DONT PLAY LSU.
Posted by 3rdtenn on September 9, 2007 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mtnvol-some of us love Coach Fulmer and love what he has done in the past but when a coach or anyone in a leadership position reaches a point where he or she is totally predictable and seems unwilling to change then it becomes time to change. That is the nature of things. Wished he could change but... Several years ago when the Titans were doing so good the UT staff went to study how the Titans used good Tight Ends. Basically they wasted gas because we have two very talented tight ends but will we ever use them as we should? No We didn't even make use of Witten as we should. No one really has to watch film on us if they have seen us play in the last 10 years. We out talent people-we never out coach people
Posted by Plasticman on September 9, 2007 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LazhilUT, SO. Miss has beaten Alabama in recent years as well as Nebraska. Their team has gone to a bowl game 9 out of the past 10 years. They are not Troy or West. Ky., they are a formidable opponent and Tenn. played a very good 2nd half to beat them soundly. Just as I posted last week after the Cal. loss, all of you naysayers really whould find another team to cheer for because when we beat FL this Sat., I don't want to read all of your "we're back now.." comments and see you jump on the bandwagon. Real fans stay with their team win or lose. I have endured many great seasons as a Vol fan and as well as quite a few subpar ones. Either way, I was with the team and supported them 100% (even when we started 0-6 in 1988). GO VOLS, you WILL beat the Gators on Sat. 34-28!!
Posted by thevol on September 9, 2007 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The point a-hole LazyUTDork is to not complain after a solid win. You want Fulmer fired, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Not going to happen right now. We heard all you loud mouths ALL off season, wasn't going to happen. Enjoy the Fn win. It was a nice showing against a very good bowl team. At least we haven't feasted on JV teams and Western whatever ST. Defense was improved, Williams was a difference maker. Ainge and Foster look really good. Despite the bias, Lucas Taylor has been a playmaker. Secondary, tackling, special teams coverage still need work, but this is college football, every team is a work in progress. Enjoy the win. Kill the Gaytors. Go Big Orange!
Posted by Plasticman on September 9, 2007 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
alcofc, who are the "two very talented tight ends..." we have? I agree Chris Brown is very talented, but not sure who the other one is you are referencing (Brad Cottam is out with an injury, as any REAL Vol fan would know) I'm amazed at how many arm chair QB's are so unimformed.
Posted by wkjq on September 9, 2007 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I used to be like some of you guys, but I figured out a few years ago that it's only a game. Don't get me wrong, i'd love to win'em all, but when you realize that's not reality you can enjoy the whole thing more. The world won't end if we lose to Florida. I'll be screaming at the tv Sat. just like a lot of you, but when it's over, win or lose life goes on. Get a life and enjoy football, GO VOLS!!!!
Posted by mmeletiou on September 9, 2007 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
andy112382. my point earlier (3:54pm) was that ok yeah western kentucky played w va tech (whose mascot is the golden bears) but they are a Div-1A school and 87-0 is a major but kicking no matter who it is. i am comparing that score (florida's first opponent) to cal's results (tennessee's first opponent) which they beat colorado state 34-28. longshore threw for 139 yards. this is a six point victory over an unranked opponent..
maybe cal isn't as good as we hoped they were..
Posted by wkjq on September 9, 2007 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this game was a very good sign, last year we started wide open and didn't get better. This time we saw improvement from game 1 to 2. If we can take another step this week, we'll be ok. Until some of you grow up and get a real job, you should stop calling for the heads of coaches. If they need a new AD, I'm sure they'll check here for the most knowlegeable and give you a call. Until then enjoy the win.
Posted by wkjq on September 9, 2007 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some of you need to study the divisions before posting. The bcs schools are div 1-a, the lower schools are 1-aa.
Posted by utnutt on September 9, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ALCOFC IS RIGHT WE ARE PREDICTABLE. FULMER HASNT CHANGED ANYTHING IN OVER 10 YEARS. OUR DEFENSE DID CRAPPY IN THE FIRST HALF.IF THEY PLAY LIKE AGAINST THE GATORS WE WILL DOWN SO FAR BY HALF TIME WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO COME BACK. LET FULMER FINISH THE SEASON AND THEN FIRE HIM. THEN GO GET A REAL COACH LIKE SPURRIER.
Posted by thevol on September 9, 2007 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually W. Virginia Tech is Division 1, NAIA. They aren't even in the NCAA and have no relevance whatsoever. Bet Florida could beat Pellissippi St. also. This has been preseaon for Florida so far. When we beat them everyone will say that weren't really that good, "look who they have played". Not just BCS schools are Div 1-A, it includes Mountain West, WAC, Etc.. they are not BCS conferences. Just thought YOU might want to study before posting.
Posted by FWBVol on September 9, 2007 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone wants to get a coach like Spurrier, but there is only one Steve Spurrier. As a UT fan, I don't like him, but I think he may be the most inovative offensive mind in the SEC in the last 25 years. However, I'd never want him at UT. He doesn't have the class to coach at Tennessee. Now name one coach that UT should go after. Phillip Fulmer is a class act and does things the right way. Just as every coach and team has a down cycle, UT has one one in the last 15 years. Everyone thought Jimbo Fisher going to FSU would jump start the Seminole offense and I've watched a very mediocre FSU team go 1-1 this past week. Fulmer is one of the best recruiters in the country, and is a proven coach. He has won in the past and I believe he'll win again. And as for you mrgatorman, if your team doesn't play better than you spell, were I guess you mean we're, it's going to be a long afternoon in the Swamp for the home team. GO BIG ORANGE!!!!
Posted by utnutt on September 9, 2007 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MR.FWBVOL MY SPELLIG ISNT VERY GOOD BUT WHAT WOULD YOU EXPECT FROM A UT GRADUATE. MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE WENT TO VANDERBILT. FULMER HASNT WON ANY TITLE IN ALONG TIME HOW LONG ARE YOU GONNA STICK WITH THIS LOSER. WE GET WORSE EVERY YEAR AND ALL WE GET FROM FULMER IS EXCUSES.
Posted by LazhilUT on September 10, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Plasticman and thevol...hmmm, I'm not changing teams. Just because I criticize doesn't mean I'm not a fan. Fans CAN and WILL criticize. Period!
And don't you dare to question my loyalty to UT. I root for them day in and day out. By the way, not only on football...women's soccer, track, swimming, tennis...what about you?
UT is more than just football.
I didn't tattoo the power T on my body just because. I hate to see a coach that does not represent this great institution the way it should be.
I have a feeling we will beat Florida...but I will stand up and say FIRE FULMER! Until he's fired or until I see UT get a championship. It's been almost 10 years of no trophies being added to our collection and no, useless bowl games do NOT count.
Posted by gaVOLman on September 10, 2007 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Reading these posts almost made me want to quit coming to this site all together. All you haters out there are pathetic. Why can't you enjoy a good win over a decent team and look forward to kicking some Gaytor ass? Do you have people coming to your work place and saying you should be fired because you burnt the french fries or forgot to flip the patties? No, so leave PF alone for a moment. Try to get a life and enjoy the rest of the season. Go ROCKY TOP!
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