Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Arkansas State
- When: Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Arkansas State
Tennessee Stat Book
John Chavis knows the score, and he isn't talking about his Tennessee defense.
Watching film of Arkansas State's season-opening loss at Texas, Chavis knows how close the Indians came to sending another shockwave through a college football season that has already seen a year's worth of upsets in the first month.
"If Arkansas State would have taken advantage of the times they were (inside the 20-yard line) against Texas, there may have been another upset," Chavis said. "They had the opportunities."
And for the second time this season, Tennessee has an opportunity to show it's not as bad as it looked in a lopsided loss to a top 10 opponent.
This time, the unranked Vols (1-2) host Arkansas State (1-1) tonight at 7 o'clock in Neyland Stadium (TV: Pay-per-view) hoping to rebound after suffering their worst loss under coach Phillip Fulmer, last week against No. 3 Florida.
A response like the one the Vols delivered in the second half of its lone victory this season against Southern Miss is exactly what quarterback Erik Ainge wants to see again.
"This game is very important for us. We need to not fumble handoffs and not give up special teams touchdowns and not make the mistakes we're making on offense and defense right now," Ainge said. "Would it be the end of the world (if UT lost)? No. Because it's not an SEC game. But from the attitude of this team, and where we need to go, it is a huge game."
Huge because the Vols step back into SEC play following next week's bye with a home game against Georgia.
And there are plenty of mistakes left to correct before then.
A lack of execution on short yardage and costly turnovers by the offense are chief among them.
So is plugging holes in the Vols' sieve of a punt coverage team, which ranks last in the country and has already given up a pair of returns for touchdowns.
Limiting big plays - like the 11 plays that resulted in nearly 300 yards of total offense by Florida last week - is the primary concern for the defense.
So, too, is an Arkansas State offense that is exactly the kind of attack that has given UT fits in the past.
Quarterback Corey Leonard can beat teams with his legs or his arm, as evidenced by his 300-plus yards of total offense a game.
Against the Longhorns, he passed for 272 yards and engineered a 98-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
Tailback Reggie Arnold is averaging 112 yards a game - or about a yard fewer than UT's average through three games - on the ground and had 68 yards against Texas.
Those two players were the primary players in Arkansas State's near upset of Texas that turned into a 21-13 loss.
But it could have been much closer had the Indians connected on two missed field goals and not thrown an interception in the end zone.
After watching his own offense commit costly turnovers early this season, UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe can empathize.
"There's a very miniscule number of plays that have been really negative plays for us," Cutcliffe said. "What's happened is they've been disastrous. When we have a bad play on offense, it's a third-and-short or it's two turnovers for touchdowns."
Despite the fact the Indians, whose lone win over an SEC opponent came in 1915 against Ole Miss, enters today's game as a double-digit underdog, those mistakes can still be fatal.
Fulmer has been pleased with the way his team responded in practice this week, but today will be the first step in recovery from that demoralizing trip to The Swamp.
No matter what happens today, Ainge is confident it won't be Gator-related.
"We know how to make sure that the reason we win or lose that game has nothing to do with what happened at Florida," Ainge said. "It has to do with how we go about practice and our attitude."
This week Tennessee can begin setting the tone for the rest of its season, which isn't done yet, according to offensive lineman Anthony Parker.
"Right now we are looking at the rest of the season as we're going to win the rest of our games," Parker said. "We don't feel like the season's done. We're behind coach Fulmer 100 percent. That's our coach and we love playing for our coach.
"We're going to go out here for our next nine games and try to win them all."
Drew Edward covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 42
99gator writes:
ok, now there is proof positive that fulmer needs to go. for ainge to even acknowledge the possibility of losing to ark state is just downright awful. boy, how much have you guys fallen off the map. a loss would not destory the season because it's not an SEC game. are you serious?
CoverOrange writes:
good point, 99, and you missed pointing out that Parker said "try". No, we aren't serious, that's why we are laughing all the way to Fulmer's bank with tears streaming down our checks, I mean cheeks.
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
Absolutely unbelievable: Erik, I know you are very young and naive, but that response to that question is simply unacceptable. Words cannot describe how terrible a loss to Arkansas State would be. Although I know it isn't beyond the realm of possibility. It would be a complete disaster.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
We all know that there are legions of fans out there who are hoping, either publicly or privately, for us to lose to Ark. St. Why? Because they believe such losses are the only way to hasten this coaching staff's departure.
UTFAN1993 writes:
Get back to this and we will be o.k.
HTTP://COLLEGEFOOTBALLBLOG.NET/?P=107
10ACVOL writes:
A response like the one the Vols delivered in the 2nd half against Southern Miss, blah blah blah blah 2nd half against Southern Miss...Geez I'm tired of hearing about that. It's like beating a girl at arm wrestling and even tho u never beat anybody else you keep saying... Man, remember that time I beat that girl in arm wrestling...
smith7206 writes:
raymond I hope the present you are hoping for is a fixed program instead of Fulmer being fired tonight. Can Fulmer fix the problems? I'm skeptical that he can BUT I'd rather he did so now than have a 1-11 season waiting for him to be gone, as some seem to prefer.
BlakeyWakey writes:
Tennessee better bounce back or fulmer is gone.... so they have to sharpen up but if we loose against ASU then we suck.. but i think a win will boost our metabolism so they have to win against ASU
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Guys relax. I can get more clear thinking at the nut house than here. Ainge is just talking. He isn't preparing for a presidential address that will be discected by millions. You guys would analyze the players stools if you thought you could use it to make a negative comment about the program or Fulmer.
Go ahead Ainge. Hit em' up for 4 touchdowns and 350 yards. No worries here.
snafu14u#241639 writes:
Remember after the 5-6 season the general opinion was to give Fulmer two seasons. This is the second season.Fulmer is now on the "Budwiser Hot Seat". Let the games begin.bonzaivol.........BTW, we are not going to get an NFL head coach to come here.Sober up man.
agentorange writes:
"i'm stuck in folsom prison and time keeps dragging on." since when do southern men come to rash reactions. this season will play out. if fulmer needs to go, he'll resign and we'll hire a new coach. wouldn't mind spurrier, pellini, or tedford + a d-coordinator. chavis should be the most worried. sick of bad D.
UTFAN1993 writes:
What should be the standard for a UT coach? An eastern division title every other year, with a conference title within every 3 years, with a national title within every 4th year.I'm just wondering since we have a full stable of talent and a near top 10 recruiting class every year, what the expectations should be of a UT coach.
imnotwithphil writes:
"There's a very miniscule number of plays that have been really negative plays for us," Cutcliffe said. "What's happened is they've been disastrous. When we have a bad play on offense, it's a third-and-short or it's two turnovers for touchdowns."
Amazing - Sanders used the same excuses two seasons ago... remember? I guess we now know who taught ole Randy how to answer interview questions...
The amazing part of this is just how disconnected to reality Cutcliffe's answer is... last time I checked the tape... we couldn't block or run against Florida or Cal... and "pounding the rock" is the cornerstone of any Foolmore lead offense.
BTW - I bet Fulmer and company end up at either Ole Miss or Miss. State after they get the boot at UT... I don't think this crew is through coaching college football...
UTFAN1993 writes:
Fulmer has stated that he only wanted to coach 4-6 more yrs. His contract has been extended until 2013. That's 6 more years, right.
CrankE writes:
"We know how to make sure that the reason we win or lose that game has nothing to do with what happened at Florida," Ainge said. "It has to do with how we go about practice and our attitude."
You've got it backwards, Erik. What happened at Florida is a direct result of how the team practices and the team's attitude. Your answer speaks volumes about the current state of this team.
gvegasvol writes:
Somebody tell how, we as fans, are supposed to forget the Florida game? Not real easy to do, but while trying to do it this week something has eased my pain greatly. Whenever I think about Fl I now can focus on the little punk who tried to enforce his will in a classroom this week. He was told by the authorities to shut-up and sit down. He thought he was a big man and didn't do it and the rest is history. I have laughed all week at hearing this kid say "Don't taze me Bro" and then scream like a little girl when they put that tazor on him! One of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. Just glad it happened to a gator student.
PRNDL writes:
rumor has it that the florida kid stole that line from one of our defensive lineman..."don't taze be bro, I ain't gonna rush no-mo". OK, that was just too easy...I really don't buy any of that stuff either.
gvegasvol writes:
what stuff is that tennis?
wisonsinvol writes:
Nicks.. Good post and good comments. Truth is that last Saturday is just that - last Saturday and history. We've had a week to get our frustrations out and it's way past time to move on. We need 60 minutes of execution on both sides of the ball - real high octane execution. This is a key game in that anything short of domination from the opening whistle will be disappointing unless we get more strategic and play the younger recievers more. I sure as heck hope that if Taylor or Rogers drop a simple pass that hits them in the hands that it is the last time they play for Tennessee or if Hefney or the senior who used to start makes one more shoulder tackle without wrapping up that they are taken out immediatedly never to play another game. One more wish for this game tonight is that if a player screws up on the field that Fulmer is in his friggin face on the sideline and not clapping his hands and patting him on the butt. This game should be about respect. Go get it.
john#208876 writes:
Anybody think Jim Bates would make a good Head Coach for Tennessee if Fulmer leaves?
tnorthern#228599 writes:
Last in punt returns should = a coaching change at the top and not a scapegoat like Sanders.
VolsFan17 writes:
I chastized my friend for having his wedding on the same day as the UT-UF game. After watching the first half, I thanked him for the fact that I had to miss the second half to attend the wedding. I'm sure I would have had a heart attack otherwise. Just watching that first half was more frustrating than the worst trip to the DMV!
VolsFan17 writes:
Maybe we could convince Peyton Manning to retire early and come back to coach.
mdvol writes:
Weddings on UT game days. It baffles me how that still happens. I know you missed a terrible game VF17 but geez, how folks don't consider the UT schedule when they plan their wedding is beyond me.
tennisvol writes:
What quarter will Ark. State return the kickoff/punt return for a TD? Will Ainge throw the ball down field? Will UT continue to run on 3rd and 1, 3rd and 2 or continue to throw the ole 2 yd flare pass when they need 7 yds. for a 1st down? I'm sure ole Phil will have that special team in order since he has had the spring, summer, and 3 games to get them ready. We'll see at kickoff!
williameagee#210826 writes:
I'm so tired of excuses; I just want this team to go out and beat some team handily; but I'm afraid they can't do that.
LakeMaryFLVol writes:
This just in Florida just scored again
Bear...Wishbone
Shiny Pants...Fun and Gun
Meyer.....Spread
Tenn....On our heels everytime...always having to respond instead of lead
Time to call Chris P. at Boise State..
and clean the "club" house.... old dated stinkin thinkin...
Ainge said. "Would it be the end of the world (if UT lost)? No. Because it's not an SEC game. But from the attitude of this team, and where we need to go, it is a huge game."....
That comment is unbelievable..Can you imagine
Tim "The Taser' Tebow saying that... ever?
PRNDL writes:
Why is it assumed if you're unhappy with the program, you're not a true fan? I have stock in Home Depot, and the share-holders were unhappy with the CEO, we got rid of the CEO, not the stocks. Folks, how many true fans of Alabama were behind changing coaches? Many, and they too were true fans. Just because the fans don't like the coaches, the coache's results, and in the case of Tennessee, the results of the last EIGHT years...doesn't mean you are not a true fan. Schools change coaches all the time. It's time!
objk1#231846 writes:
What scares me is winning out and being stuck here this time next year with business as usual.
Its time.
makard#235119 writes:
I'm told that www.firefulmer.org has been secured for the cause, but it isn't up yet. Anybody have any other info?
objk1#231846 writes:
Title: Forget Florida
How could I.
Steve Francis, Andy Kelly, Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning and Tee Martin all benefited from the play action pass. Casey and Erik both have run different schemes. The first three QBs mentioned did it with different talent. If we are going to keep the same staff, then we must run the type of offense that these guys were successfull at. Run the power I and throw it deep.
It would also keep our defense off the field as much. Our best defenses have been undersized. But, they were flying all over the field. Our current defensive scheme seems to be sit back and wait for the other team to make a mistake. That is not the guys we recruited to play here.
Run the ball, blitz every play.
Play with attitude, play clean and earn respect wether we are playing the State of Arkansas Junior Varsity today or Florida in the swamp.
We need an identity, yesterday.
JesseJames writes:
One only has to look at Fulmer after any disasterous play clapping like an idiot on the sidelines to see what is inherently wrong with TN Football. It never fails. It is that lack of fire and team discipline that are a big part of what is wrong. The embarassing loss to Florida was not a fluke. Fulmer has brought my beloved Vols to the height of mediocrity. We need a wholesale change out in the coaching staff.
volfaninchattanooga writes:
Anybody else tired of hearing about Notre Dame and Michigan? I was just listening to ESPN radio out of necessity and that's all they talked about for 20 minutes. Both of those teams are almost as bad as Tennessee. What gives?
tnorthern#228599 writes:
UF is getting played close by Ole Miss and I guess that means the Vols are a bunch of sissies (I cleaned that last word up for the purposes of this site).
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Forget Florida? Ole Miss just took FL down to the wire and had a chance to win. I hope nobody forgets Florida, least of all the players.
Remember the Alamo and Remember the Swamp...
Ironcity writes:
We can also get rid of our strength and conditioning coach because compared to all the other teams in the SEC, we look slow and weak. Ole Miss proved that UF defense is average. Our game plan looks even worse when you see how teams with average talent can be coached to keep the game close. Tonights game should be tight. If we can kep special teams even we will win.
utnutt writes:
WE ARE SLOW AND WEAK THATS WHY WE KEEP GETTING OUR BUTTS HANDED TO US. THATS BECAUSE OF FULMERS GREAT RECRUITING THAT EVERYONE BRAGGS ABOUT. OUR STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH NEEDS TO BE FIRED. HOW ABOUT PELINI FOR HEAD COACH LOOK AT WHAT LSU DEFENSE IS DOING TODAY.
tom865#278083 writes:
"Trooper said it takes at least 3 years for receivers to learn Vols' complex system, using Meachem as an example. In Sport Illustrated, Cal linebacker Follet called TN's offense "basic stuff" that required very little film study to prepare for. Meachem has yet to play for New Orleans because he is a "raw talent" with lots "to learn." Evidence that Vols need a coaching change is everywhere."
-posted by grvol
So this is the ammunication you use to say that Fulmer needs to be fired - Mis-quoted, out of context, and non-sensical statements like the above? Sounds like you Fulmer-haters are desperate to me. Take for example the Meachem "evidence" above. This shows that Meachem didn't learn anything at UT? If you really read the article you would understand why Meachem isn't having success in the NFL. It has nothing to do with what he learned at UT.
beatlecakes writes:
I support the Vols, the coaches, and the fans that stand behind them. I respect those that differ from my opinion but add that it is easier to coach and make decisions from a keyboard than on the field...
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
ammunition
footballrules writes:
Vols are going to get hammerd in SEC play the rest of the year!!!!
shopsports#273141 writes:
NO DON'T FORGET FLORIDA....we will never win the SEC east if we just forget florida every year. We will never win the SEC if we forget florida every year. We will never again win the National Championship if we forget Florida every year. Obviously it has become an excuse to just forget about competing with Florida. Then don't participate in SEC sports. This why NOT EVER BEATING FLORIDA IS SUCH A BIG DEAL. It is NOT just one game or one loss to forget. It CANNOT be forgotten. This pattern of forgetting Florida is getting UT unranked in the top 25. It will get UT no bowl game. And on and on and on.
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