Posted by 66cheVolet on September 22, 2007 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Temptations Sing: Happy days are here again-I'll go watch my Vols and cheer again-I might even start drinking beer again-Happy days are here again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by vegasvol on September 22, 2007 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good game offense. Defense needs a lot of improvement before Georgia comes to town. I hope the week off helps.

Posted by sportmadness on September 22, 2007 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well i didnt see the game, so I still don't know who scored the rest of the points. This article ends it at 38-20.

Posted by VolFan_stuck_in_FL on September 22, 2007 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

glad we won that one or they might have been rioting in Knoxville. Feels good to win one, but like you said vegasvol our defense better tighten up or it will be another long day when when we get back to SEC play

Posted by andy112382 on September 22, 2007 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Week off will help a lot, good film to go over, nurse some injuries in time for the dawgs. Good game, still work on defense to be done, promosing that Nevin McKenzie was in on some plays in his first game at LB and Vinson had a INT in his first game on defense, Willingham got beat but still held his own for the most part, has that first start under his belt now, better here than against UGA. Coker looks to be back to his great form, Ainge was locked in, good job spreading the ball around to the WRs, lots of options for Ainge with O'Neal and Moore having their name called a little more each week.

2-2....The games that are huge on what route the program takes are against UGA, SC, and Bama, so still lots of ball to be played, we could still have a real good season or a horrible one that should see new coaches come in.....jury is still out, we will learn a lot in October. (BTW, really good game between Bama and UGA, just as I thought it would be)

I know there are those who will blast me even saying there is a chance at a decent season despite a step in the right direction tonight, they will say it is too late and this has been going down over the past several seasons, but, while I am having major doubts now about the coaching, I am not 100% done with them, I will wait to cement my decision until the end of October after the games i mentioned above, just look at Notre Dame, coaching changes don't solve everything, it is always a gamble, they are missing Ty right now. Six losses in a row for the Irish, ouch....

By the way, those who, no matter if we win or lose, they blast the team after blasting supporters for 'wearing orange shaded glasses or drinking orange kool-aid'....it is no better on the flip side saying nothing but bad stuff no matter what the team does, you are doing just as you think the supporters are doing saying positive things despite losing, just saying.....

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by chrisw2967 on September 22, 2007 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh please it was only Arkansas St. it was not like they were playing Fla they were suppose to beat them period. time will tell in 2 weeks when Ga comes to town , still dont have no def.

Posted by vegasvol on September 22, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It might be only Ark. St. But, they held Texas to 20 points and lost by only 7.

Posted by 66cheVolet on September 22, 2007 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

andy112382
There is a chance for a decent season. I was pleasantly surprised that the coaches were willing to FINALLY put some of the young talent in the game. I know it was only Arkansas State, but they're a decent football team. I also believe we're a little improved, but obviously a long way from where we need to be. Don't read too much into my prior post, as it was only an attempt to get everyone to lighten up a little. I've said many times that I would be very happy for Coach Fulmer to prove he can still do it. Put me in the I'll believe it when I see it category. We now have two weeks to work like heck. We had better!!

Posted by budd on September 23, 2007 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you want to be texas? you give up 27 points to a sunbelt team?
Is that what you want to happen to the 6th winning program in college football history? If this is ok with you then I need to find another team to root for. This is pitiful period. You will hear fulmer talk about how we played so well. Remneber this is not ARK but Ark State.

Posted by andy112382 on September 23, 2007 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hardesty was out because of injury - hamstring? Can't remember exactly what it was, but Fulmer mentioned it before the game, he preferred that Hardesty didn't go out too early and injure it more.

How about Lincoln? How nice is it to have a kicker you don't have to take blood pressure medicine over just for a 20 yard field goal or something like that.....pretty solid so far.

Hey, have the announced a roster for the JV game? I think that may be one of those things that no one thinks a whole lot of but could have big benefits getting these guys ready to play.

I am hearing more and more of the young guys mentioned, Chavis said Dorian Davis would play more, they love his style, O'Neal and Moore are getting their names called, Willingham and McKenzie are out there now, Berry of course, can't wait til Gerald Jones is healthy again, I think he will end up being Meachem-like (junior year edition) Has Ben Martin played yet? I know they were hoping he would be back out there 100% at latest by the georgia game, any word on Brad Cottams recovery? And how about Ayers? Seems like whenever he hits the field he gets a hand in the play, two sacks tonight.

Posted by snafu14u on September 23, 2007 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did anyone notice that the Gators beat Ole Miss by 6 points and UT by 39. Seems odd to me, very distrubing. Glad we won, PTL.bonzaivol

Posted by BigUn on September 23, 2007 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just like clockwork, heard Fulmer on the radio say that last Sunday the coaches got together and decided to put their best players on the field.

Sad part is that every year it ia always after the loss to UF when he decides to do it.

Posted by chefjorge on September 23, 2007 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These days in college football wins are wins and should be appreciated. We needed to win this game and did. Period. This game was more lopsided than the score showed I felt so it is definitely a step in the right direction. We lost to two of the the best teams in college football. We are not one of the best teams in college football; and, while that does suck it's the truth. We can get better and should. I'm not willing to let Phil slide down off of the hot seat though. We don't necessarily need to win out, but I feel like anything less than eight or nine wins will be reason enough to start replacement proceedings. Read a Florida fan's post on CBS that read something like "I hope Phil wins just enough to not get fired" and that's what it seems like happens, which is just BS.

Posted by chrisw2967 on September 23, 2007 at 1:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

were going to get back to basics and try not to wrap up when we tackle and work like heck to get better since we put top ranked arkansas st away. were still staying the course.
I hope they dont give him a contract extension after this big time win

Posted by flyinpro on September 23, 2007 at 1:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess all is well in Vol-ville? Beat a mid major and we are back! Still had a bunch of points given up and mistakes. Wow a RB who got 100 yards! yep, all is well in Vol-Ville!

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on September 23, 2007 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This powerhouse of a football team rushed for 178 yards against us. Cal rushed for 230. FL rushed for 255. Yet we held mighty Southern Miss to only 90 yards rushing.

That's 754 yards we've given up on the ground in four games -- an average of 188.5 yards per game.

Oh, and while the Indians were running all over Shields-Watkins field tonight, Arkansas rushed for 338 yards against Kentucky ... and lost.

Yes, it's great to get a W -- against anybody -- but this is going to be a long season folks. We have to be near the bottom of the entire nation in rushing defense...among several other problems.

Al Wilson: can you please come back and run a "Tackling 101" clinic for our defense?

Posted by DannyVol on September 23, 2007 at 1:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Ainge passed for 334 yards (27-of-39) and five touchdowns. Four went on Tennessee's side of the scoreboard, one on Arkansas State's." -- That might have passed as clever writing in the high school newpaper. Now it just reads as being stupid and amateurish.

The next game is huge and will define our season. Do we spiral downward to the edge of bowl eligibility or attempt to salvage a Peach, Gator or Cotton Birth?

Our D-line better bring it in two weeks or Ga. will rack up a mile of yds. rushing on us. Makes me nervous knowing that the Arkansas State back had 130 yds. on us tonight.

Meanwhile, although Coker had a good night, we did not look that great running the ball again...against ASU. Early in the game ASU was controlling the line of scrimmage. That's pitiful because if they had any depth they would have kicked our tails.

For all of you happy in victory: It was Arkansas State. They scored 27 points on us. We still need a coaching change.

What happened to the boycott? 102K announed attendance?

Go Vols.

Posted by Oenoboy on September 23, 2007 at 2:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice to see there are some fellow ALL-weather Vol fans out there. I was starting to feel alone in my proud orangedom. The majority of people who post on this site are so obsessed with everything negative, it’s tragic. We loose to two top ten teams we were predicted to loose to and everyone has a future Hall of Famer’s head on the chopping block.

Phil Fulmer has been on the sideline for 15 years as our head coach and compiled a record second to none in the NCAA during that same time frame. If he stays for six more seasons and matches the General’s 21 years, he will end up with more wins than any coach in our history. Reading the complaints from the so called fans on this site makes me wonder if there were similar mental midgets calling for Neyland to be fired in `47 and `48 when he went 5-5 and 4-4-2 respectively. Two years later he put two back to back one loss seasons and captured one of our national championships in `51.

Those of you that insult Fulmer and/or the efforts of certain players have lost complete perspective of our program’s history and what college football is truly about. It’s a game played by college kids who give it everything they’ve got and do the best they can for their teammates, fellow students, and fans. These tough times seem tough because of the expectations Fulmer reestablished. It had been a long time since we’ve had the consistency we’ve enjoyed under his tenure. Many on this site brag about how long they’ve been fans but obviously their memory does not acknowledge the true history of Tennessee football and its many ups and downs over the years with even our most heralded of coaches.

Posted by pwc4u2 on September 23, 2007 at 2:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Boycott my A#$. I said the other day that the theory of that was crap.Just like field of dreams, if you build it they will come. In this situation, if you play football they will come. I went to the game and went in the campus bookstoor and a bet a 1000 people were coming in and out buying stuff. See, for real fans...once a vol always a vol. You stick by your team and even if the coaches stink it up in your minds, just remember this...the only opinion that matters are those that writes Fulmers check, and I dont think its us.

Posted by 66cheVolet on September 23, 2007 at 2:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is much more than about the coaches and their ability, or lack there of. Lets face it, most of these young men come to UT with hopes and dreams of playing professional football. Yes, I agree that their education, is by far, the most important thing they can accomplish. Never the less my concern is for them rather than a multi- million dollar coach. I like many other fans keep up with recruiting and bust with pride when these young men choose to be one of our beloved Vols. Therefore, if I think they are being denied the dreams already mentioned I'll stand in their corner.

Posted by Oenoboy on September 23, 2007 at 3:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on 66 Chevy. Wins don't put players in the NFL, their performance on the field does. But if you are going to open up the subject of these kids chances of playing in NFL, please tell me how this current staff is denying any player's dream of this. This coaching staff has put more players in the NFL than any other coach in UT's history. I'm pretty sure we're one or two in the country for active NFL players. I hope you don't think Johny Majors had anything to do with that. So, if you are going to stand in the players corner and their dreams for their future, Phil Fulmer will have to move over to make room for you because he's already there.

Posted by DannyVol on September 23, 2007 at 3:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy:

Many of the people asking for another coach are not fair-weather fans. Instead, they see the condition of the program and it hurts them. Yes, some are just negative, fair-weather fans simply looking for a reason to complain. But, many are not. You will notice a lot of fans who are wanting a coaching change have supported Fulmer during bad times before -- and actually appreciate what he has meant to the program. However, the writing is on the wall. Everyone has to "step down" at some point. For the good of the program, which we all love, it's time to get another coach.

To some degree, it's not even a matter of wins or losses. It's about effort and gameplan. Even the most optimistic UT fan could not say that our team is focused or that our gameplan is solid. And it's been that way for a while.

Being a fan means different things to different people. You can disagree with the direction of a floudering program and still be a fan. Likewise, you can take things as they are and just be happy to wear the color orange on Saturdays.

Posted by DannyVol on September 23, 2007 at 3:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we are "one or two" in putting players in the NFL, why are we not "one or two" in SEC championships during that same period?

Posted by 66cheVolet on September 23, 2007 at 3:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy:
I'm not going to get caught up in childish drivel. If our opinions aren't one in the same, then we will have to agree to disagree. Read my post above. I do support Coach Fulmer, as long as this team accomplishes any where near to their ability.

Posted by 66cheVolet on September 23, 2007 at 3:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oboy: P.S.Their performance on the field hasn't been very good lately, and that in my opinion is a direct result of poor coaching. Some haven't even been on the field, and that is also the result of poor decision making. I'm very aware of former players in the NFL under said coach, but that number has been declining. I guess we'll blame that on lesser talent.

Posted by Oenoboy on September 23, 2007 at 4:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a challenge for all you Phil Fulmer naysayers. I want you to list all the Div-1 coaches that have done as much for their program as Phil Fulmer has for UT.

The criteria?

15 years minimum as a head coach for one team.
A winning percentage of over 75%.
A National Championship.
14 minimum Bowl Appearances.
2 minimum Conference Championships.

Sounds easy enough right? I won’t go as far as requiring a minimum of 13 years as an assistant coach and 4 years as a team member. That would probably put him in a group of one.

You will definitely have to pull from past coaches because there are only two active ones today, Joe Pa and Bobby Bowden, that meet the above criteria. Should I assume many of you think they should be fired too?

Go back to the very beginning of the game and list them all my friends and think about the men on that list and what they have meant to the history of the game. Then look at their records and see the couple of years they all had their struggles. Then tell me you would have fired any of them knowing what you know now.

My point is I don’t think any of you know exactly what it is you are asking Hamilton to do. You are basically asking him to fire a legend and a Hall of Fame coach who has dedicated 32 years of his life to the program. Now look at that list of coaches one more time and name one coach on it that wasn’t treated with the respect they earned and weren’t allowed to retire when they decided for themselves it was time to go.

Posted by utnutt on September 23, 2007 at 4:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OK WE WON A GAME AGAIST A TEAM WE SHOULD HAVE BEATEN. I A FAN I HOPE WE WIN THE REST. BUT THE FACT IS AS LONG AS FULMER IS COACH WE PROBABLY WONT WIN THE SEC EAST MUCH LESS AN SEC CHAMPIONSHIP. DID ANYONE SEE THE LSU GAME THEY COULD SPOT US TWO TDS AND STILL BEAT US. FULMER HAS GOT TO GO ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE.

Posted by vols99 on September 23, 2007 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols have won their last game until they play
Louisiana-Lafayette. This could be there worst year ever.

Posted by KingsportVol on September 23, 2007 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe I paid $30 again to watch our D get trashed.
Reggie Arnold would win the heisman
if they played us 3 more times.Offense looked really good for the most part but the D still needs a ton of work.We will need to score 50 to beat the Dawgs.Go Big Orange!!!!

Posted by vol4good on September 23, 2007 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I watched this game with hope in my heart. I wasnt disapointed. I wasnt looking for points or stops, only effort and heart. Bolden, Mayo, Rico, Ayers, and Berry showed some real heart on D last night. Ainge, Coker, Taylor, Brown and the entire O line showed great effort and real heart. Thats all I really want from the VOLS. I, like many here have been critical of Fullmer. But, I critisize his heart and effort more than winning or losing. I really dont mind TN losing, I simply despise, losing without heart and effort. I didnt see much heart against Florida or Cal. Mabye this team will ban together and find thier heart before the Bulldogs come a knocking. Oh and way to go kickoff coverage team.

Posted by TommyJack on September 23, 2007 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KingsportVol: I'm afraid you ain't seen nothin yet..

Posted by VOLnATL on September 23, 2007 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I said a couple of days ago that we were right there at the bottowm with Ole Miss. I was wrong - Ole Miss is better and almost beat the Gators. Great to have a win but but still a long way to go!

I love how some of you keep hanging onto the past. FP has served his purpos well for the school and it is now time to move to the future. The 90s are over and we need a young,fresh coach with innovative ideas to keep up with the game.

It was only ASU for God's sake! We will beat LL and Vandy to round out the season 4/8.

Go Vols and please prove me wrong!

Posted by Nashvolfan88 on September 23, 2007 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's time for Coker to start at tailback. Anyone agree?

Posted by TNvolunteer on September 23, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A few things I noticed from the game:

1. When we play teams like Arkansas, the game will turn into a one-sided track meet..We still cant stop the run.

2. We are giving up too many big plays of 40 yards or more on defense.

3. We are still playing undersized DT's and getting pushed around by mid-majors.

4. Robert Ayers needs to start ahead of Antonio Reynolds.

5. Offensive line still cant get the run game going.

the game was much better than last week but we still have along way to go before UGA comes to town.

Posted by tigervol9802 on September 23, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A couple of things I saw that I liked -

1. When the defense applied pressure, they were forcing Ark State into mistakes. As bad as this defense has played, they are probably having a 90% success rate (turnover, inc pass, etc.) when Chief goes after the QB. We're giving up huge plays anyway, I don't see why we don't do it more.

2. The team actually did show effort last night. I have seen too many UT teams walk into a game like that and sleep through it.

That said, our tackling is still atrocious, I for the life of me can't figure out why our linemen play so high on both sides of the ball, and can we plase put someone other than Heffney back other than Heffney returning punts?

Posted by grvol on September 23, 2007 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew the kool aide drinking Flumer apologists would be on here saying "I told you so!" PLEAAASSEE. Looks like this program is headed to the toilet wthout a coaching change afterall.

Posted by iowavol on September 23, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's forget about what decision Hamilton is going to make at the end of the year and focus on today. Good win, but four observatiions regarding getting better.

1. Do not throw another ball to Austin Rogers. Five dropped balls yesterday - close to 15 for the season. Yes two of the drops were well defended, but he had two hands on every ball.
2. Offensive line to finish their dang blocks. I watched almost exclusively what they were doing. Young is knocking the crap out of his guy and then standing up. Several times, Coker and Foster hit the correct hole only to be shoe string tackled by the guy Young just knocked the crap out of but while Young was standing and watching the play. Finish the damn block and put him on the frigging turf. Our running game will explode if they just do that.
3. Linebackers continue to lack discipline in playing their gaps. ASU would have had 100 less yards rushing, fewer points and less everything else, if our LB's will just play the gap. They are engaging the blockers too early and letting the RB pick a gaping hole. Fill your damn gaps.
4. Tackling improved but I noticed several times we had their RB stopped at or behind the line and Bolden or Williams were knocked off the tackle by another Vol defender. Same thing happened several times in the secondary. Stop tackling ourselves and focus on tackling the damn ball carrier.

Correct these four observations and we win this game by 50 points. They are correctable. By the way, keep Vinson on defense, he looked good. Several dropped interceptions by the defense but good coverage. Much improved in the secondary.

Good game - go vols.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on September 23, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PEOPLE IT WAS ARKANSAS STATE!!!! I knew this would happen, all those naysayers would chnage their attitude with this win.Now Fulmer and the Vols are back. I knew the boycott wouldn.t happen either, UT fans always have a glimmer of hope that their beloved Vols will some how turn it around adn the football gods will remove the Gators by losing 2 or 3 sec games and we'll miraculously beat a really good LSU team and play in the Sugar Bowl....

WONT HAPPEN!

Posted by BuckFama on September 23, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

O-boy - save your breath. These people talk about gameplans, but wouldn't know how to formulate a gameplan if their sad lives depended on doing so.

No job is simpler than being a Sunday-morning QB.

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy, You are so old school. Redo your research and see if you can manipulate the statistics in a way that makes sense for 2007. Oh and whoever told you that Mike Hamilton makes the big decisions at UT must be related to the mayor of Knoxville.

Posted by yeavols on September 23, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No defense= More losses...Good win though ..Always for the VOLS and ORANGE..but I am not for our coaches...sorry...

Posted by rootin4volz on September 23, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eVOL...Let's just leave Hardesty (Mr. East-West) on the bench...We're doing just fine in the backfield with Coker, Foster, and Creer...At least they run North-South and don't stand there dancing a jig while looking for a hole to run thru.
By the way, looked to me like all you "boycotters" didn't even really manage to put a dent in things. 102,348 for Ark State isn't that far from what one might expect. I predict your boycotting a***s will be sitting in the stadium on Oct. 6!

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

for all you realists in here ... some preliminary reading for the upcoming reality.
http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/...

Posted by BainxGriffith on September 23, 2007 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hooray! we beat nobody! and nobody managed to score almost 30 points on us.

Posted by 99gator on September 23, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i thought i would let you all know (as it may brighten your day) that every school has crazy fans. in florida chat rooms, people are actually spewing all kinds of venom, at players, coaches, mascots, etc, after a game florida won.

Posted by iowavol on September 23, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

houtxvol, why in the world did you send me to that link? It was absolutely worthless and irrelevant. As for the Fulmer haters, I too want a coaching change, but enough is enough. You aren't posting anything new at this point just the same trite rantings. What needs to happen tomorrow and Hamilton is not going to replace Fulmer tomorrow.

Posted by Madkels on September 23, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For all of you who live in the past (1990's), Fulmer has served his purpose...but the game has passed him by. Today's game is different than when he played or became a coach. I don't see the fire or emotion from our coaches we need. That starts at the top. As much as I hate it...we need new ideas and blood.

Posted by rsarazen on September 23, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Arkansas State; Big Whoop! Coaching staff needs to go. If you can't compete with the Florida's and Cal's but can blast Arkansas State to some degree, maybe Fulmer & Company need to coach in the Sunbelt.

Posted by objk1 on September 23, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nashvolfan88 I agree.
Also, move Hardesty to LB.
Move Rogers to the slot.
***Move Foster to Fullback)***

Posted by MillisaAnn on September 23, 2007 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with utnutt. The defense needs to get it together and do it before Oct 6th.

Posted by GreerVol22 on September 23, 2007 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

big whoop. we beat a team we should have beaten, but were not "back" by any stretch. One thing is for sure...we won't lose next weekend for sure. Now, beat Georgia and some of this orange cool-aid thats going around may begin to taste a bit better.

Posted by buxavol on September 23, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I listened to the game while flipping between 'Bama-UGA & Ark-UK. All 4 of these are on our schedule. I see UT getting rolled in all 4.
South Carolina was respectable against LSU. Another loss for the Vols.
Vandy might be a win...maybe.
We'll liken Mississippi by the end of the year in that both bottom-dwellers for each division will reside in the same State.
JMO

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Iowavol, "worthless and irrelevant" BS. People around here need to expand their knowledge base. UT will not be the only school looking for talented and motivated coaches. And unless you are convinced that the powers to be are only going to hire a good ole boy from within like in the past then it's wise to look around and get outside views. That is what Justice from the Houston Chron is pointing out, albeit for the Aggies, but the same is true for UT. Tell me you knew who Bruce Pearl was 3 years ago. Hell Hamilton didn't even know who he was.

Posted by bigorangesob on September 23, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about we give the coaches a chance to finish the season to see how things work out we may win the rest of our games we may lose the rest of our games but pissing and whining about the coaches isn't gonna help, all I keep hearing is Florida, Cal, Florida if you love the Gators that damn much go post on their message boards and support them, maybe Tebob will let you kiss him on the mouth too!! Supoort the team and the coaches, geez!! GO VOLS

Posted by gvegasvol on September 23, 2007 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Touchdown...you say :We cannot win in the SEC with these guys." Agreed - 100 %. How many times did we win the SEC with Peyton and the boys? What about with Tee and Co.? How many times has LSU won the SEC...GA...Auburn?

Give them a break. This will all play out. Maybe some day we will have a new era in UT football - just hope it works out better then Notre Dame.

I do appreciate the positive attitude in the first past of your post. You DID find more positives than I did - good job!!!

Posted by bigorangesob on September 23, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

heels fan why are you adding your two cents go support your own losing team

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Supporting the Vols and pointing out the flaws are two entirely different things. I am proud to be a Vol fan and alum. If I'm not the biggest Vol Fan in Houston then I'm close behind Fred Weary, Phil Garner and Chris Burke among the 3000 UT alumni down here. I wear orange more than just one day a week, I never take off my class ring but like many others I am frustrated. Nothing will change without using criticism as a catalyst for change.

Posted by andy112382 on September 23, 2007 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sphs_vol, they are all tossups because we haven't played them yet....

Why are people saying 'it was just Ark St!!'???

Did ya'll miss week one of this season? They lost to Texas based on a blown call on an onside kick, lost 21-13 but could have had a lot more because they were in the redzone multiple times.

OH, and they had more yards against Texas than they did against us! Bet you didn't bother to look that one up, did you?

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Texas has not proven anything, offensively or defensively. Not a good team to compare anything with. If you don't believe me check out the local blogs down here. Mack Brown is also being blasted. The big thing here is not Hook 'em Horns but Book 'em Horns.
http://blogs.chron.com/jeromesolomon/

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone forget to look anything up Andy?

Posted by leedsvol2007 on September 23, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of the SEC teams have problems just like we do. Arkansas has two great running backs but a below average QB and a subpar defense. Georgia's offensive line is not terrific and their QB is still learning.

Alabama has a good QB and great wide receiver and one truly great offensive lineman but has depth and defensive issues.

USC has a fine defense but is just OK on offense. Vanderbilt is capable but not outstanding. Its possible KY is the best team remaining on our schedule.

I don't think we will win them all but we should have a chance in all of them.

We saw some hope in terms of personnel this weekend.

Florida and California this year were clearly better than us and we were better than USM and Ark State. Lets see if we have the coaching to beat teams that are marginally better or even with us. Then the coaching verdict will be in.

GoVols!

Posted by volcop on September 23, 2007 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on Oenoboy, I remember when Army came into Neyland and WON!

Posted by UTFAN1993 on September 23, 2007 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

After reading approx 1,000 comments from last week and this weeks'articles, I think I can summarize the requirements that the majority of the posters, expect to see in a new coach, "IF" Coach Fulmer is replaced.
This coach would win an East Div,at least one out of every 2 yrs, win a SEC championship,at least one out of every 3 yrs, and win a National Championship,at least once "EVERY" 4 yrs. Since our current roster consists of a Top 10 recruiting class 3 out of the last 4 yrs,we are in the process of remodeling one of the the 3 largest stadiums in the nation,our fan base travels well,other programs on campus are nationally ranked,ex;mens b.ball, ladies b ball, ladies softball,"and"... the financial bank is large,a new coach should be able to fulfill all of these expectations with no problem.......right??? well there is that little thing called conference recruiting and competition.the '07 recruitment class:fla 1st,lsu 4th,sc 6th,aub 7th,ga 9th,ala 10th. What would be your expectations of a new coach?
GO VOLS!!

Posted by iowavol on September 23, 2007 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Houtxvol, uh, yeah, I knew who Bruce Pearl was before he came to Tennessee as I saw him coach UWM while living in Wisconsin. A friend in Wisconsin actually suggested that Tennessee should pursue Pearl during his last season at UWM. So, while your attempt at insulting me is unsuccessful, I think your point regarding that article was that a) most vol fans don't know much, or b) you know more than most vol fans because you live in another region of the country and get to hear other things, or c) you just think you are smarter than most. Regardless it doesn't matter. My point: that blog you sent me too was just a bunch of complainers disgruntled with the A&M program and their coach, lamenting lamelessly about who their next coach could be. Who cares? What matters is most is what our team does the next game. What Mike Hamilton does at the end of the season is not impacted by a bunch of complainers suggesting one coach over another.

Posted by imnotwithphil on September 23, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some thoughts on the game:

* It was a good win - the players played with heart and the coaches prepared a great gameplan for both sides of the ball. Kudos to both the team and the coaches.

* 102,000 people showed up - which means that the vast majority of the Big Orange Nation are happy with Fulmer and are OK with mediocrity. Some of the "real" Vol fans have pointed out that TN football has a history of mediocrity... and shame on us "fair weather" fans that expect more... As one that has sat through near hurricane like conditions and have been frozen to the metal benches at Neyland... I always get a chuckle out of being called fair weathered...

* Our team still has major problems on defense - and I still see the best case record for this season as being 6-6 and the worst case being 4-8.

* Longer term, I think the "real Vol fans" should be ready to accept 9-3 as a really good season, 4-8 as a really bad season with 7-5 as the average. Welcome to the world of "second tier" football.

Hope the Vols can use the time off to get better and at least be competitive against the Dogs. I'm going to lay off the anti-Fulmer posts until the attendence at the games falls below 75,000... and more folks see the need for change. Until then - I'll enjoy the wins where we can get 'em. Bring on Vandy and LA Laff!!!!

GO VOLS!

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Based on your reply and many others that I see here I would have to agree that a,b and c are all correct characterizations of of my point. As to your point: We complainers as you correctly labeled us have much to do with Mike Hamilton's ( uh..Board of Trustees) decision at the end of the season or maybe before. You are living in a fish bowl pal. As I have posted many times I am a Vol Fan who believes in diversity of opinion. If we don't point out what we see we are not being faithful to the Vol Nation. As for Bruce Pearl..good for you. That was not meant to be personal..however I think you would agree that not many folks knew who he was around Big Orange Country. By the way I grew up in Knoxville and am a graduate of UT and just by the fact that I post here should be an indication that I keep with what's going on in the region. It wasn't long ago that I thought Phil Fulmer was a great coach, but things change quickly don't they?

Posted by texan on September 23, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way Iowavol I did not intend to insult you as you did me. I would have said the same if you were sitting next to you at Neyland and then shook your hand. We are Vol brethren no matter what we may disagree on.

Posted by invisiblekid on September 23, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice crowd at the game last night. I for one was glad to be there because, win or lose, there are a number of things that could be worse than being at Neyland with 100,000+ of your closest friends. I may not have any faith left that Fulmer and his staff can get us back to the promised land of a title, but I'll never turn down a chance to be at a Vols game. Anyway, it seemed like more of what we have seen the past several years, one step forward and two steps back. They went forward with Ainge, Taylor and Coker having great games, and then stepped backward by fumbling 3 times to go along with the interception return. The defense showed some signs of life in forcing ARSt into some mistakes, but they still gave up those big plays and another 100+ yards on the ground. Personally, I am not reading too much into this game as far as "progress", the Vols did what they were supposed to do against an overmatched opponent. We'll find out if this team has actually taken a step forward from the Florida loss in two weeks.

Posted by AllVolFan on September 23, 2007 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to sit back and laugh at a lot of these comments. Some of these people think that just because a SEC team with a unblemished record, they cant be beat. THIS IS THE SEC!!! It is exactly what happens, we have teams that could be outright #1 teams in other MAJOR conf's, but we beat up on each other. Yes our games are making us look bad, but any given saturday a lower ranked SEC team can beat the Top Ranked SEC team. I did attend the game last night, and plan on being there in my season ticket seats for years!!! The problem for the running game is Foster not RUNNING THE BALL, I did think he looked better on the TD run and the 2nd Half, but he walks to the line then trys to run. Coker and Creer both start running the minute the ball is snapped, they get to the holes or create. You cant blame the O line if the backs arent getting to the holes they've created. D needs a lot of work but look at UK they arent beating teams by holding them off, its a shoot out with them. GO VOLS!!!!

Posted by jandjhome on September 23, 2007 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Get real folks,I was at the game and there is no way there were 102,000,I would say 86,000 at best.

Posted by volhooch on September 23, 2007 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys....
IMHO....the October 6th date with Georgia will define the VOLS season either for the positive or the negative. I watched the UGA / Bama game from start to finish & with 3...count em' 3...FRESHMEN starting on the Georgia OL, they came away with an OT win in an incredible game. I guess that it can be safely assumed that Coach Mark Richt believes in playing his talent, irregardless of the years of seniority. Another stat...Georgia has an 82% win record when they play on the road meaning that they'll come in here with no fear, & after the win in T-town, with a boatload of confidence.
The week off for us is much needed & I hope that the coaching staff will have us ready to play.
To me, this is the season right here, &
it's gonna be a 'burner'.
GO VOLS!

Posted by rootin4volz on September 23, 2007 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jandjhome...You're nuts if you think there were only 86,000 people in that stadium.

Posted by vol4jesus on September 23, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jandjhome you need eye exam I believe. Maybe not 102k, but definitely not 86k. Sounds like the media when the "Right To Life ' march is in DC and 100 to 400k(some large number) are there the report is always lower as it better fits liberal media's agenda. I think (maybe) you want lower attendance to support Fire Coach Fulmer desire. Right or wrong? Upper deck was thin where visitors usually have seats in river end zone on student side. End zone other end maybe down 1000. I think there was 100k+ at he game and we all enjoyed our ORANGE KOOL_AID!!!

Posted by footballfan on September 23, 2007 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is quite an interesting place. Does anyone ever have on original idea? It's the same nonsense every time any of you post a message. It's always one or the other. Either fire Fulmer or don't fire him. True, I have made my share of statements about the necessity of firing Fulmer and moving on as a program and getting to another level. I don't deny that. I would hope, however, that in the midst of my ramblings some shred of conscious thought has slipped through the cracks of my periphery and made its way onto the message board. It's so funny to see everyone saying this same garbage again and again. I see alot of people praising Fulmer for a win and alot of people saying he didn't prove anything by beating Arkansas State. Wake up everyone. You are all right. Fulmer did win. Fulmer hasn't proven anything. The immature whining about who is more right than the other should embarrass you. Whether you are one that likes Fulmer or one that does not like him, everyone will be equally happy with wins, regardless of who is coaching the team. So, with that in mind, express your opinion freely, but try to do so with a little dignity please. We are all Vols fans. That should be enough to keep the arguing at a minimum. Also, try to respect everyone else's view. No need to blast them just because they don't agree with you. That type of lifestyle will rarely have pleasant consequences.
Go Vols.

Posted by chadbuckles on September 23, 2007 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I assume all the "guys" on here go to all the ballgames, so since I haven't purchased any tickets yet for the GA game, just go ahead mail me your tickets. The way you all talk you don't really care anyway, so I will take them off your hands and cheer on our guys. Let me know which one wants to send them to me and I will give you my address! Thanks so much!

This was so much a better site when we had to pay each month.

Posted by smith7206 on September 24, 2007 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Progress? Oh phuleez! UT won and, dagnabit, 102,000 folks were in attendance! How can anyone say progress was made in light of those two facts?

What went wrong with the boycott and how can we fix it? Dang it, I don't want to see anybody in Neyland in two weeks so whoever is in charge of this thing better "work like heck" or we WILL find and fire your butt!

And can we please get the word to the players that they must lose every game or they will be stuck with this bunch of inept morons all year long, maybe longer if for the underclassmen.