Pride takes a beating along with defense

  • By Mark Burgess
  • Posted September 15, 2007 at 10:18 p.m., updated September 15, 2007 at 10:18 p.m.

Gameday links

Tennessee Stat Book

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Demonte Bolden wasn't alone in his frustration.

He was just the most vocal.

"It hurts your pride," the University of Tennessee defensive tackle said after the Vols' humbling 59-20 loss Saturday night in the Swamp. "Our pride was left out on that field.

"My pride is hurting - period. I came to Tennessee to win. I hate (expletive) losing."

And this was a big loss.

The Vols (1-2, 0-1 SEC) were chewed up and spit out by a Florida offense that rushed for 255 yards and passed for 299.

For the non-math majors out there, that's 554 yards of total offense for the defending national champions.

"It's a pride check for us all," UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "I know it is for me.

"I'll tell you, I don't feel very good right now."

The Vols were burned for plays of 20-or-more yards seven times.

Sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow, the man ESPN hyped as Superman reincarnated coming into the game, lived up to the billing.

He had 18 carries for 61 yards and two touchdowns. He also hit on 14 of 19 passes for 299 yards and two more scores.

The Gators ended up scoring 31 unanswered points after the Vols had trimmed the lead to 28-20 on a 96-yard interception return from true freshman cornerback Eric Berry.

It looked like the momentum had shifted.

"We were in a position to win the game right there," UT linebacker Ryan Karl said. "We had come back and I just don't know what happened."

First, an offensive fumble was recovered for a TD on UT's ensuing possession,

Then the Gators' offense slammed the door shut by scoring on its final four possessions of the game.

Included was a nine-play, 99-yard drive to make it 42-20 with 14:50 remaining in the game.

"We didn't play the deep ball very well and we didn't rush the passer as well as we need to," Chavis said. "We just didn't make plays.

"We're a growing football team and we're not polished by any stretch of the imagination. We're going to look at what we've done coaching wise and see if we can get better, look at players and see if we can get better.

"You just can't give up that kind of yardage."

Against California in the season opener, UT surrendered 471 yards in a 45-31 loss.

In a 39-19 victory against Southern Miss last week, the Golden Eagles still managed 354 yards, including 264 through the air.

That's an average of 459.7 yards a game.

"We put our defense in some tough situations and we didn't respond the way a good defense should," Chavis said. "That tells you we've got a lot of work to do."

Berry was a bright spot with the long interception return, but he also got burned for a 30-yard TD from Tebow to Riley Cooper late in the first quarter.

"We're excited about (the return), but we're not excited about the big plays," defensive backs' coach Larry Slade said. "It's not an even trade off to be honest with you.

"Their athletes made plays and we didn't."

Florida receiver Percy Harvin burned the Vols for 75 yards rushing and a score, plus 120 yards receiving on four catches.

To Karl, it looked like Cal's DeSean Jackson all over again.

"They're one in the same," he said. "They're fast, have all the moves in the world and they're big-play guys."

Jonathan Hefney, Jarod Parrish, Rico McCoy and Karl finished with seven tackles apiece to lead the Vols.

Jerod Mayo added six and Xavier Mitchell had four, including the Vols' only tackle for a loss.

"It's all mental," Mitchell said. "We were all recruited here to play in these types of games and we have the ability. We just have to come to work on Monday and look at the mistakes we made.

"Nobody wants to lose and definitely nobody wants to lose like we did. We just have to be strong and put it behind us."

Get Copyright Permissions © 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2007 govolsxtra.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Discuss
  • Print

Also in Football

Comments » 134

Regulator writes:

I'm sick and tired of hearing the same old excuses from everyone associated with the program, players and coaches. I've been a defender of Fulmer, and I sincerely hoped that he would get things turned around. I don't think that today's game was a "must win" game, but the way UT looked screams that perhaps it's time for a major change in the coaching staff. The D has been trending downhill over the past several seasons, scheme wise and just fundamental execution. The O was very generic today. I fully understand that sometimes you have to take what the defense gives you, but UF doesn't seem to have any problems in putting freshmen at WR and throwing the ball down the field. There's no excuse for not being able to average even two yards per carry with the recruits UT brings in. If they don't know how to block or break a tackle, why were all of these other schools across the country trying to bring them in? On a positive note, aside from the Coker situation to start the season, the off the field distractions and bad behavior seem to have been remedied, but that hasn't translated to on field success, and in the end, that's what it's all about, don't give me that phooey about turning out quality young men. UT was OWNED in every facet of that game today. It's sad to see how far they've fallen, comparing this team's effort and results to the '98 National Champs. The UT-UF game was on ESPN Classic yesterday. They blocked and tackled, made plays on offense, and came up with stops when they needed them on D. How many of you happened to read the SI article last week on Randy Shannon at Miami? That's how you coach and inspire. Miami may be down this year, perhaps for a couple, but they'll be as strong as ever in due time because of their coach. I hope whoever is coaching this team next year remembers the Gators running up the score. Paybacks are h*ll.

Ironcity writes:

We play a poor undisiplined defense that every team in the counrty is exploiting. I would prefer we sit in a cover 2 zone and start trying to punish people. Wait that would actually mean we would have to learn how to tackle and play physical football. That hasn't happened since 2001. What a shame. There has to be a D3 team somewhere that would want Chavis to be there head coach, please anyone!

VolunTampa writes:

One word for tonight's loss: Humiliating. It will be a long 365 days for those of us who root for the Vols from Florida. We were outcoached in the first half and outplayed in the second half. I've never criticized our coaching staff in this forum before, but at this point I believe that only a full scale house cleaning of our head coach and offensive and defensive coordinators will allow this program to reclaim a place among the nation's elite. Florida may have more talent, and certainly shouldn't have continued to play its starters so late in the game with such a sizeable lead, but there's still no excuse for such an embarrassing loss. Utterly humiliating...

arkyvol writes:

i just hope this is a low point. goodness knows, i wouldn't want this to become typical.

IdahoVol writes:

I always have and always will back the Vols. But the play tonight finally wore me down. Watching Fla, Ark, Ala and Ky, it looks like we are definitely a mid to bottom half of the conference team. My cheering will be done from home. No more 3 hour drives, $50 tickets, $100 hotel rooms or "dadgum popcorn" until changes are made to get our program turned around!

tenken writes:

You know what these arent' excuses people. They were honest in these quotes. What the heck are they going to say? Tell me really what they are going to say. Give me an example. They didn't make excuses. They are mad at themselves. These kids are the ones using their bodies on the field. We just get to watch. We dont' really have any vested interest other then our emotions. They have their bodies out their on that field. There is no one more heartbroken then these kids who play for us every Saturday. Give them a break people. Quite basing your happiness on what these guys do on the field.

vol4good#206163 writes:

You just hit what it will take to rid TN of Fullmer. Money! If UT doesnt get money, change will be made. Fullmer is the Head of the snakes. He wont go quietly.

tenken writes:

I am so glad you guys aren't coaches. We would be in serious trouble. You pick your tails up and dust em off and get on with the next game. Onto ASU. We will be fine. After Auburn embarrased us three years ago we won out in the SEC. We will be fine. Mark it down

vol4good#206163 writes:

So you are a father of a player Tenken? Last time I looked, no one is holding a gun to any players heads. Mabye we should. That should motivate them. Getting their tails kicked sure doesnt. Oh and by the way, if they continue to play like a bunch of girls. No one will "get to watch for long". We will find other things to do with our time and our money. Then the University will have to find another way to fund the ENTIRE FREAKING athletic dept. Frankly, tenken-- I havent heard many fans bashing the players. We are mostly upset with the coaches.

DennisVols writes:

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got"
Tired of the excuse, "growing team". The Gators started 9 new players on defense and they seemed to be very prepared for UT's offense. Of course if you have seen our offense once since the '99 season began you know excatly what UT is going to do.
I watched 2 totally different coaches today. One was full of fire, he showed passion and desire through out the game, was angry when players did wrong, showed excitement when the plays were made.
On the other side was a coach who looked as though he had lost all his passion, even when upset it really did not show. I live in Atlanta and after last weeks lost to USC the sports pundits said the GA coach was too soft, had no fire. Well he has company now. I was ashamed of what I saw today. Where is the passion, pride, desire that this once great team had? Time for the university to make that tough decision,yes we know he played for UT and coached a National Championship team here. But when the tires go bald you change them or you wreck. Today I saw a really bad wreck.
Keeping it Real

eschroeder#627726 writes:

I heard a lot of talk about the O-lines offseason weight room work to get back to "Tennessee Footbal" but I'm not seeing it.

Can anyone tell me how much more this years line can bench and squat vs. last year? I think Fulmer's rhetoric has once again taken a back seat to results.

invisiblekid writes:

Pride wasn't the only thing left on that field, so were their a**es. "Bring it," UT's senior defensive end said. "That's what goes through my mind. I think that's everybody's mindset." "He wants to run the ball and that's fine with me," Mitchell said of Tebow. "We thrive on hitting quarterbacks. If he wants to lower his shoulder, we'll lower ours too and bring the hat." Think it's about time for these guys on defense to keep quiet. Not talking would have helped conserve the oxygen they needed chasing Harvin around all day.

newtonrail writes:

dlskaggs as I said on another post, I've never been a great fan of Fulmer, past or present. I do have disagree with you(and some others) who decide how passionate a coach is by his sideline(or court side) demeanor. Not everyone is the same. Florida's ex coach Mr. Zook is one of the most demonstrative sideline coaches I've seen, but now he's building a team at Illinois. I guess Florida wanted someone more low key. Oh, you say he didn't win enough. YOu get the point.

skinalive#242458 writes:

There are 40 pragrams in college ball better than Tennessee right now.

If we fire Fulmer (which would be like Christmas) we would hire another conservative coach with no innovation. Vol fans are still doing the "wave" at games.

This program is so far behind the times it makes dinosaurs look futuristic.

Tennessee couldn't run the spread option offense if you gave them four years to practice it. We can't even hand the ball off. Arian Foster is a great kid but he doesn't scare anybody. Ainge is still trying to exorcise the '05 demons. The Chavis defense is in Randy Sanders regression mode on a turbo charge.

We lose 6 games this year if we're lucky.

Regulator writes:

I believe being a member of the VASF, no matter the amount of your donation, "vests" our interest in the team. Much like any financial investment, you expect a certain amount of return on your dollar. We aren't getting much return on our dollars these days, especially the folks making donations with multiple zeroes. These young men have the PRIVILEGE of a free college education in return for playing a game of football. If they're good enough at this game, they won't need the free education they're receiving because they'll be making millions, so forgive me if I'm a little peeved over the effort and execution put forth. As for the coaching staff, they are handsomely rewarded financially as well, it's about time they earn it.

MANVOL writes:

Tenken' well i am a coach and it is up to the coach to put the kids in a position to succeed and win and this coacking staff is not benifiting the kids nor the fans that pay for everyting at the university. Bought a ticket lately? The kids as you call them come to this university to play for a winning program if the winning stops so goes the talent. Trust me i've been here when we had little talent and winning 6 and 7 games a year was the norm. We are sliding or have slid in that direction. Ask the kids you want to play for a winning program or keep things as they are' they would proably help Phil pack his boxes. Remember this; how good of a coach would Phil be if Sterner did'nt fumble the ball in 98.!!!! Phil retire with dignity you can keep your pride dont be run off like Majors!

chrisw2967 writes:

"It's a pride check for us all," UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "I know it is for me

well its pride check for Chavis now , what was it after the Cal game? It should be check out time for him now and Fulmer said its time to go back to basics , he is so full of S#$% , It gets old after every lost its either time to go back to basics or all you can eat buffet. I have never liked Fulmer and never will , hes not even an average coach. Put him at another school and he doesnt win 3 football games. Its time for him to pack his fridge and move on. anybody need tickets ?

skinalive#242458 writes:

This just in:

Urban Meyer's lost shoe has been found.......stuck up Phil Fulmer's a$$.

copan07#220906 writes:

I would like to know how injured is Erik Ainge?(finger) The announcer said too little has been made about his injury. What scares me even more is the future...Crompton did not look good at all compared to the Gators second string QB.

Hunter writes:

"We're in no way a polished team." Ya think, Chief? He must think we're all idiots that follow the Vols. It's plain to see that this defense is not "polished" or even functional. I have NEVER been on the "Fire Fulmer" bandwagon (highest winning % among coaches with 10 years experience - there are more stipulations to that stat every year) but please tell me where the bandwagon's next stop is so that I can get on. It's time for an overhaul on Rocky Top. Bring in Greg Schiano from Rutgers and Tenuta fom GA Tech and let's get back into the top half of the SEC for starters!

MANVOL writes:

CRVol; Johnny is proabaly somewhere drunk.

newtonrail writes:

MANVOL, Coach Majors lives in Knoxville now, and you couldn't hold his jock strap. Been around him several times recently, and Diet Coke or Pepsi is all he drinks. Anonymous rumors are fun when they aren't about you, aren't they? @&& H**e.

pamjeffnelson#212803 writes:

Look out below. This team will be lucky to win 5 games this season (Southern Miss., Arky State, Miss. State,Louisiana Lafayette,Vanderbilt) ...This is one of the top 5 jobs in the country and we are not playing the game a whole lot different than we did in 1991...We have the worst special teams in the SEC and the defense could not stop Carson Newman (No offense,Eagles fans)...Who will be our next coach ? When will the hammer fall ?

off_the_porch writes:

Ok. I am a long time reader but a first time responder. I went to my first Vols game in '68; when the teams entered from the sides. I have been giving to VASF for 25 years and I have flown from overseas to watch the Vols play.

I too was upset at the way Majors was dismissed or whatever word you want to insert. I felt that Majors was too conservative in play calling/selection to beat the majority of teams we were facing. The same can now be said of Fulmer. I want a better return on investment (ROI) and in my opinion, Fulmer is not getting it done. However, this time when we replace the head coach, lets look coast to coast and not within Knox county.

BluetickBlues writes:

How disgusting is it to watch Foster fumble away any chance at victory in the swamp, just like he did against Penn State? Ainge's legacy is now set at UT. Injury prone, underachiever, who never won the big game. Then again maybe its not their fault. Both players were very good their freshman years but have declined in each year under the tutelage of the Vols coaching staff. Someone tell Eric Berry to transfer so our coaches dont ruin him. He is truly something special and one of the few reasons to continue to watch games this year.

formerfan writes:

Fla vs W. Ky 49-3
Fla vs Troy 59-31
Fla vs UT 59-20

So much for pride...

MANVOL writes:

newtonrail, no need for name calling thats good hear. I guess if you live long enuff everyone can clean up their act. Being a teenager around the team back then lets say it wasnt a big secret of his bevarge of choice. Not spreading rumors here if you lived in Knox back when. If he hadnt alinated himself with his abusive personality he may have coached a few more years. Maybe he can help clear house on the hill.

nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:

I have never been on a "fire fulmer" bandwagon and I don't guess I am now. But... I have heard others say for some time that TN has dropped off when compared to other programs. I didn't listen. The 5-6 year, everyone has a year like that every decade or so... I thought that was ours. Losing to Florida... we did that with Peyton too so I still wasn't too concerned. Now after tonight... I see Kentucky beats Louisville, Alabama beats a good Arkansas team, South Carolina is stinking 17 in the polls, and let's not even talk about LSU who used to be a joke. I fear that we have become an average SEC team. I am not writing off the rest of the year but it will be a dog fight to get those wins!

hehunt69#350313 writes:

For anyone who has forgotten what Johnny Majors did for the UT football program..read the Vol Historian Blog "When Johnny Majors Came Marching Home" ( see Go Vols Home Page). He did deserve much better treatment by Dickey and Fulmer. Majors has moved and so should Fulmer!

footballfan writes:

I, too, am glad that others out there wish to kick fatso to the curb, 'firefulmer'. I imagine that we could have some fun making fun of how pitiful it is watching this abysmal excuse for a coach manage a game. I hate it so much for the team but this is more than just a coaching problem now. When Fulmer is gone, the new coach will be "one of the family". That family being the morons that have run the team into the ground. The losing will continue until the athletic department gets a redressing in management from the top all the way to the bottom. Many, many fans put money in the pockets of those whose job it is to produce competitive sports teams. The major problem with this is simple economics and politics. For the confused let me break it down a little. It is true the fans contribute a pretty nice chunk of money into the school. But, from a personal standpoint, we are the faceless contributors that do not have to be dealt with in the meeting rooms. Therefore, as long as we continue to pour money in, no one cares how we feel. That is the economical aspect of this issue. Politically speaking, those in power want to stay in power. That is a basic rule of politics, not a fascinating discovery. The only way to exact our will on these money and power moguls is to do everything we can to hit them where it hurts. Take away what monetary contribution we provide for them. The loss of money will inevitably bring about a loss of power. Then the winds of change can blow and success can return to our beloved Rocky Top. There it is. This opinion has been expressed fervently by many others already. I just wanted to throw my elementary explanation into the mix. I am going to post this on a few other articles to try and drive the point home. I suggest those with similar sentiments do the same.
Go Vols.

tenecc#214163 writes:

I am 74 years old and would like to see, before I exit this mortal life, Tenessee football as it was in the 1950's. I feel like the powers that be in Tennessee Football are a much younger age and there is no urgency to fix the problem.
I have been retired for nine years, the same as Tennessee Football!!!

tlc429#392720 writes:

Dear chrisw2967,
Thanks for the laugh so early in the morning. Don't worry, after all my laughing, I agree with you 100%. My brother, thinks we (UT) takes good players and makes them bad players. Do you need an example? I'll give you one on offense and one on defense. 1) Ainge 2) Hefney. Based on Ainge's play as a true freshman, he should be 20-30 for 300+ yards a game. If not, our rushing yards should be be in the upper 200's. Oh, he's hurt? Just wait and see? I loved Heath Schuler but I remember when he faded to black in the NFL. Welcome back to TN Heath! No offense intended. Anybody remember Hefney as a true freshman? How many times did he get burned yesterday? How many INT's did we have? And how many was Hefney involved in? All I've read thus far is "I wasn't on the fire Phil bandwagon before but..." Hell, I'm DRIVING the wagon!!!!! Who needs a lift? I want to clean house from top to bottom. I'd like to keep Trooper but I doubt he would fit into another coach's scheme. He's the only coach we've had in the past 5 years who's earned his salary. Chavis is played out and although I cheered when Majors was overthrown, I'll cheer when Fulmer is sent packing too. And don't try to sell me any of that "Majors Era" phooey. I'm 46yrs old and I remember losing EVERY home opener and sitting in traffic on the strip afterwards yelling "SEASON TICKETS...CHEAP"!!!

volfaninchattanooga writes:

"Memo to Fulmer: Perhaps you should have held back some of that $1 million you and wife Vicky so graciously gave the university and instead spent it on a special teams coach."
Mark Wiedmer from the Times Free Press in Chattanooga. 1. Press the kicking game for here is where the breaks are made. How bad does it have to get?

Vol737 writes:

This has gone on long enough. Enough excuses from the coaching staff. Enough of "...we'll just have to get back and look at the film and work like heck to get back to playing Tenn. football...". I won't even watch the Fulmer Show today b/c I'll vomit when I hear him say it again!! Enough of hiring your buddies to the coaching staff instead of going out and getting the best in the business - If Phil were a CEO in any other business, he would have been gone a long time ago for a stunt like that! Enough of Florida laying it out in plain view on how to coach, how to run a program, how to turn your playmakers loose and let them play and Fulmer goes 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Oh yeah, play it close to the vest, because that's what really works, right Phil???!!

We should NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, get manhandled like that by ANYONE with the $$$$ and resources at this program. We're staring a .500 season in the face and the bluehair Trustees had better get a gameplan together. A half empty Neyland Stadium on Saturdays might get the point across. This program is delusional if they think UT is not getting ready to be an annual doormat for UF, BAMA, UGA, and South Carolina if Fulmer and his brand of football remain in place. Fulmer keeps getting raises and ticket prices keep going up. Why?

bruteforce7#630403 writes:

The answer is JEFF FISHER people. I'm telling you the guy is great at getting average players (blue chippers)to play like all stars! He out coaches and pulls things out of that hat when you least expect it. I know we have to have more talent than whats being put on the field. It's time for a BIG change. Hell I'd settle for Bill Cower. Goodbye Phil its been real.

Vol737 writes:

bruteforce7,

Let's put Gruden, Spurrier, and Chow on that short list too. Throw the $$$$ on the table and see who wants it more. Back in '88 we started 0-6 and everyone wanted Majors gone. There was a coach at Duke that was winning that made it very clear he wanted the job. We did nothing. Today he coaches at South Carolina and he pretty much owned UT through his tenure at Florida. Let's not make the same mistake again. I think we should at least ask him if he would like to come home to East Tennessee.

yeavols#228407 writes:

Look at the numbers as of late..like in the last 10 years. I too for 10 years have said that Fulmer will get it turned around and we'll be back on top. I have now opened my eyes. This is the norm now: Mediocracy, fumbles, dropped passes, questionable plays, a passive Neyland stadium, and a loss of respect. This cannot contiue. Coaches come and go in this business. There is nothing wrong with a coaching change. Coaches become stale when they find a comfort zone and Fulmer has found his comfort zone-UT. We are falling behind. Everyone now wants to be champions and play for younger more innovative coaches which is why Florida is raking in the talent. We should start recruiting in Florida and scoop up all the players the Gators can't recruit. At any rate, LET"S START SHOPPING FOR A COACH and an entire coaching change. JEFF FISHER? CHRIS PETERSEN? ANYONE ELSE?

imnotwithphil writes:

Folks - there's only one reason that Foolmore is our head coach - that that's because we have supported him. We buy the tickets, the merchandise, the pay for view games... we're the source of Phil's $2 million. If you want to see change at the top, take action by (1) not going to the games (2) not buying TN merchandise (3) canceling your donation to the University and (4) writing Hamilton a letter/email requesting a head coaching change. This coaching change is in our hands - we have the power to make it happen... we just need to find the courage to withhold our support of the program until change does happen.

bruteforce7#630403 writes:

ok they'll call it 3rd and about an inch, vols line up in the power I formation. Ainge under center hands off to Foster and O my he has been stone walled at the line of scrimage, maybe lost a few on the play! This will be what it sounds like when we play Bama, SC, and Arkansa. MARK MY WORDS! You can't when ballgames with no run at all. My goodness work on the running game

UpstateSCVol writes:

Stupidity - "To do the same thing over and over and expect different results" At this point I think I'm the stupid one! I keep justifying all of the prior poor performance and lack of execution on youth and experience but honestly thought we still had a chance against Florida. I keep thinking that Fulmer will get things turned around and that's obviously not the case either but I continue thinking that he will. I have always supported UT's coaching staff (other than Randy Sanders), and like a lot of us felt that this year would bring some real excitement. I'm not throwing Fulmer under the bus right now but how can he allow OUR Volunteers to be utterly humiliated like this? I have always worn my orange with pride but right now it’s very hard when you get 59 hung on you. For the sake of all of us get creative, try something new, and stop being so darn predictable.

luckymacy#423360 writes:

The coaching staff must go. Our offensive and defensive lines have been so lame for so long that if it wasn't for T Martin's timely scrambling ability and a lucky Arkansas fumble there would really never have been a bright spot in the Fulmer era. Fulmer is supposed to be a line coach at the core and the lack of good line play tells me all I need to know about his real coaching abilities, year in and year out. Amazingly many of the linemen go on to do well in the pros but Fulmer and company find a way to make them appear average at best on Saturdays.

Ainge reminds me of a poor mans Peyton. We didn't win the big games with him either. Bring back the "athletic" QB, like Florida has done with Tebow, who can run his way out of the trouble that the lame game-time coaching Fulmer and staff put the players in all too frequently.

Time to wipe the slate clean and really start over. I feel like I'm watching a coaching staff who are WAAAAYYYY past their prime. Why can Florida reload with innovative coaches about as well as they reload with top player talent and we can't? Lord knows we fork out the coaching salary $$$$$.

gatavol writes:

gata stands for Get After Their @ss, We don't have that ability
I haven't put on a uniform in 25 years and probably couldn't run to the frig without passing out, but I bet I could throw the football against this defence with my eyes closed. And running the ball, why run when you could walk? I'm not saying Field Goal Phil needs to go just yet but John Chavis...He should have been gone a decade ago. He has riden the coat tails of top quality young players long enough.

VolMoment writes:

Enough is enough. I have been a supporter of Fulmer, but now it is time for a change. He is still coaching not to lose. Their defense had our other than basis plays, also them most of the time, covered. Like our reverse. We know their reverse is coming and our coaches don't have the correct alignment called.
We can all arm chair coach, but it is evident the program needs a new leader.

mdvol writes:

When Florida was tired of mediocrity they fired Ron Zook. Good call. Two years later they we're national champions.

tennisvol writes:

Special teams have been a problem for years. I think the head coach should take over these teams and earn of the millions he is making.

Mr_Bandman writes:

I posted this same comment on another page, but it seems appropriate.....I have been a Fulmer apologist for years....but it is hard to argue with anything said here today....Tennessee desperately needs a change of philosophy....it pains me to say this, because I was as angry as anyone when he said it, but Steve Spurrier was right all those years ago when, after a Florida blowout over UT, he quipped, "Players play how they're coached"....it is time for Tennessee to start putting together a package to buy out Fulmer's contract....cut bait and look for a new spot to cast.

steve22043#233791 writes:

Please promote Trooper to head coach. The players love him. I've been a Fulmer defender over the years, but his success has gone the opposite way as he has let himself get further out of shape. The worst part of the season is hopefully behind us--I still think it's possible we could win out. But thinking past this season and changes that need to be made to return us to elite status--how can coaches inspire young people to be good athletes when you are letting you're own body go to pot?

gillblog writes:

When he was in college, folks in NC used to say; "who's the only person who can keep Michael Jordan from scoring 40 pts a game? Dean Smith."
Coaching can and does make a huge difference in game performance. Watching UT now reminds me of Bill Battle days; you know there are talented players on the field, they just aren't performing. We all know how UT eventually fixed that problem. BTW, what position does Trooper Taylor coach now? How are his players performing lately? I don't understand the affection some people have for Taylor as a coach.

k0605#241765 writes:

I've always liked Fulmer, but after the last two+ years think it's time for a change in the coaching staff. We need to install the spread next year. Crompton can run that. Hire Florida's defensive coach.

imnotwithphil writes:

hehunt69 - I agree - the post on Majors was a good one... we as fans should be ashamed at how Johnny was treated back in '92. We do have one shot a redemption... the program could FIRE FOOLMORE in mid season, and bring Johnny back as the interim head coach while we search for a replacement. The position would be symbolic, but it would be a classy way for the program to properly say "thanks" and "goodbye" to a Tennessee football legend...

Share your thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Comments can be shared on Facebook and Yahoo!. Add both options by connecting your profiles.

Features