Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge leaves the field after failing to get a first down against Florida.
Gameday links
- Post-game audio slide show
- Vol Report, published Sept. 16, 2007
- Box score
- Watching with Ward: Review the game, play by play
- WVLT video: Highlights, player and coaches comments
- Stuck in the Swamp
- Special teams still not very special for Vols against Florida
- Adams: Tebow power drives Gators' show of force
- Untimely fumble opened the floodgates for Gators
- Pride takes a beating along with defense
Gameday articles
Tennessee Stat Book
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Tennessee came to Florida looking for a shootout Saturday and got one.
But some shootouts aren't fair fights.
While the Gators whipped out the heavy artillery, the Vols fired back with a pellet gun.
The resulting carnage was a 59-20 rout that goes down as the worst loss in the Phillip Fulmer era at UT. The previous worst was 31-0, also courtesy of Florida in 1994.
"Certainly,'' said Fulmer, "this wasn't representative of what we intended for it to be down here today.''
The 22nd-ranked Vols are 1-2, 0-1 SEC, and beset with questions as to where the season is going from here.
"We knew we had a tough schedule at the beginning of the season,'' said Fulmer.
"We've really got to look at ourselves, our players, our coaches, our leadership and go back to work.''
The fourth-ranked and defending national champion Gators are 3-0, 1-0 SEC, and look like they have enough big-play ability to carry a young defense until it gets up to speed.
A pair of sophomores, quarterback Tim Tebow and do-everything Percy Harvin, led an assault that accumulated 554 yards of total offense.
Tebow passed for 299 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 61 more and a couple of scores.
Harvin had four catches for 120 yards and 75 rushing yards on nine carries, an 8.3-yard average.
"This offense is fun,'' said Harvin. "Just throw it, catch it and run it.''
Tennessee's offense wasn't a barrel of laughs, producing only one touchdown.
That came when Erik Ainge passed 15 yards to Chris Brown in the final seconds of the first half.
Freshman defensive back Eric Berry accounted for the other touchdown with a 96-yard interception return.
Tennessee parlayed those two scores to cut a 28-6 Florida lead to 28-20 with 8:47 to play in the third quarter.
All of a sudden, it was a game again. And when the UT defense forced a Florida punt, it was even more of a game.
When UT took over at its 13, momentum was back in orange.
"We're talking about the next time we score going for two, and all kinds of scenarios,'' said Fulmer.
One scenario they weren't talking about was an Arian Foster fumble on a handoff from Ainge.
Florida linebacker Dustin Doe scooped up the gift and hustled 18 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-20.
"If we go down and score there it would be a different ballgame,'' said Ainge. "Obviously, that was huge.''
The final margin ended up huge as Florida scored the final 31 points of the game.
Harvin started the next scoring drive with a 49-yard catch to midfield after Florida started at its 1. He finished the 99-yard drive with a 19-yard scoring run on the first play of the fourth quarter.
On Florida's next snap, he caught a 48-yard bomb to set up Tebow's 5-yard touchdown run to make it 49-20.
Three Harvin touches: 116 yards.
Freshman quarterback Cameron Newton got the final Gator score on a 4-yard run with 1:14 to play.
The 59 points is the most allowed by Tennessee since Florida's 62-37 rout here in 1995.
Fulmer said he wasn't offended that the Gators didn't go into a shell after the victory was in hand.
"That's football,'' he said. "It's our job to stop them.''
It was UT's job to run the ball, but that didn't go too well, either.
The Vols' 21 rushing attempts netted 37 yards. So much for controlling the clock and keeping Tebow on the sideline.
Ainge was 26-of-41 passing for 249 yards.
"I don't think Erik ever got in a rhythm,'' said Fulmer.
Virtually all of his passes were short routes. While the Vols dinked and dunked, Tebow & Co. came at the Tennessee defense from all angles.
Eight different players carried the ball. The fruit of their labors was 255 yards rushing.
"We were in perfect position a lot of times and just didn't make the plays,'' said linebacker Ryan Karl.
"And when you don't make the plays when you can, it's going to be like this.''
Which was a lot like it was at Cal two weeks ago, only worse.
Missed tackles weren't the only similarity to the 45-31 loss on opening day.
In a case of deja vu, a Florida Field crowd of 90,707 was hardly settled in before the Gators had a 7-0 lead before their offense got on the field.
As was the case at Cal, Tennessee won the coin toss and elected to receive. The strategy backfired both times.
Cal scored first on a fumble return and later added a punt return TD. Florida did it the other way around.
"We cannot help good teams the way we helped Cal and Florida,'' said Fulmer.
Saturday, Austin Rogers dropped a third-down pass on the opening series and out came the punting unit.
Bam! Brandon James took Britton Colquitt's first effort 83 yards for a touchdown.
Still, Tennessee had a field-position advantage all through the first quarter - and managed to trail 14-3.
UT squandered a 74-yard LaMarcus Coker kickoff return when Ainge was intercepted at the Florida 9.
The Vols' next two possessions via Florida punts began at midfield. All they got to show for it was a Daniel Lincoln field goal.
"We give 'em those plays,'' said Ainge, "the special teams and a fumble, and then not getting points in the red zone.
"There were a lot of things we did that did not help us.''
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com.
Dan Proctor draws Tennessee Football…
Cordarrelle Patterson drafted by the…
Justin Hunter's time at UT
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Comments » 447
Outdors21 writes:
Well, next year will be worse. That's the sad part. Dear god, Please let tennessee win at least 6 this year...it'll take a miracle. I am watching Ark vs. ALA and we are certainly going to lose to Alabama. Think Major Applewhite would accept the head coaching position? Dear god.
andy112382#209793 writes:
Alright guys, CRVol, all of you others that have been down on the coach, I owe ya'll an apology and I said I would if we started 1-2, something just ain't right, and it ain't talent levels. For Fulmer & Co. to turn things around and have a good year, we will have to come out looking like a completely different team because we have been embarrassing for all but one half of football (2nd half of SoMiss game we decent) So, yea something will have to change it seems, that was just bad. Still a Vol for life and bleed orange! GO VOLS!!! Do something!
jtp1576#208113 writes:
I'm at a lose for words. Fulmer, thank you for your service and dedication to UT. Now, make the right move and tell the VOLS nation you are leaving at the end of the year.
volmanohio writes:
This shows how far Tennessee has fallen behind in recruiting talent and good coaching...8 wins this year, Fulmer probably keeps his job, but without Chavis...he must produce a more competitive team in '08 to stay any longer. Once Saban starts beating us on a regular basis, he's done...
williamshockley#225607 writes:
He can't beat Meyer....Florida continues to rake in the talent and they had a ton of recruits at the game today....we better make a change quickly. Hamilton is a tough AD, I do believe he will be in Fulmer's ear.
footballfan writes:
Well well well. I wonder where all the Fulmer supporters are. Better get comfy in that hole you are hiding in because it's gonna get pretty ugly around here. I don't want to be taken the wrong way on this so please understand what I am trying to say. This beatdown will be the best thing to happen all year for the Vols if, and I really am hoping for this, if Fulmer, Chavis, and and every other person that has anything to do with the special teams and defense finds themselves without a job. It is a must at this point. I swear to God if anyone still supports Fulmer and Co. after this, then it's pretty obvious that those individuals are about as stupid as a human being can be. I take that back. They would be even dumber than an amoeba whose sole purpose in life is to wiggle its way toward food. Coach Cutcliffe, I don't know if you are being handcuffed by Fulmer or not, but if I were you, that would be my story if I wanted to keep a job. If this is your doing that has the offense so reliant on the short two and three yard routes for an ENTIRE GAME, then you should be dumped on as well. I hate to see all of the players on that team that have so much talent get ruined by these morons running the team. Oh yeah, Hamilton, fire Fulmer or take a walk to make room for someone who will fire him. I have no respect for anything that has to do with Volunteers football anymore. Why should anyone? I have been so unimpressed by what I've seen that I wouldn't bet two cents on these coaches to beat anybody. I can't explain how much hatred I am holding back on right now. I can't even say that I hope Fulmer has a happy and enjoyable retirement. At this point, I feel he deserves to suffer as much as he has made us suffer for far too long now. It would be justice for him to feel as much depression and humiliation as the fans. It's obvious he doesn't care about losing football games or else something would be done. I don't know what to do anymore. I have ran out of excuses to defend the Vols. I have to miss most of the season because I am deployed to Iraq right now, and it seems like that is turning out to be a good thing. I wish the best for the Vols on behalf of the players and coaches that really do want to work and win. I don't wish anything for the coaching staff mentioned earlier.
Go Vols, if that's possible anymore.
abrown#232236 writes:
All disgust aside, I wonder who we can get to coach? I do think after the loss to Saban, Hamilton will be fed up. This is the first time that I actually believed that Fulmer was through -- and I do. I think he's burned his last chip on this one.
skinalive#242458 writes:
59-20?
This team will not win six games. Book it.
lawrenced#263864 writes:
It seemed like whenever the momentum was shifting in our direction, we would find a way to screw it up. We did not show much discipline on either side of the the ball.
DennisVols writes:
TOO MANY MISTAKES, NO PLAYMAKERS.
Did anyone else see the passion in coach Meyers as he encouraged his team even when UT made their pitiful attempt at a comeback?
How far we have slipped since '98. How much farther do we have to go before something is done to make us a proud university again?
Basketball_Jones writes:
3 names for to think of as our new coach....Jimbo Fisher, Bo Pelini and Mike Belotti...I want to congratulate all the people on who said 2 years ago this offense that Urban Meyer runs would not work in the SEC, you were dead wrong! I am going to start a fire Fulmer fund across the state. If I can get 400,000 people to each give $10 we can buy him out of his contract.
maddog72 writes:
Time for a change Fulmer has to go. As stated before when Saban starts beating him he will be gone . I just hope we do not have to wait that long.
olozbal#646632 writes:
Guys, we choked big time and we're an undisciplined team. I'll keep it positive though - we should sit Ainge down for Arkansas State and play Crompton. That gives Ainge two weeks to rest that hand and get our offense back in gear.
Why is it every time I see a busted play I see Parrish standing there? When Berry got beaten it was by a hair, Parrish got destroyed, just like Cal.
We would have beat a Chris Leak led football team today. Tebow is legit and we got owned.
I'm in the get a new head coach club now too guys. Sorry Fulmer.
yeavols#228407 writes:
The talent level has dropped, coaching is not working, dropped passes, missed tackles, fumbles, and the worst loss in years. I don't know what else to say. I guess we are officially back to where we were before Majors left. Maybe another 10 years to get back on track might be in order. At least we still have Pearl and basketball is just a few months away. See you all next year, maybe. Signing off..and good night.
williamshockley#225607 writes:
And then depression set in....
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
I hate to admit this, but I am pulling for the Vols to have a losing season in the hopes that we get a new head coach. That was ridiculous.
We have a roster that features 2 nationally, top-rated recruits, and a coaching staff that does not know how to do anything with them.
lamigravol writes:
UT has way too much talent to be giving this effort. That falls on the coach. Why is the University so in love with Fulmer? He should have been fired after the loss to Memphis, when he had the best player in the history of the school. It just keeps getting worse. One day, the top recruits will stop comming. Image how bad Phil will be with lesser talent. UT can't win with an NFL stocked roster. I say leave now and let the rebuilding begin. Who is the coach at South Florida? He's beaten AU since Fulmer last did! Kids don't go to UT to win 8 or 9 games. They come here to compete for NC's. Fulmer is not the guy.
AllVol writes:
I agree footballfan. I have supported Phil. I hope he retires with dignity. When they interviewed him at halftime, he sounded both beat and like he didn't have a clue. The game has passed him by. It's as simple as that. It's coaching and nothing else. It's as simple as that. This loss was humiliating and heartbreaking. I hurt for the boys on the team. We may lose Trooper in the process (unless a new coach was smart enough to keep him), but it's time to clean house. Go Vols is always possible. This team is directionless. Heartbreaking.
olozbal#646632 writes:
Another thing - why can the announcer predict the plays better than Chavis can? Can we hire him to coach the defense?
That's BS that they ran the score up on us too. Keeping Tebow in was an insult. Wouldn't have mattered but it's still BS.
vjnd3#219886 writes:
This is a new low for TN football. We got beat in every aspect of this game.
Time to play the young ones and start clean with a new coaching staff next year. TN coaches have let the game pass them by. There are no longer any excuses for this staff. Were lucky to be as crappy as the Mich Wolverines who will lose their head coach at years end. TIME TO START THE REBUILDING PROCESS!!!!
AllVol writes:
Fulmer has no fire at all. No spark. No nothing. It's over for him. Who in the hell cannot see that? I didn't want to believe it. Basketball. Basketball. Basketball. We want basketball?! This is insane.
Outdors21 writes:
No way UT is beating 'Bama. THey are putting a HURTING on Arkansas. Who is the worse coach...given the talent....Fulmer or Nutt? I have to say Fulmer.
AllVol writes:
My God, it's '05 again . . . .
Ironcity writes:
What defense is it that we run where the defensive ends are not allowed to cross the line of scrimmage. What defense is it that we run where players go uncovered and unaccounted for. What defense is that forbids a player from making a play. I don't think there is a team in the conference that we can stop on third and anything even if they tell us what they are going to do. It been time for Chavis to go for a while but maybe its time for all of them (except Taylor) to go. Someone needs to mention to Ainge that on a forth down play you need to throw the ball either past the spot that is needed or at least on the field where someone could actually make a play. I like Ainge but it looks like he is more concerned about his stats then making plays. No plays down field. I keep hearing we have no playmakers but I thinks its more out of what we do not for lack of talent.
It will be interesting to see how Florida executes against LSU. I think they will commit a lot of turnovers and the game will be 21 points in LSU's favor.
PRNDL writes:
footballfan...the worse thing you can do is hold back and keep it bottled up. Go ahead...LET IT OUT! Seriously, that game was a circus and was nothing short of embarrassing. And although I hate it and consider myself a fan...you have to be realistic. All those who were predicted a Tennessee win...come on, the way we played the first two games!! Quit putting your head in the sand. Being realistic does not equate to being a traitor.
utvols1 writes:
That was one horrific ass kicking. Can't remember being so soundly beaten. Oh yeah how about Arkansas last year, Cal this year.... We were never in this game. I had said all along that special teams and our inability to presure tebow would cost us this game. I didn't realize that 2 dropped passes from Rogers and pathetic O line play AND complete break downs in the secondary would add to the misery. And I also found out that Angie hurt his pinky while playing a pick up game of b-ball! Here is the worst part of all....FL will be GREAT for the next 4 yrs with all of the freshman they have while we continue our fall from grace. We have no big time play makers. Not one reciever can stretch the field for more than 30yrds. How can you be a talented HS player and want to come to vol land and not be coached up to your potential. Bye Phil. Bye Chavis. Enough is enough. I predicted a 8-4 going in to this season. That was having not seen this team play. Now that I witnessed 3 quarters of melt down, I'd like to revise that prediction down to 6-6. What an embarassment. Good luck recruiting this year.
mtnvol writes:
Talk all you want about firing Fulmer. I was a big Phil Fan until today....we have too many issues for a team with the kind of recruits we've gathered. However, I want to bring up another point. Yes, its our defense's responsibility to stop the opponent, but.....
1. UF keeping first team in when up by 22 in 4th quarter.
2. Throwing deep in 4th quarter.
3. Not calling "Victory Play" and taking a knee in the last minute.
In my mind, all of this adds up to No Class! I was hoping that we would break Tebow up in the 4th just to show Urban what a stupid, classless move he made. I'll be pulling for Jack A$$'s Tigers to hang 75 on the gators.
Tenacn writes:
I hate myself for even thinking this but....maybe it is time for a complete change. I have been a supporter of Coach Fulmer and his staff since he took over from Coach Majors. Maybe the team needs fresh ideas, the SEC teams know what to expect every time they play TN. Don't get me wrong I am and have always been a TN fan/supporter and yes my blood does bleed orange! At the rate they are playing right now, they will not be a .500 team this year. Please prove me wrong!!! GO VOLS!!!
OldNumber7 writes:
Woo wee, I am ready for the Fulmer backers to join in - I am in the mood to pick a fight. Special teams - TERRIBLE. Offense - TERRIBLE. Defense - TERRIBLE. But don't worry guys, the NFL talent scouts are looking past that score. I will not spend another dime on Tennessee football until this entire staff is out!
Spuchy writes:
Hamilton, fire the entire coaching staff. I've offically had it. Enough already. My money/support will not be going to my alma mater until these guys are leave...
eb502us#225637 writes:
As bad as our defense is, Fulmer and Cutcliffe are completely clueless. Fulmer with the offensive line and running issues and Cutcliffe with the rediculous playcalling. They both tell us how they're going to run the ball in short yardage situations, then on a key 4th and 1 in the first quarter, we go to shotgun without even giving UF a play action possibility. Absoulutely rediculous!!! and hypocritical of everything they continue to preach week after week. As for Cutcliffe, our dink and dunk offense is uncalled for when UF NEVER put any pressure on Ainge when he dropped back and passed. Any wonder why we couldn't run the ball as we NEVER threw the ball deep when the opportunity and protection was there all game long. Fulmer and Cutcliffe are without a doubt the worst coaching combination in the SEC and both need to go!!!
Coord writes:
Let's see now, UT colors are about right I'd say. White for surrender and orange is as about as close to yellow as you can get so I guess they should keep them for another week. What a waste of my afternoon.
Thanks for nothing coaches.
yeavols#228407 writes:
RUnning up the score now is the thing to do for BCS points. It's good for the VOLS to see who has fire to play and who doesn't. Vols looked like they gave up at the end of the 3rd quarter. No heart, no fire, just mediocracy. I am over it. Look for a loss at Alabama and possibly Georgia or South Carlina. If only the Evil Genious Spurrier went to Tennessee. But it was our conservative non innovative old style up the middle bull phooey plays that kept Spurrier from coming. I hope every old FOGEY at Neyland gets their money worth this year. I am starting to fume as you can tell. But who is listening?
waterskier3#226480 writes:
I SAID IT BEFORE THE GAME AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN.... WE ARE A BAD TEAM WITH A LOT OF TALENT.... FIRE ALL OF THEM NOW BEFORE WE LOSE TO KENT AND VANDY IN THE SAME YEAR......
ANYONE KNOW HAMILTONS NUMBER....
VOLNATION WE CAN'T STAND FOR THIS TYPE OF PLAY
mwellham#216327 writes:
A complete embarassment to the whole program! It is time for a change!
mtnvol writes:
Before we all jump on players (coaches are fair game), you have to admit that TV coverage didn't tell us everything. Did Ainge throw short because Db's were 20 yards off the ball? Couldn't tell from TV. Did we have to go to the 3rd receiver because everyone else was covered? Couldn't tell by TV. Blame the coaches all you want, but give the kids a break.
cookvol1 writes:
This team,for all the talk in spring and fall about being tough,is about as soft and weak and slow as any Tennessee team I can remember.In 2005,as I have said before,was one of our best Defenses but we couldnt keep them off the field long enough to rest,now we just do NOT have a defense.Its a shame that this team cant get 18 inches on a third down play but we didnt give up a sack,AMAZING,it is time for a complete house cleaning from top to bottom.The talent is there it just needs coached.I didnt have this bad of a feeling in 2005.We got man handled by a YOUNG florida team,they have what 2 or 3 starters back on defense from last year???and we still cant move the ball and after hearing about the conditioning since spring,this team has wilted in the second half against cal and florida.
footballfan writes:
Does anyone happen to know if Fulmer is clued in on what the Orange Nation thinks of him? If I was the most hated man around it would be a no brainer for me to find somewhere else to be. How much longer til the bricks start flying through his living room window? I wouldn't want to be the one dealing with drunk (and angry) Vols fans. Better wake up fast fat man, cause it could get pretty uncomfortable for you pretty soon. I am not saying that that kind of behavior is a good thing, but I think it is inevitable that it will happen sometime. I would try to disappear before it started if I could. Just trying to help Phil. Arizona has great retirement homes. Enjoy.
Go Vols.
OldNumber7 writes:
Hamilton, start scouting the US for a new coaching staff and let them utilize these new recruits and have them compete in 2 to 3 years - you better act fast - start looking now. If you wait until talent comes here no more - then it will all be over (program gone). The program is now a bottom tier SEC team - wake up fast!
BEEBEE writes:
Time for Field Goal Phil to retire. Let's hire Bill Cowher, pay him 3 million and win the SEC East in 2009.
mdvol writes:
Andy, I'm with you man. I'll never be confused with CRVol but it would be easier to defend Michael Vick than Fulmer right now. You guys missed some good female dogin' to go with our whippin' on Josh Ward's gameday blog. No sense holding back now. It's bad. I posted my frustration on the other blog but it goes with the prevailing sentiment.
It has to be as unacceptable to Hamilton as it is to the Big Orange Nation to be used as a doormat on national TV. Twice. BCS style points against us? Give up 59 points? Outrageous. Could have stomached a close loss. A competitive game. Cal and UF are the NUMBER TWO teams in their respective conferences. What "direction" would you say the program is headed?
dmjohn2#576066 writes:
I’m setting here watching Kentucky and Louisville play and I don't know if ol' Fulmer is going to beat Kentucky, Alabama or Georgia. I don't know who will be the coach next year, but it better not be Phil.
maddog72 writes:
Who replaces fulmer at coach? Who replaces him when he is fired?
lamigravol writes:
Phil Fulmer is the Lloyd Carr of the SEC. Can't beat his rival, is perfectly happy with 8 wins, has embarassing loses to schools they should beat and CAN'T GET FIRED!!!! Why?
brundlefly writes:
Disgusting...utterly disgusting. Here's the way you show how you feel, fans. Anyone who would pay to watch the Arkansas State game next week is a FOOL. DO NOT BUY THE GAME!! We need to hit this program where it will hurt the most - in their pockets. Obviously, nothing else will work.
utvol1968 writes:
If Tennessee finishes ahead of Vandy this year it will be a shock!
olozbal#646632 writes:
I'm with the announcer, we don't have a deep ball threat until Ainge gets healthy. Ainge did the best he could, sit him for the next game to get healthy.
Basketball_Jones writes:
Alot of you are saying what I have been saying since 2002. Thats when I gave my season tickets up. Every game we go into we can expect to get outcoached in all aspects of the game, offense-defense-special teams etc we have and always have had the worst coaches in the SEC. So what we won a NC, look at the talent that team had. I mean we had the same talent the year before and had maybe the greatest QB in history of football and got waxed in the Orange Bowl. Please quit Phil, John, David, Trooper and Co. Just resign at the ned of the year....There is a reason Vol fans that other teams don't beat down our doors to interview our coaches either for college or the NFL
mttallent#329252 writes:
How long does a coach get to ride the coat tails of a national title? I think 10 years is a little too much. Going into this game I was actually delusional enough to think we had a chance to win. Our record over the last 3 years is enough to convince me that is it is time to bring in a talented and fired up coach to bring us back to a competitive level. I still can not believe I actually thought Tennessee would show up to play and win this game. Well at least we are not Notre Dame.
winbigvols writes:
I said for years Fulmer has won with talent. Now he isn't getting all the bluechippers and has to coach, he can't. I have never been a Fulmer fan but how far do we slip before he steps down. You say its not about coaching, has anybody seen the Alabama team, totally different team from last year. ITS ALL ABOUT COACHING!!!!!! Look at Tennessee Basketball team. It was sad to watch, and why is our best player Coker on the side line, either throw him off or let him play. Fulmer hired Cutcliffe because he doesn't want anybody in here smarter than him, he remembers what he did to Majors. Next year looks worse, Crompton looks like a big disappointment. Very sad, watched but couldn't believe how far we have slide. I only see 2 more sure wins, I thought Missippi State would be a sure win but they won at Auburn and we have to go to Mississippi State. Look at it and be objective.
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