Posted by ctownvol on January 30, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Aw shucks.

Posted by TommyJack on January 30, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stay the course.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc_ash deserves credit for reading this decision out of the earlier comments... Wish he'd been wrong but that was a good job.

marc, please find some more quotes and tell us that someone else good is coming to UT...

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Second place again. That stinks.

Posted by ckwhite on January 30, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that blows

Posted by GerryOP on January 30, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's not over until it's over. 5 more days!

Posted by tonyfred on January 30, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is obvious that recruits are not interested in playing for the Vols. I think it speaks volumes to losing Cut. Apparently, he is the recruiting genius, not Phil Fulmer. I hate to see our program going down the tubes, but it is happening.

Posted by TommyJack on January 30, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TonyFred: Savage plays D. Can't imagine he cares about Cut, one way or the other.

Posted by vol52 on January 30, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

+It was my understanding that mikey gave that extension to Fulmer to improve this crop of recruits. Where is the BEEF.

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

not cool..... his dad knows chavis and we can't close the deal, pitiful.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol52, The guy specifically gave a thumbs up to the coaches. It is a tough break but he definitely made it sound like they did all they could.

tonyfred, If they weren't interested then they wouldn't visit, take coaches' visits, or list UT in their final 2-3. UT is just coming in second alot this year... It is difficult to say why because it is unlikely that there's just one reason.

Posted by TommyJack on January 30, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol52: In GA, AL, & FL

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol52, The guy specifically gave a thumbs up to the coaches. It is a tough break but he definitely made it sound like they did all they could.

tonyfred, If they weren't interested then they wouldn't visit, take coaches' visits, or list UT in their final 2-3. UT is just coming in second alot this year... It is difficult to say why because it is unlikely that there's just one reason.

Posted by rckymtngator on January 30, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was looking at other sites this morning and it seems that other SEC schools are receiving commitments on a daily basis. While I am first and foremost a Gator, I support all SEC schools (except for possibly Alabama). I, like a lot of Gators are surprised by what is happening at UT. We talk to top recruits and they do not even have UT on their radar. In the competitive SEC East, you need a top class every year or you will be left behind. Hopefully you guys can pick up some commitments in the last week. If not, UT will soon be fighting Kentucky and Vanderbilt for 4th place.

Posted by AllVol on January 30, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where's sphs_vol on this one?

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And Coples says he is impressed with UNC's living arrangements, and is according to RIVALS leaning their way, how the he$$ are they better than ours? you walk across the street to practice (indoors) and to study.

Posted by straightshooter on January 30, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, and in this instance, second place is nothing. The key cause of this subpar recruiting class in comparison to pervious ones is I suspect there was too little effort early by much of the coaching staff. (Georgia for example had almost 20 players committed by June.) Cutcliffe likely mentally had set himself to take a head coaching job elsewhere at season' end, Fulmer was occupied with trying to get the team prepared what with loosing so many key players to graduation or drop outs for various reasons. By Sept. most of the Rivals 4 and 5 star players had already committed. Most schools had 16-20 verbal commitments. Tenn. had about 8. So its a matter of trying to do an hours worth of shopping when the store closes in 10 minutes. It just doesn't work.

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sphs? Whens Manuel decommitting from FSU?

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

According to a roster posted by no more of a positive guy than VolCR, UT will enter the year with 16 Srs, 19 Jrs, 19 So, and 14 RS Fr... plus whoever they sign.

Only 35 or 36 of UT's 85 scholarship players will be upperclassmen.

UT isn't and shouldn't be just looking for highly recruited guys. They are targeting DL's and OL's. Unfortunately, they are finishing second with most of them.

Posted by AllVol on January 30, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This ain't good.

Posted by jweaver3 on January 30, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rckymtngator, the last time I checked that was Florida last year fighting to stay above Vandy and UK, UT won the EAST in case you forgot. One year does not kill you anymore with early defections. We will still have our share of recruits. This is just not our year!!!!
GO VOLS
KEEP WINNING THE EAST!!!!

Posted by GerryOP on January 30, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You don't suppose losing Trooper is making a difference? Just a thought .....

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yeah good pt jweave, we got smashed by FLA but the season isnt a sprint, its a marathon....

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rockymtngator, if we can agree that UF's recruiting classes have been great... Why has UF lost 4 games in two of UM's 3 seasons? Why was this offensive guru so dependent on a D recruited and coached up by Ron Zook to win the NC?

Pity from the Gators is only barely less sickening than losing to them.

In this case, the pity is misplaced. UT will be fine even if this isn't a great class. One poster on Volnation that seems involved in Tn HS football somehow predicts that next year will be one of the states best years ever for producing talent. 99gator says that UF will have few scholarships to give next year leaving the door open to recruit their backyard.

Just let it play out. If Clawson can coach then your pity for UT will be short lived.

Posted by VolsorCat on January 30, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TonyFred: Cut had nothing to do with a d line commit. Come on! The former staff is the exact reason UT is in the situation they are in right now. The horses weren't committed, then decided to back out. They were never in the fold!

Straighshooter: Exactly. While most in the top tier have had guys committed for months, UT didn't. Can't blame the new guys.

I believe UT will close strong. Please pass the Kool Aid. I'm still drinking.....

Posted by VolsorCat on January 30, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerry OP: No, see post above. Trooper was here until a month ago.

Posted by DennisVols on January 30, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MORE PROOF THAT STUPIDITY IS NOT JUST AT UT
JACKSON, Miss. -- A quarterback who was to sign with Mississippi on Feb. 6 has been kicked off the team because of an arrest for selling steroids.

Jared Foster, of Madison, who played last season for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, was enrolled in classes at Ole Miss and was informally working out with the team. He was scheduled to formally join the team on National Signing Day and would have been able to practice this spring.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerry I'd say that losing Trooper didn't help in the short run. We'll have to wait and see if the other guys can fill the gap. Recruiting contacts and relationships are already being built now.

Along with your point, it doesn't help when Chavis isn't a strong recruiter. We hear how great Brooks and Caldwell are but kids don't appear to be standing in line to play for them, huh?

I hope it turns out better than it looks now but, if it doesn't, they have to take a long hard look at the defensive staff and figure out why they aren't getting DL's at a better rate.

Maybe they just aren't playing them early enough?

Posted by TommyJack on January 30, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

straightshooter: Good points.

GerryOP: No

In the future, I think Coach Clawson will take an active and positive role in recruiting (too late this yr.). We DO NEED some help recruiting defensive players. Apparently Chavis is about as effective as a Wal-Mart greeter.
Work like heck.

Posted by Singaporehillbilly on January 30, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No time to panic. A lot of people wished for coaching changes and it happened. We also lost our recruiting coordinator as well as our number one recruiter during a critical part of the recruiting season. Becare for what you wish for.

Posted by GerryOP on January 30, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VolsorCat: Hmmmmm. Your response to TonyFred seems to support my supposition ... I think. Trooper was known as a "closer" and "difference maker." Something it appears we need right now.

Posted by HotlantaVol on January 30, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everybody has a bad year now and then. Besides, rating orgs aren't always right. We might be better off without this guy . . . oh, who am I kidding? This sucks!!!

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

florida lost 3 games in '05 not 4. they lost 4 games in '07, with a bunch of freshman and sophomores.

are you counting on florida losing 4 games in 2008?

spurrier lost 2 games in 1990, 2 in 1991, and 4 in 1992. eight losses in 3 years....same as meyer.

Posted by GerryOP on January 30, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't disagree that "in the future" and "in the long run" that the new guys will pick it up and perform admirably. I think they are positive additions. However, this is "now" and "in the short run." We sure do seem to be coming in 2nd a lot -- now!

Posted by FWBVol on January 30, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a new theory, and before I state it, I'm going to say I'm just joking up front so I want get the whackos after me.

I blame the poor football recruiting on Bruce Pearl and the basketball team's success. Come on, if you are a football player do you really want to go to a basketball school?

Just a thought. LOL

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry 99gator. OK. 3. With the talent available to UF at a whim, do you think 3 or 4 losses in two of 3 seasons is good?

I think you know me well enough to know I don't "count" on anything like that.

To be more direct though, I think UF will lose 2-3 games.

Posted by dfreeman on January 30, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did the Big Orange bus lose a wheel?? Nah, just a speedbump!! Wow, I hear the economy is tanking! Housing Sucks! The country is falling apart!! I get on here to get away and start reading these comments and find out UT campus is going to implode!! How about everyone take a deep breath, unplug the computer, and go take a jog!! Come back kick something and reboot your computer!!! ahhh.... see that's nice!! LOL

Posted by LazhilUT on January 30, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well he must like a HS looking stadium like Auburn's...the worst tail gating experience (if you're a season ticket holder you get your parking spot, market and guaranteed so people show up right before the game) and they pre-game on this strip where cars are parked on the grass and when I was there there was a lamb in the morning tied up next to a truck and on the way out, all I saw was the barbecue pit next to where the lamb used to be tied up...

Posted by HotlantaVol on January 30, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVol - Maybe Savage thought Fulmer was going to take off his shirt and paint his chest orange at a b-ball game. No one wants to see that. Tuberville would look much better without a shirt.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IMO, Clawson was probably hired more for X's and O's. The other 3 younger guys (Scott, Michael, Drayton) look like the ones who could really boost recruiting.

Trooper was a good closer. They have to replace him.

Posted by VOLnATL on January 30, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hotlanta: That is just gross. I now have permanent image in mind...PF having donuts as nipples! LOL

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The rumor was that Chavis was jealous that TT would swoop in at the end with players and get credit... Wonder if he wishes he had him to claim credit for a few DL's this year?

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 30, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mommas cookin' was closer. no Phil magic today...

more than likely this was a petty...."I'll show you Saban" move....which has its merits...

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lazhil, maybe the kid thinks the Auburn-Opelika Police will be a little more forgiving than the KPD?

Posted by DennisVols on January 30, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The recruiting process is all about building a relationship with these kids. The new staff members have not had that opportunity. Some of the higher rated recruits have been recruited since their soph, or jr year.
This years recruiting class for UT is going to look average. Maybe a top 20 class but I have serious doubts in reaching the top 10.
Just remember it is not were you start it is were you finish. This years recruits could become the most successful in UT's history with the right coachin. Most believe Fulmer's picks to fill his staff were the right ones.
So lets wait before we pass judgement on this years recruiting class. History shows many a high ranked class failed to meet expectations.
The biggest help for our defense will be an offense that can maintain control of the clock and the ball in a football game. If you look at the two biggest losses last year, UF & Bama, UT's offense failed to answer the call all through the 2nd half leaving the defense alone in the fight.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

you have to put it in context. the first season you take over....some of the players are not on board with the staff (see rich rodriguez at michigan). then, after year two, the whole team graduated or left school.

playing freshman and sophomores...his offense flourished, producing a first year starter at qb to be the first ever sophomore heisman trophy winner. the defense (which lost 9 starters was the weakness).

from now on, meyer will not have issues due to depth or attrition, because he has had three years to recruit his guys.

people look at things how they choose to. no one accused spurrier of winning with galen hall's players. zook lost more games in one season, then meyer did with zook's players in two seasons.

and if you can't tell that he is building a force to be reckoned with at florida on a year in year out basis, i don't know what to tell you.

i think the four loss seasons are over.

Posted by stroker on January 30, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many more of these briefs and the naysayers will be in full swagger.

Posted by volunteers4life on January 30, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

May God be with our recruiters!! We need some divine intervention for this year's class I think. Our recruiting list looks almost as bad as Memphis's this year for goodness sake!!! It'll take time for Clawson to ramp up his recruiting efforts, he is used to recruiting AA league, SEC recruiting competition is another ball game altogether.

As far as Fulmer, the main reason UT loves him so much is due to his stellar record recruiting, looks like he is slipping this year though. I think we'll be fine next year....

Posted by HotlantaVol on January 30, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dennis - agreed. Let's not slam the kids we have, but it's human nature to see greener grass in Florida and Georgia.

Posted by GerryOP on January 30, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting VolNation column:

http://www.volnation.com/blog/2008-01...

Posted by TurboFan on January 30, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sjt, can't see how Michael was hired to recruit. His only recruiting plus that I could gather from articles here was that he could say he coached in the NFL and knows what it takes to get there. Otherwise, agree Drayton is our Florida rep and Scott is the eastern seaboard rep. Who's got Texas? Adkins?

Even if we were getting a few more 4 and 5 stars, unlikely that any of them, unless they are a Berry type, would have an impact in 2008. Fulmer, Clawson and Chavis will have to work with what they got to succeed and have an impact on the 2009 class.

Posted by bullfrog07 on January 30, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was hoping to get this one but honestly who could blame him - Auburn as of late has a much better "D" and program overall than UT. Over the last 3-4 years they have won more games than us. These high school recruits can't remember what Phil did in the 90's (they were in the 3rd grade). They've only got to see the boring pitiful stuff that we all have been watching the last three seasons.

4-loss Phil "Stay The Course"

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99 GATOR

It is possible to lose 4 games when you play Tenn,FSu,MIa,UGA,LSU,AUb,SEc Champ,BOwl Game

I would predict 1 slipup to us if your Healthy and more if not healthy.

This is UF's year and I would deem you the East fav if there is a year tho- unless Tebow comes back Senior Year.

UGA and TENN will be redic. in 2 years.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Clawson did recruit FCS but the contacts are the same. The ties he and the others have in other states should produce dividends. It may be even more difficult in FCS since they have only 60 something scholarships to give. They can't misevaluate a single player.

Gerry's idea that they miss Trooper as the closer has some merit as does the idea that alot of relationships were broken when the staff left.

UT's coaches do recruit both sides of the ball. Trooper is listed as a recruiter for one of the DL prospects UT lost on Rivals.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

atlvol1

well, you are basically making the argument that losing four games is not an embarrassment due to the strength of schedule. i would tend to agree. i did not mean to imply that another 4 loss season could not happen. what i meant was, i don't expect it to be a habit.

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 30, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DennisVols, I would agree with you if you were speaking of offenive recruits only, but this guy was a defensive player and to my knowledge our defensive coaching staff has not changed...the only way to blame the coaching staff for losing this recruit is if we have the wrong folks coaching and recruiting D....butt, you may be right in the end as more and more, it seems as if Cutt and Trooper were doing 90% of the recruiting for the entire team.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WD40, I think Michael's advantage will be youth and his experience. He was a QB so he should have some innate people skills and leadership. He may not have the experience recruiting the others have but I'd be very surprised if he isn't effective.

I think Savage could have been immediate impact. ESPN suggests that Bohannon can be. Wadley might could. Henderson and the Dareus kid sound like guys that could work in some PT.

Abrams-Ward, Coples, and Davis all seem like very likely candidates to contribute their first year.

Posted by tngeoff on January 30, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang.

Posted by knoxsingle on January 30, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Atlvol1, while you're sharing personal information today, do you think about any other SEC coaches without their shirts on?

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, I wonder if coach Fulmer is as optimistic now as he was during that last interview. Talk about spin. Lets just hope UT can have a great year next year so we can get back to the top 10 in recruiting.

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LET ME GO ON RECORD SAYING WALTER FISHER WILL BE ALL SEC FROM HERE ON OUT AT DT.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on January 30, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At least he didn't go to Bama.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Greer, I doubt 90% is accurate. But it does seem safe to say that Chavis and others didn't step into the gap that Cut, Luke, and TT left.

Martin did mention Cut as an influence in his commitment.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it possible that the reason a lot of coaches jumped ship this year is because the ship is sinking?

Posted by AllVol on January 30, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where's sphs?

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude, Is it possible? Yes. It is in the universe of possibilities...

It seems unlikely though. Cut and his posse came running TO the burning building after 2005. He came KNOWING that he wasn't going to have a very good situation to work with: underperforming WR's, broken QB, inexperienced OL...

So I find it hard to believe that after winning the East and looking at the prospects of returning 9 of 11 starters plus the top 7-8 OL's... he considered that situation and said to himself, "I better get while the gettin's good".

The much better explanation is that 4 qualified and ambitious coaches got opportunities that they chose to take.

Posted by auttat on January 30, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All I can say is, I wish I were a Gator fan. (Writing that actually made me spit up a little) I don't think anyone can deny their future looks bright. (Gag, watching FL win is almost as bad as watching a Boston team win)

Seriously, why talk smack about Florida? Would any UT fan not laugh in the face of a GA fan talking smack about us?

59-20, get it! Nuff said!

Posted by HotlantaVol on January 30, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Knoxsingle - Here's a coach I would like to see without a shirt. http://www.soonersports.com/school-bi...

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat... I just can't say that. I think I'd rather support a losing team than UF.

Posted by Pullingguard on January 30, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wonder how much effort Chavis put into the entire process... Probably very little...

Posted by icecream on January 30, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I mean who wouldnt want to live in Auburn. There is so much to do in that red neck town.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've seen one article that said Chavis had stepped up in the context of answering how CPF was handling the coaching losses in recruiting season. I haven't seen any dividends directly attributed to Chavis putting forth extra effort though.

I have seen a couple of recruits praise Slade as a recruiter.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat

i think what you wrote might be punishible by death. look both ways before crossing the street.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stj18- Your right on Cut, he made it clear he wanted to be a head coach again, however there was a point in the season last year where a push was being made to get rid of Fulmer and I cant help but think that it could have played a factor in some of the coaches leaving, we may never know, but silence is golden, and Hamilton really didnt publicly support coach Fulmer during that time. I hope coach Fulmer goes out a winner with another Nat'l Championship, but I believe anything less than 8 wins in the regular season this year will cost him his job

Posted by auttat on January 30, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never knew Chavis was that bad of a recruiter. I also have never paid attention to it.

sjt18, trust me, there are 2 teams I will NEVER pull for. One starts with F, the other with A. Both end in a's. One has lorid in the middle, the other has labam.

Was a discreet enough?

Posted by Greyback_Vol on January 30, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, sjt18. If someone wishes they were a Gator fan, why wouldn't they just become one? I'd rather support the Vols through losing seasons than root for Bama or Florida.

Posted by auttat on January 30, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And yes, I have been known to make mistakes while typing. I would like to correct myself.

Was I discreet enough? (not a)

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat

you need to get on your knees, start crying, and do one of those jim baker, jimmy swaggert "i have sinned" speeches.

Posted by givehim6 on January 30, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We willbe ok. One off recruting year is not a sinking ship. I thought this would be a down year. After young people see what these new coaches can do with who we have, a good class we will get for the next few seasons.

Posted by tngeoff on January 30, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP.

Good link, good read. Thanks.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I tend to agree bigorangedude... both that it probably will and should.

I like him. I hope CPF succeeds. But I don't think he should be allowed to backslide. He should be on a zero tolerance policy from 2005 going forward... After he rights the ship by winning a championship or BCS game then maybe an 8 win season sandwiched between two solid seasons like 1994 can be forgiven.

I agree with most here that the championship/BCS drought has been too long... just not with their cynicism or habit of expressing hopelessness/negativity. He should be gone if he doesn't get it done... There just isn't any benefit in sitting around expounding the expectation that he'll fail. If he fails then it will be time to deal with it. Until then, I'll hope for the best while preparing for the worst.

Posted by auttat on January 30, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL!! I think everyone upstairs at my job just heard me bust out laughing!!

99 that was hilarious.

How soon they forget that I would leave a HC job at FL to be a GA at UT!

Dang! I take it back.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Winning the East is the most important thing, however fans (including me) are tired of losing to Bama and the Gators every year, hopefully Clawson will help us end those streaks

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 30, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt, your right in that its a shame our defensive coordinator and his staff won't or can't show some initiative for recruiting...

Posted by invisiblekid on January 30, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No suprise here. Home is where the heart and most 290 lb defensive tackles are apparently. Buck up little campers and have warms thoughts on this chilly day.

http://www.brittany-jackson.com/

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The weight of the world is on coach Clawson this year. If he doesn't have an immediate impact, then coach Fulmer will be blamed as he should, but if Tennessee can win the East again, then that can mean the next 4 years are successful, but Clawson will only get 1 shot to be brilliant, and thats this season, I wish him the best! Go vols!

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i don't know how much rope you all are willing to give fulmer (for some of you i know its not much) but.....

if clawson is allowed to do his thing and run his offense....then y'all have to realize that takes time. sometimes, just knew terminology or technique takes time for everyone to get used to. it essentially (mentally) reverts everyone to being back to being a freshman.

so, even if clawson proves to be a good hire, there is a natural struggle in the early going with a new coach and new system.

just a word of warning.

Posted by DennisVols on January 30, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Certain things to consider here:
1) Auburn is closer to home and family and friends will be able to see more of his games.
That goes along way with young people. Making the jump into another state is a hard choice for some even if the opportunity is better there. Some of the biggest chains in a kids life are attached to his mom's apron.
2) If you wanted to stick it to Bama for not respecting you, which apparently he felt that way otherwise he would have accepted their lastest offer to retain him. Then ho would you chose UT or Auburn? UT at one time was Bama's biggest rivialy but that is no longer true as it once was. Coaches are fired t Bama or Auburn for losing that inter-state game.
I'm not suggesting these where the only factors but may have been the ones that put more weight on Auburn's side of the scale.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Before everyone starts attaching the word "gospel" to what I've said about Chavis... I am repeating what I've read about the guy from several different sources that are usually reliable.

The general consensus is that Chavis doesn't like recruiting and doesn't do it well. At best he's a good compiment to someone else's efforts. He seems alot better on campus visits than on the trail.

OTOH, CPF is great at the "coffee table" and TT had an ability to make friends with a recruit.

That might be just a slightly different angle on it... if a friendship built on the trust you had with someone was a reason you had for considering a job opportunity with a new company, wouldn't it be a negative motivation if they suddenly went to work elsewhere while you were in the interview/recruitment stage? No matter how well all parties handled it... there would be something missing... something not right... maybe even something suspicious even if there were no good reason for it.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, I know what you are saying and it has merit. The problem is that patience isn't in long supply with Vol fans right now.

Further, it isn't as if Clawson is taking UT to the spread option or wishbone. He runs a multiple O playbook not too dissimilar from what UT has run for years.

The hope for most of us is that he'll make a difference in playcalling, scheming, and philosophy without hurting QB development.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone dropped the ball in recruiting this year and I don't think its just because of coaching changes

Posted by rckymtngator on January 30, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A little Championship history lesson on the last 15 years of the SEC

Florida - 6 SEC, 2 National Championships

LSU - 3 SEC, 2 National Championships

Tennessee - 2 SEC, 1 National Championship

Georgia - 2 SEC

Alabama - 1 SEC

Auburn - 1 SEC

Florida and LSU win because they recruit and stockpile talent. To win in the SEC you have to have a solid recruiting class every year. Florida had less than stellar recruiting classes in 2003 & 2004. That is why they had virtually no seniors on their 2007 team. There is a small number on the 2008 teams. Starting with the 2005 class, Florida is stockpliling talent at every position, talent that will make them second to none and allow them to compensate for injuries. LSU & Georgia are also stockpiling talent. South Carolina is starting to gain talent. Alabama & Auburn are stockpiling talent. That is why Tennessee has a very small window, 2008 season to win a championship.

Tennessee has not kept up with the other schools when it comes to talent. Talent wins, not coaches. Great talent makes great coaches, ie Mack brown at Texas.

You guys can unload on me, but in the end, you know that the last 5 years overall have not been great recruiting years for Tenessee.

As for 2008, you can and should beat Florida in Knoxville. Our defense will still be vulnerable. However at the end of the year, Florida will be in the championship games. With the exception of UT, all of our big games are in the state of Florida.

Posted by beaznvol on January 30, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Defense wins games and Offense wins recruiting. Considering the coaching departures we're not doing too bad. It all depends if Coach Fulmer lets the playmakers get the ball in their hands alot more. We have tremendous speed on this team and those guys that are the burners will get a chance to showcase that with a year experience under their belts.
Coach Fulmer is a little slow getting there, but putting the ball in the hands of young guys has got Georgia to the Sugar bowl, albeit due to injuries and Florida a N.C. (P. Harvin).
Openning up the offense attracts attention and highlights. It's marketing fella's. yeah, yeah, I know about the numbers Ainge put up, but when kids start seeing 60 yard completions that opens things up for consistent 12+ yard running plays. We play like we're in the NFL (ball control Titans), but times have changed and we will see if the new OC shows everybody that is the case.
*Does anyone think it is a coincidence that kids wanted to transfer and sign when they got a chance to see the Pearl run and gun offense in B-Ball?

Posted by rabidvol1998 on January 30, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's easy to recruit in FL, GA, AL, LA/TX. We will have down years when people like Savage make the tough but understandable decision to stay in state. We think we should get all the TN players we want, but expect players from other states to leave and come here. Not easy to do every year.

ESPN Top 150 recruits by state they live in;

Florida has 33
Georgia has 14
Alabama has 9
Louisiana 3
Texas 24
California 12
Tennessee 1 and we got him - Wilks

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beaznvol- good points. Hopefully Clawson will be the Bruce Pearl of Football, thats his rep, to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers, and we have some great talent to get the ball too, such as Foster and G Jones when he's sober

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rckymtngator, UT has two top 10 and a top 25 recruiting class in the last 3 years. The 2005 team was possibly the most "talented" they've ever had. Talent alone doesn't win anymore than coaching alone does.

My point is that UT has plenty of talent to win the SEC. We will see if they have the coaching and leadership to win.

Your numbers are also a little skewed. Yes UF has won 6 SEC's in 15 years... but 5 were under Spurrier... 4 of those were before 97. Even the great Spurrier with all that FL talent began to fade against UT later in his tenure.

UF has done better than UT over the last 10 years but you make them look more dominant than they have actually been since Spurrier's prime.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rabidvol, 99gator will undoubtedly point out that their best recruits are coming from out of state. UF is at a high right now.

Your point about the talent is well made though... and few teams do better than half of their state's in-state prospects. That's about what UT does but the pool is smaller.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

i am inclined to agree with most of what rockymountain wrote.

people here have talked about reputation....by and large....until georgia or tenn beat florida regularly....florida will be viewed (nationally) as the beast of the east.

i'm not saying that is right. i know florida has only appeared in 3 sec championship games since 1997. but, that's the reality.

even ron zook had a .500 record (combined) against georgia and tenn. tenn has beated florida in consecutive years once....and georgia has not done that at all, but will get a chance this year.

the best tenn had it was ....3 of 4 (01, 03, 04) and then along came meyer.

so that perception will stick until tenn and/or georgia starting beating florida on a regular basis.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

i would not say florida's best recruits have been from out of state. i was pointing out earlier that they are also getting premier talent from outside the state as well. they are not relying only on in state talent.

Posted by pdhuff on January 30, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ - are we seeing a trend here? Even the spinners are slowing down.

All I know is these last 8 days are going to have to be SPECTACULAR in the final Phil push.

99gator 2:20 - Nope, we don't need a final warning. Some of us have been hearing the siren sounding for 9 years. Maybe we've gotten used to it. Still don't like it.

Posted by ONUV on January 30, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"let it play out"

i've been hearing that this century and nothing has changed.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator- With all that talent and even a Heisman trophy winner and with all those 5 star recruits, how in the world did the undertalented Vols win the east *LOL*

Posted by leapyear52 on January 30, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's like they say, recruiting is a marathon..not a sprint
We'll see what transpires in the next 6 days
Needed Savage much more than Kelly

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i never said tenn was "undertalented".

5* recruits need time to grow up and eat their flintstones vitamins too. you all know how young a team florida had.

i, myself, have been trying to figure out how a team florida beat 59-20 won the division.

i had to live with lsu winning the sec in 2001, when florida beat lsu on the road by 30.

here, let me say something that will get y'all angry. i viewed florida's 2006 team and lsu's 2007 as very similar. when florida got to atlanta to play the SEC title game.....we were very happy to see arkansas instead of lsu. when lsu got to atlanta.....how happy do you think lsu was to see tenn instead of georgia or florida.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee played LSU toe to toe with 2 mistakes by Ainge that cost us the game. I believe LSU would have taken Georgia and Florida to the woodshed

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, I'd agree that a golden opportunity was missed in the early 90's by UT. CPF failed as a leader and disciplinarian while allowing RS to underachieve and digress with great O talent.

If Cut had been there instead with his 33 ppg as opposed to RS's 27 ppg... UT would have more than likely won the SEC and perhaps the NC. The door might have never been open for UM to be considered anything but the guy chasing Fulmer... but what ifs just don't work.

My point is still that UF fans seem to think that UM walks on water. He has an extraordinary talent advantage. I'm not buying the notion his first off season was due to a lack of talent either. It was pretty much the same guys that won the NC the next year.

Not too worried about it though... I think the guy is a narcissist and will eventually make the NFL jump. He loves himself too much not to take the opportunity.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wished the Tennessee, Florida game would be the last game of the year because we seem to always be the better team of the 2 at the end of the year!

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, rkymtn did say UT was undertalented and falling further behind.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think UF was playing its best ball at the end of the season and in particular on D so LSU probably would have eaten your lunch.

I doubt they wanted to play UGA at that point though.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigorangedude...

florida played lsu in baton rouge. there was no woodshed job. florida led the entire game until 1 minute left. and the only lsu player who was injured at the time was early doucet.

i know what you all think of georgia, because of what you did to them. i completely understand. but, i think it would be wrong to dismiss the fact that they were a different team from mid october on. if tenn can be better than florida when december rolled around, why could georgia not be a better football team too?

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ONUV, Nothing has changed? CPF pushed a good friend and loyal Vol out the door. Two more guys were fired. CPF himself has been on thin ice... and has changed his methods accordingly. Order has been restored with the help of a proven commodity (Cutcliffe). UT is now poised to either reach new heights or sink... which in either case is likely to end CPF's career.

Both this recruiting year and the future of Vol football will play out shortly.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator... didn't you pretty much dismiss the notion that UT was a different team later in the season than they were the 3rd week of Sept?

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Georgia was playing better by years end, but Florida wasn't. There is a reason LSU won it all, its because they were the best team in the country. I don't like LSU, but they had a great team, better I believe than the Florida team that won the Nat'l Championship last year, but I guess that will have to be determined on Play Station 3

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with the major point though. I hate that UT and UF play early... and think it does give an advantage to UF.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just read where Casey Kelly has committed to the Vols! Finally some great recruiting news today

Posted by marc_ash on January 30, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmmm,

Well it seems as though UT is going to come down to the wire on making their annual "push". Sad to see him go to Auburn.

Good news is, Kelly committed today. Nice pick up.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc, nice job reading Savage.

Please read Abrams-Ward, Davis, Coples, McClain, Thomas, and Wadley then tell me they are going to be Vols.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

i said i agreed with "most" of what rockymountain wrote.

i don't think tenn's going anywhere. i think they will be a force to be reckoned with, some years will be better than others. but, as you said coaching as well as talent is a factor.

you have spent a lot of time throwing mud at urban meyer. meyer is 3-0 against tenn.

the other thing is (and i don't know why) but tenn's staff has constant brain farts when it comes to the florida game. why, you blast meyer when the tenn staff's decision making can be highly questioned...i have no idea. there are so many examples....let me give you one most don't talk about.

most pick on the offensive coaches....let's explore the genius that is mr. chavis. in 2006, 1st qtr....florida scores on a play where leak does a half roll to the left and throws to his right to #6 jermaelle cornelius. td. it was a 1st down call from around the 20 yard line. 4th qtr, same down, same field position....florida called the same play. dallas baker was all alone....td.

now, that would tell me that florida's coaches found a tendency in tenn and exploited it twice. in the same game. hard to spot tendencies when you are only two games into the season. unless, tenn was predictible and was able to be spotted from years past.

there are countless examples....pick on meyer all you want.....i'll keep the florida staff where it is.

and meyer is not going to the nfl.

Posted by rckymtngator on January 30, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel like Obama after a Clinton speaks, always having to clarify what I said. I did not say that Tennessee is "Undertalented". Tennessee is a very talented team. What I did say is that Tennessee is starting to fall behind the other top SEC schools as far as recruiting and within two years it will catch up to them. Florida & LSU can have off years and due to local talent still have a top 15 recruting class. Tennessee to recruit needs exposure. You do not get national exposure with your games televised on regional TV. Florida has 10 games in 2008 scheduled for CBS & ESPN. Like the previous poster stated "Beat Florida on a regular basis and you will receive national exposure" One win every 3 - 4 years is not enough.

As for Meyer, love or hate him, he is a recruiting beast and has absolutly no intention of going to the NFL.

Posted by waterskier3 on January 30, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

don't worry be happy!!!!

pass the bong man!!!!! maybe just maybe the performance on the field the last 2 years have recruits thinking different about ol phil and his ability to win the big game... great recruits want to win championships not the outback bowl.... winning breeds winning... winning creates excitement and the recruits love winning!!!!

also you lose cut and trooper and now you know who was bringing all the talent to UT

so don't worry be happy!!!!! I say write off 2008 and say wait til 09 because i know we'll win then...

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

also,

i have said on numerous occasions that tenn won the division fair and square and they deserved to. they played by the same rules as everyone else and tenn won the division.

but, in terms of who was the best team in the east.....most folks (outside the state of tenn) would not have said tenn. most would probably say georgia. that's why a playoff is good and polls stink. they would render opinions meaningless.

and for those of you getting upset.....i think the colts are a better team than the chargers....but the chargers beat the colts. that's how it goes. i know sjt18 is still convinced the 96 vols were better than the 96 gators.

but, i doubt you will ever see this from a team in the sec championship game again.

in league games

tenn....points for 243
points against 246

Posted by beaznvol on January 30, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a good book that CPF needs to read. It's called Good to Great. Talks about how CEO makes a good company great. That's what he is, a CEO. If he is comfortable in his job and just making it to the SEC without winning, then no offensive genius can change that. My guess is that CPF doesn't allow the new guy lots of lattitude, but I hope I'm wrong.
*Crompton and B.J. are both better than Kelly. I just hope they both develop well.

Posted by cc1 on January 30, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

u.t. had the easier schedule to win the east. this year u.f. has the easier s.e.c. schedule.

Posted by bigorangedude on January 30, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm getting sick, I've seen too much talk about Florida on here, please excuse me! Isn't there a forum for Gator fans, like teebow.com or urbanlegend.com or something?

Posted by thesavageorange on January 30, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am the eternal optimist, but this one hurt.The chances we get Dareus or Everett are slim.I hope CPF has something left up his sleeve.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i got to hand it to you sphs_vols.....

you are putting your credibility on the line with incredible fervor.

Posted by GoVol on January 30, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well "surprise, surprise" as Gomer Pyle would say about the Savage decision to attend Auburn.

The only good news is that we are on the Fulmer countdown -2 seasons to go. There is a light at the end of this dark (4 losses per season, cannot be competetive with the big teams) tunnel.

Posted by pdhuff on January 30, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beaznvol 3:40p.m. - good post. Some things are set in concrete. One is , Phil himself, will never change. What worked nearly 10 years ago he believes will work now. He doesn't have near anything to work with that he had then.

"Family" concept has almost been his undoing. Instead of worrying about keeping Trooper and Cutcliff for the bowl game, he should have been hiring a new OC ASAP and recruiting. He is reaping what he's sown and will continue to do so. You've got to admire him for his tenacity, not for broad vision. He has presided over a situation that includes a defense that is not up to a winning SEC standard. He did this, no one else. He is a quality guy who truly stays the course.

Posted by GoVol on January 30, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff - I concur 100% with your comments about PF. He is his own worst enemy most of the time.

Posted by thesavageorange on January 30, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff ,Alot of what you say is true, but if he would have hired a new staff before the bowl , and we would have got dusted, Neyland himself couldn't stop the torch carrying, pitchfork totin nuts from haging CPF from the jumbotron at the stadium.

Posted by auttat on January 30, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, pretty sure FL scored on the same play the year before.

But dude, you are stealing my stuff.

Posted on September 17 at 2:28 p.m.

"Fl's offense is actually pretty easy to cover. Pressure up the middle don't over persue. Now, that's easier said than done. But its something we did a decent job of last year. Well, the pressure up the middle. I actually think over persuit is something Chavis teaches fundementally. Everybody in Neyland stadium knew where the ball was going on 2 of their touchdowns last year. Everybody but the one person supposed to be covering the guy running the wrong direction. Hey, what's he doing doesn't he know the play is going this way. The heck with him I'll just let him be stupid. D'oohh"

Posted by beaznvol on January 30, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, Danile Lincoln was a rivals 2* and I think he's a little better than that folks. Just some food for thought. Oh, and football wise, I don't think we're gonna need 5* DE's to sack the QB this year being our Secondary will be covering receivers like a fat kid on cake. Think about it. Morley and Berry at the safety spots with a laundry list of experienced corners. McCoy is the most underrated LB in the SEC. Our Secondary will be fabulous and DL stunts can open the door for a few blitzes. (Nevin McKenzie ring a bell?) No excuses this year Chief Chavis. Passing TD's on us could be a little tough to come by this year. Can you guys imagine Berry's strength AFTER a year in the off-season? I hope Noone has forgot about Big Ben.

Posted by govols8080 on January 30, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yesterday afternoon I was told by a co-worker of mine that his son played football with Savage. He told me that Savage would commit to Tennessee. Looks like he was wrong. Sorry vols fans

Posted by thesavageorange on January 30, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

govols8080 ,No worries it happens.Most reports (whether media or public)are correct at the time they are stated.Things change quickly.

Posted by govols8080 on January 30, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks man.

Posted by bigbluevol on January 30, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, the second play you're talking about, while accurately described leaves out one key detail: Baker was open in large part because Antwan Stewart fell on his butt. As Baker was crossing the field, Stewart took a seat. Not good. By the way, what's your radio guy's name? I think I hate him more than Munson, and that's saying something.

Posted by 4ss on January 30, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh no, TN will never win again. This one guy was going to make our team win every game! Oh my gosh, how will we ever get by without him. UT is down the tubes and it is all over. Booooo Hoooooo Whooooooo. My big orange tears are bluring my big orange vision through my big orange glasses and running down getting my big orange suit all wet! Holy crap, how could we lose a recruit, HOW!!!

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol

mick hubert is florida's "radio voice" and i don't like him either. but, you do know if florida is winning or losing by the tone in his voice. he is a homer (as all college announcers should be)

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, throwing mud? He is successful. I don't like him and am certainly not as impressed with him as you guys... as should probably be expected.

Spurrier rubbed your nose in it... but he mostly seemed to be having fun with it. I get the impression from watching UM that HE IS the snob that Spurrier pretended to be.

Of course, you can get away with it so long as you win.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rkymtngator, "Tennessee has not kept up with the other schools when it comes to talent. Talent wins, not coaches. Great talent makes great coaches, ie Mack brown at Texas."

Past tense. "has not" rather than "is not". Neither would be true but this sounds alot like saying UT doesn't have talent to me.

"You guys can unload on me, but in the end, you know that the last 5 years overall have not been great recruiting years for Tenessee."

This statement isn't true either but 5 years of subpar recruiting has to result in a lack of talent, right?

Posted by TommyJack on January 30, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Absofreakinlutely right on the money about ole Phil.

Dupree: My apologies. No thanks, don't need a cart.

Posted by GoVol on January 30, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

4ss - cheer up, we're not done for good. Only 2 years with Fulmer left, then things will get better soon thereafter.

As stated before, it really doesn't matter which recruits we get....they have to be coached, so until Fulmer is gone we'll get the same results with 2*, 3*, 4* & 5* recruits.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, Could not agree more about UT's coaches choking against UF. As frustrating as it is to watch, they tend to get even tighter than they are normally. You'd think after getting beaten with that kind of frequency they'd stop worrying about it so much and just play UF like Auburn or Bama does. I would argue that neither of those teams has recruited as well as UT since 2000 (yes including the very good Aub team) but they've both played UF better.

Posted by marc_ash on January 30, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks SJT. May have just been a fluke on my end, but I'll check out the rest and let you know.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beaznvol, You are new so I'll ask you like I've asked so many before. Other than when Sanders had collapsed into a fetal position, please name a time when CPF micromanaged his staff.

IMO, CPF's REAL failure was that he gave Sanders too much trust, too soon, and too cheaply. By the time he put his hand in... it was too late to save the situation. RS's subpar performance didn't begin in 2005. It began right after the NC game. Cut's O had produced 400 points in a season 5 of 6 years before he left. They routinely scored 30+ ppg for a season. RS went over 400 points once and may have hit 30 ppg once or twice.

The thing CPF is suffering for and rightly so is not managing Sanders close enough... not too close.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

would you really rather have phillip fulmer than urban meyer.

be honest.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoVol, If you think things will get better automatically with CPF gone, you're insane. That light you think you see at the end of the tunnel is almost certain to be an on-coming train.

There is absolutely NO guarantee that the next guy will pull the talent to K'ville from across the nation that CPF has. If they don't then it could get worse than the 70's.

Let me ask you a question: If CPF were gone and an applicant came with a NC on his resume, 2 BCS conf championships, a 73% winning percentage in a top BCS conf, several division titles in what most recognize as the most difficult division in CFB.... AND was recognized by recruiting experts as a top 5 recruiter having pulled in top 10 classes routinely and top 25 classes every year in spite of being in a talent poor state...

You'd say "HIRE HIM!!!" Right?

That's the guy you are in such a hurry to get rid of.

I don't think the guy is flawless. However he has changed since 2005. The Clawson hire is a good indication that he's continuing to change. IMO, our chances are better with an improved Fulmer than an unknown from the outside.

Posted by jim_bell on January 30, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tonyfred,what about all the classes we had while Cut was gone?Explain that....

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator, I don't have any delusions about CPF being without significant flaws.

But no, I don't want someone like Meyer... so I guess the answer would be yes.

With no personal slight to CPF, I'd trade him as a coach in a half a second for Mark Richt... though I really don't know that either could recruit to UT on par with what CPF has done consistently over the years.

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18

spurrier is a bigger genius than i even thought. he used to say "he was disliked because florida was winning. people like you when you lose, but people tend not to like you anymore when you win. no one hated me at duke."

you hate spurrier. meyer is a bigger jerk, because, after all, he is the jerk spurrier "pretended to be"....

but, i bet you kind of liked ol' ron zook. he was a swell guy wasn't he.

Posted by beaznvol on January 30, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They routinely scored 30+ points per game because they had Heath Shuler and Peyton Manning. At the time we also managed to get receivers such as Peerless Price out of Columbus Ohio.
When you played O-Line you think like an O-lineman. How many other Coaches do you think could be ranked #2 Nationally and have a losing Season?
I love coach Cutcliff. I think he is great. But if you don't think that teams like GA and SC have stepped up their game in the SEC East then I don't know which channel you watch on saturdays.
Fulmer would never suggest to his players to rush the field after a touchdown against FL but it is arguably the turning point of Georgia's season. WINNING GAMES BY 3 DOESN'T LEAVE THE IMPRESSION ON RECRUITS LIKE WINNING GAMES BY 33.
I cannot speak as to the managerial habits of CPF but I do see the product he has put on the field since 98' and I could win money guessing which plays would be called on offense. I don't believe that is a coincidence. The constant factor has been CPF. I'm not here to bust people's chops. The truth is he has a great winning % but that doesn't win championships.
When recruiting season is over I will come back on here and give you a couple of examples where personnel are concerned but as for now I will leave you with this:
Gerald Jones is running the "G" gun on LSU picking up GREAT yardage. You don't go back to it during the course of the game? ever? If you'd seen this kids highligt reels he can throw the ball as well. Run it and before long when he is back there LSU puts 9 in the box and he has a man on man shot with a receiver.
If it sounds crazy then I guess you've watched too many draws or quick slants with Rogers.
Ask Boise State what a liberal offense can get you in a championship atmosphere (okalahoma).
Look, if the kids we have get utilized correctly and don't reel in the offense when games get tight, We will be countin' numerous 5* and 4* player commitments this time next year. CPF is gonna be gone sooner or later. What's gonna be left in the Cupboard?

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nope. I didn't like Zook and got alot of pleasure out of seeing him fall.

Posted by pdhuff on January 30, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beazonvol-5:45 good post, but I hope you're not in a hurry because you'll hear from sjt18. Go Vols, beat MSU. Recruit.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beaznvol, UGA was dominant while RS was OC primarily because UT stumbled. USC was pathetic during that time.

I KNOW that CPF's leadership was a problem... but if you think that Sander's deterioration of the offense had nothing to do with the decline... I can't help you. Nice guy I'm sure but simply not OC material.

You mentioned the collapse in 2005. What was the problem? The D? Nope. They allowed 18.6 ppg even without help from the O. RS last mark at UT was the lowest point total since the lean years of the 80's in spite of having perhaps the best talent UT had had since the 90's. He averaged 18.6 ppg... and struggled to score against UAB.

I'm not taking any responsibility away from CPF... but RS was a problem... he isn't now.

As for the G-Gun and all that, they only had a limited number of plays in that formation... and when you get to the championship game YOU DON'T take the ball out of the hands of your Sr, record setting QB and give it to a Freshman. It didn't work out but that part wasn't a bad decision.

FTR, who do you think called the plays that day? Do you really think Cut said, "Phil I want to run the G-Gun" and CPF responded "No Dave, I'd rather have Erik throw a couple of picks to lose the game"?

Ainge had a great season and proved repeatedly that he could get it done. Ever heard of "Dance with the one that brung ya"? The G-Gun only works in limited doses.

I really like Jones... but I wouldn't have wanted to see his first college pass be in the SEC CG against the best defense in the country.

What would you have said if he had thrown it and it had been a pick-6? Don't even try it... you'd have been complaining about how stupid it was not to have Ainge throwing the ball.

Posted by sjt18 on January 30, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks pdhuff for the vote of confidence.

Nope. You are right. I'm still struggling letting posts like that slide on by... though I know I probably should.

Posted by vol1994 on January 30, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sphs_vol - I posted several times that :

1. FUlmer was surprised with the # of recruits thus far (the guys they HEAVILY recruited that have chosen other schools)

2. I stated we would not be a top 20 class
3. That this kid would go to auburn as It was announced on a radio show yesterday in alabama that savage was leaning towards auburn

**basically my source stated fulmer was disheartened and yours states we will have a top 15 class and things were rosy.

*I am not trying to doubt you or anyone but...
I have asked what surprises / recruits are you referring to? top 15 class?

Lets face it... we have settled on a few players this year as we have open scholarships. Some of these kids (the one from Murfreesboro) were not heavily recruited by us until others committed to other school. This is going to be a bad year for recruiting so next year must be a top 10 class.

Posted by beaznvol on January 30, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When we turn the ball over to talented players instead of those who have "paid their dues", we will win. It's called taking a shot. I will reply back as I am short on time, but take a look around the NCAA and pay attention to the Freshman and Sophmores making a difference. Do you think Austin Rogers should even have a chance at starting against the following WR:
G. Jones
A. Paige
B. Vinson (should be playing receiver)
K. O'Neal
We'll see next year.
I guess you're gonna tell me how many catches Austin had and what a great player he is. If I'm playin' back yard ball for $ I bet I know who most of us would take. If they don't get a chance to get on the field then they don't get a chance to prove themselves. You think Austin Rogers can make a circus grab the way G.Jones did against KY? By the way don't talk about toughness either b/c B. Vinson played with a dang shoulder that was about to fall of every time he made a tackle. We have gotten a reputation for recruiting kids to play a certain position and putting them in another. (4-5* DL to OL)
You don't think inter squad player/coaching politics has anything to do with it? Heck, if it wasn't for injuries young guys wouldn't have seen the field but one of them sure made a key play to save the bowl game at the end.
What about punt returns? How long does it take to pull Hefney at the beginning of the season and put someone else back there? How many weeks seriously. I guess he was an upperclassman and earned the right.
In coaching strategy lead, follow, or have another loss in Atlanta, if we make it in the back door this time. Just Keepin' it real.
Go tell Daddy Phil what Non-BCS bowl game you want for Christmas. Does he pay you to take up for him by the hour?
Style points gets you at-large bids and you need all the help you can get playing in the best conference in the nation.

Posted by vol1994 on January 30, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UT has enough talent the next two years to win a SEC championship as long as our QB is strong. Of course we must recruit well the next few years to keep the talent on the field.

Just heard that Stephens may transfer to Duke.
Heard it on the way home from work on 560am n Nashville. A caller called the show and said a source close to the program stated He is thinking about leaving since Crompton will start next year and Coleman in 2010....

anyone else heard this?

Posted by 99gator on January 30, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tdtn

as i have said before.....ignore the rating and look who is trying to sign the kid. all of the kids on that list signed with a major, major program

Posted by carm4896 on January 30, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We will look at the film,clap when they do wrong,put them on police ride along, tell everyone to look at the wins in last ten years.

Posted by ATLVOL1 on January 30, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keith Wells may announce any minute, Fulmer is at his house right now...

"son if you work your rear off, I will make sure KPD takes a second look at your police report".... I mean how can