Posted by pdhuff on March 10, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point # 10 will be revisited several times. "Both proved they can perform at the SEC level"?

We performed down to 11th out of 12 positions in the final SEC rankings.

Believe this defense needs to be as important as who's playing QB or punting. Lordy, we'll see.

Posted by wvuvolfan on March 10, 2008 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i don't think colquitt will be punting or kicking after 5 games, unless we have a total breakdown. i believe Britton is done as a VOL.

Posted by IdahoVol on March 10, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of questions, but if these new coaches are as good as advertised, I think we are in for a good year. My biggest concern is the punting situation. I would expect Colquitt will be back for the end of the season - he needs it to help his stock for the NFL. But we have all seen how punting can make a difference in a game, and we don't seem to have anything there. We have 6 months to figure this out.

Posted by TommyJack on March 10, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PD: Don't be such a doubting Nabob. Stay the course.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on March 10, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sure hope we spend time learning to tackle and working on special teams.

Posted by pdhuff on March 10, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, they made their course very clear to me on "D" last fall. Several times.

I don't need or want to see it again. I've had enuf "whoops, there they go again". Or opposing QBs having time to watch "Oprah". LOL

Posted by orangeblood on March 10, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What the heck is going on with Brandon Warren??? When's he going to be eligible. Someone from the News Sentinel Staff please comment.

Posted by IPOrange on March 10, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, yes, Spring cometh. Let's roll.

Posted by knoxsingle on March 10, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No one can comment about Warren. He can't contact the program until the summer, so it's an unknown.

Posted by debaser11 on March 10, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope we score lots of points,,,
... see item no. 10 above!

Posted by TurboFan on March 10, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

8a: kickoff depth without Colquitt will be a concern once again. Can Lincoln get it past the 15 yard line?

Posted by ect1983 on March 11, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are going to fight like heck to get better. Stay the course. Dang.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 11, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know about you guys but, in the midst of the current Vols' hoops road to glory, reading this is like picking up a drink at a party and finding a soggy cigarette butt in your mouth.

Show me in September, when this Vol fan will have even lower expectations than normal.

Posted by kdt0725 on March 11, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WHY DO WE MOVE CHRIS DONALD?! I DONT GET IT!!!! 5 STAR LINEBACKERS DONT MAKE 5 STAR D-ENDS!!!!!

Posted by GIVEHIMSIX on March 11, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KNS, i know we are in the midst of the best basketball season in UT history. still, im disappointed in the lack of pre-spring coverage you have given. with so many story lines and question marks this year, i was expecting this spring to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. pearl and co. are great, but it's the first day of the 2009 football season. can we get a little more info?

Posted by volfan73120 on March 11, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That is the story of your life mbumburu.

Posted by andy112382 on March 11, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kdt0725 - if Chris Donald can be as explosive at DE as he was at LB, than it is one of the smartest moves in recent memory given the need on the DL versus at LB where we have depth to spare.

Wonder how many people bashed on the idea of moving Jason Witten from DE to TE....I can just hear it now 'TE??? He is a DE, we need DEs! We don't even use the TE!'......don't have too much to complain about that move nowadays!

I think the coaches know a bit more than we do, hench why they get paid to do this stuff for a living and we are on here bickering about it.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by orangeblood on March 11, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't wait to hear about warren in the summer. AS for crompton. Someone i know worked out with him recently and said he has put on about 20 pounds of pure muscle, has shaved his head, and has a full beard.......no how badASS is that?!?! the foil of tim tebow.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 11, 2008 at 5:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It sure is exciting to see the changes Fulmer will put on the field. We are so fortunate to have him as a leader of our young men.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 11, 2008 at 5:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kdt0725 - "WHY DO WE MOVE CHRIS DONALD?! I DONT GET IT!!!! 5 STAR LINEBACKERS DONT MAKE 5 STAR D-ENDS!!!!!"

Tell that to Leonard Little.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 11, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Better smoke that soggy cigarette butt mbumburu as Fulmer will be holding up the Sears Trophy this year.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 11, 2008 at 5:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

orangeblood - "AS for crompton. Someone i know worked out with him recently and said he has put on about 20 pounds of pure muscle, has shaved his head, and has a full beard..now how badASS is that?!?! "

He's living in Knoxville and just trying to fit in.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 11, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm thinking Florida and Alabama will be over confident this year after last year's game and they will not know what hit them. This team is destined for the National Championship if we can find a QB, the new offensive scheme is successful, a defensive line and backups and keep the off field problems down to a minimal. So far so good!

Posted by eb502us on March 11, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm SO looking forward to a new offense under Clawson. My vocal chords still need a rest after having to put up with Cutcliffe the last few years.

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Gen Fritter for explaining it so succinctly. The skies will clear as fearless leader commands the fight "like heck" (tks ect 1983) on the path to accept the Sears Trophy.

Just saw two tankers full of orange koolaid at the lakeside market. One driver said something about getting on over to Gen Fritters place. Said they had to fill a new 8,000 gallon tank. Must be for ride-alongs.

Punting! Pshaw. You have 4 tries to make ten yds. Don't need no punter. Don't you give up that ball!

Bring it on. You know we're ready.

Posted by chipper10 on March 11, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sears Trophy? It must be spring where hope springs eternal. Doesn't matter how many five star players we have at positions. Simply put: tackle well, take care of the ball, run the ball, stop the run. That is all they need to practice this spring.

Posted by ThurmondEppy on March 11, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

General Fritter and company, you need to find a new comedy routine. I'm not hating.... the "ironic enthusiasm" was cute at first, but now it's just old.

Even Seinfeld would get booed after telling the same jokes over and over.

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 11, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Surely, somwhere in ET, there is a 5 foot nothin' soccer player/mulch spreader named Pedro that can kick the holy crap out of the pigskin.

And be careful Mr. Drew Edwards. This article was a little too upbeat for KNS standards. You may find yourself working in middle TN later on if you keep it up.

Posted by vol88 on March 11, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

New season, new players, new coaches...let's get behind these guys the same way we're behind the b'ball team.

(Who would've ever thought anyone would ever say that?)

Posted by Volalumnus on March 11, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Say what you want about the Adams article and "The Response" , but I haven't heard of any trouble since then.
The article did its job, put heat on the coaches and the program, and when they have the heat on them, well, its amazing that it gets 180 degrees different results.

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 11, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tread lightly vol88, talk like that can have you banned. Use phrases like "reserved optimism" and "reluctant support"...you'll last longer.

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Volalumnus, interesting observation.

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How would ol' TDTN have looked out upon the optimism (guarded) of another spring? Helments clashing, buttercups opening, turkeys walking to the creek, turkeys typing and all hoping.

But what thoughts lurk down deep in the human soul? What do we really expect, when you get to where the rubber meets the road?

Posted by leedsvol2007 on March 11, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We'll see how it plays out but there is cause for optimism for the coming season.

Its much like 98 when we lost Leonard Little, Peyton Manning, Terry Fair et.al..

QB is obviously a question mark but having seen Crompton in limited playing time he appears able to step up.

We will be better at running back and wide receiver and a very good offensive line returns.

On defense we have questions up front and with the loss of Jerrod Mayo to the NFL. The secondary should be outstanding.

Our return game should be better with Rogan.

Colquitt leaves a big early hole. We saw how badly we were hurt with poor directional punting and kickoffs against Florida and Cal last season when Colquitt was nursing his leg injury.

If there are answers to the questions 2008 could be special.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on March 11, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, pdhuff, I'm less concerned about qb and punter than the front 7 on D. They didn't mention Langley but I believe he is going to contribute as much or more than Chase Nelson and Victor Thomas. I agree with Greer on finding that strong-leg kicker maybe off a soccer field, and most of all, agree with kdt ... I was uneasy about moving Chris Walker to DE, but putting Chris Donald there??? I believe he was the #1 inside lb prospect in the nation. Seems like it would be a fine thing to groom him toward being #1 actual linebacker, would it not?

Posted by orangebloodgmc on March 11, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And this was a pretty good article ... so I knew Adams did not write it.

Posted by murrayvol on March 11, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff: You know full well what many amongst us are thinking. Infrequently and not very deep.

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some see the glass as half full, others see the glass as half empty. And, there are other folks who ask "What glass?"

Posted by HotlantaVol on March 11, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Regardless of the sarcasm-dripping comments above, I am excited about this season coming up. Much more excited than when Sanders took over the offense. leedsvol is right. It is a lot like '98 when we lost a lot of good players and expectations were low. Tennessee always plays better when they are surrounded by doubters. So, please, keep doubting.

Oh, and Cromton will never be a true bad@$$ until he gets a few jailhouse tats like all of his teammates. I suggest LOVE/HATE across the knuckles.

Posted by HotlantaVol on March 11, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CromPton. Sorry.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on March 11, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Terrific feature story on CBP in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Here is the link:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/spo...

Posted by AlpharettaVol on March 11, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Aparently this site won't show the entire link. If you want to see the Bruce Pearl story, go to ajc.com and do a search for Steve Hummer, who wrote the story for this morning's edition of the AJC.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HotlantaVol--loved your post. some of these guys cannot pass up the opportunity to bash fulmer. It is amazing how much more they know about coaching than the coaching staff. I am not happy over the past few years either, but i support the team win, lose or draw. I think they are all Majors believers and still not over what Johnny did to himself. sad. truly sad to have that much hate.

Posted by waterskier3 on March 11, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

come on we're now a BB school where football is second.. who cares about spring practice????? do we really believe we have a shot at anything other thant the outback bowl with our schedule and our defense? we haven't been able to run the ball in 3 years and i don't see that changing so what will we do on 3rd and 2?????? that yardage has cost us so many games and mo during the past 3 season.....can't run can't win championships....

i'm excited about the potential of winning the sec tourney and the ladies winning it all... then we can come back and talk about the pretenders....

really i love UT football but they have made me so mad and dissappointed since 2000 that i'm having a hard time being positive...

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Used to be in lockstep myself. Kinda like the drunk who thought he was dancing still someone stepped on his hand.

We'll see.

Posted by chefjorge on March 11, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doesn't Dustin Colquitt play in the NFL and isn't Britton his younger, stupider brother whose services we will be without for five games?

Posted by stinky_pinky on March 11, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why is this a headliner? who cares....

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce

Posted by vol4jesus on March 11, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

alpharettavol this is a futbol article not bball sir. stick to rules of posting to topic. kindly poster police....just post that on bball site/article. Do you hear the sound of pads hitting/popping? No, not yet allowed,but soon.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

waterskier3--judging by some of your past posts, what would have made you happy? i am not either but tennessee is not now and never has been as elite a team as you think. only during the Neyland years were we thought of as elite. i would like to see a top ten finish every like southern cal, oklahoma, texas, and the usual suspects. Fulmer has done a very credible job,. you just will not admit it.

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07, you point out an interesting distinction. I would assume that ALL (most?) of us support the football team -- win, lose, or draw. But, some of us chose not to support Phillip Fulmer. Some do not distinguish between the two. I do.

Posted by BOASoldier on March 11, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

then don't post waterskier... the first snap of spring practice hasn't even taken place and you're already whining. It's ok to have concerns, but how bout waiting to see what this season brings before you start whining about it... how many people freaked after Peyton left and the 98 season began? How many people got all excited about how great we were going to be in 2005? fact is noone knows yet so quit whining

Posted by jhayes1911 on March 11, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

chefjorge-You are correct! KNS is terrible! Out of my 7 years I spent in school and working, I never read the paper or watched the news!

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP--i respect your opinion as i hope you respect mine. i was trying to point out that we tennesseans are far more impressed with us than the rest of the country. when i moved to texas in 1970, i was bragging about our vols to the fake UT people. most people were not aware that we rank numeber 8 in all time wins. most of that great record was recorded under the General. And, there is always the butt monkeys. yes, you won the national championship, but.....you had a lot of luck. you did this but...........never had the respect of other people. i hope i do not make people mad saying this. but the national prestige, if there is any, came the late great general Neyland.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BOASoldier---great post. unfortunately, it will not make a difference to the chief naysayer. he is going to be negative and regardless. i will bet you this, if we should wind up in a BCS game this year, he would be bitching that Fulmer called a bad game. mark my words.

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07, I too live far from Knoxville and totally agree with your 10:19 post. Totally! And I wear my Orange with pride, regardless of the comments made!

I hope that someday, during my lifetime, that Tennessee football could return to the same level of glory and prestige that The General took us to.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP--not to live in the past, but when you look at 38,39,40, no team in football has done what tennessee did those three years. Not even Bud Wilkingson at Oklahoma when the big 8 was called Oklahoma and the seven dwarks.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JimR: No need to mark your words. It ain't gonna happen. And BTW, I don't see ole GerryOP as a loser/hater. The man just expresses some angst with the present HC. Doesn't mean he's not a Believer. How many times does this need to be pointed out for cryin out loud. sheesh.

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP - which of the two do you choose to support? Is it the current course you support part of all of the time or another course all of the time or neither course when we get shellacked or partly support during a light shellacking?

I stay the course of the apple fritter supported in my right hand. 3-5 times a week. It is steadfast, gives its best each outing and has no charts to study. It cannot leap off the ground and thusly, unlike others, does not try.

I'm awaiting the new charts on this 2-9 defense.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There will be concerns coming out of spring practice as well. I look forward to hearing who steps up and has improved but if they can come out without injuries and having decided who the starting QB will be... That will be a successful spring.

DT has to be the biggest concern. I doubt that will go away until they actually do something against a quality opponent. However, we should get some flavor for how it is going since they'll be going up against Parker and Foster. Two NFL quality OG's. V Richard is no slouch either.

Be sure to give us those spring reports TDTN...er.... General_Fritter.

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07, do you think Tennessee football can/will ever get back to that level of excellence? Or can we even get close to that level of excellence?

Posted by hueypilot on March 11, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jimr you should check back a little. 1970 was a good time for Texas but they have had their troubles since then. Didn't Air Force trample Texas in a bowl game a few years ago? Didn't Vince Young effectively buy Mack Brown a few years respite from those Longhorn fans who said he can recruit but can't coach. Hasn't Oklahoma had the Linda Lovelace label for several years now and didn't Oklahoma go through some lean years before and after Switzer? Didn't USC have to drag John Robinson back to resurrect their once proud program, and ditto with Pete Carroll's return? Didn't Tennesseean John Cooper get whacked at Ohio State because he couldn't beat Michigan and the same for Lloyd Carr when he lost to little Ap State at the big house this year. Bobby Bowden had an unbelievable run at FSU as did Paterno but both have had their difficulties in recent times. You didn't mention them but at times Notre Dame and Nebraska were the then monsters of the midway. Look at them now and lately respectively.

I well remember the losing streaks to Alabama and losses at the hands of Army Virginia Rutgers and North Texas State and the long drawn out process from 76 to 85 where we (finally) achieved respectablity again. Since then with the exception of 05, Tennessee has been "in the mix" (I know that phrase just kills some of you guys) and we competed for the championship of the best and most competitive conference in college football last year. I am looking forward to this year like I always do and its great to have both roundball teams to spice up the spring. Go Vols.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree totally with Hueypilot (for once)..

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pd, I support the belief that if there is anything in the glass, drink it! Particularly if it is Bud Light or cheap scotch!

I support the team, win, lose, or draw! And since our head football coach has declared that his primary job is mentoring and educating, I support the belief that Mr. Hamilton should start a nationwide search to hire someone whose primary job is to win football games!

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Gerry's last sentence if that is a true reading of what CPF intended to say.

However, along with TJ... I think that search has already been conducted. Now MH only has to hope that the Vols don't completely tank preventing him from installing CPF's successor.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack--do not know what to say. i agree, it ain't gonna happen. i was trying to point out that it really does not matter. there are people that will complain about fulmer regarless of the season. nice hearing from you, though. oh, by the way, you supported his right to say what he wants but you took issue with me saying what i wanted to say.

Posted by dford9 on March 11, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We will be OK, IF everything pans out~! OC
Clawson will be "under the gun"; especially
when UT plays Florida, Auburn, and Alabama.
He needs to save a few tricks for the old
master of tricks- Nick "SATAN" Saban~!

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GerryOP--i am not encouraged at this point. i got to where i would not even watch a game on t.v. especialy if it was on ESPN with the three stooges. ESPN has killed a lot of enjoyment i had for both college and professional football. goes back to their lobbying against Peyton. Monday night football is horrible.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hueypilot--well stated and i do agree. what i am saying is that the perception of Tennessee football is that is not quite in the elite category like WE tennesseans think. I was born and raised in Nashville, went to my first football at Shields-Watkins field when i was 6. We did get some respectability. when you talk to people from other parts of the country, when you listen to the talking heads on sports channels, we are almost never mentioned as being an elite team. yes, what you said i definitely agree with. i hope you see my point.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I pretty much agree jimr07. Even while saying that I thought CPF should get a chance to see if he can keep making progress towards another championship... I pointed out that the good ol' days weren't as good as everyone seems to remember. UT was almost always the brides maid to Spurrier and UF during the 90's.

Considering that the overall level of competition wasn't what it is now... I'm not sure that "elite" was ever a label they deserved even while winning a couple of SEC championships. 98 was an "elite" year... but doesn't it take more than one year to be considered an "elite" program?

I want to see UT at that level. Right now, I think CPF is a better risk for getting them there than jumping on the coaching caroussel. There are few coaches that can get any program to that level and even fewer out of that group that would seriously consider the UT job. That is especially true if they faced the proposition and inherent job insecurity of replacing a coach as successful as Fulmer.

People can handwring all they want... but an "elite" coach being interviewed to replace a "pushed out" CPF would take a long hard look at why he was under pressure. They'd have to agree that the expectations were reasonable, attainable, and whether there was enough patience to get it done.

IMHO, unless CPF goes on his own... UT will have a much, much tougher time replacing him than most of you think.

Posted by GerryOP on March 11, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07, I hear ya'! I suggest you separate the team from the coach. Then the image of Tennessee football outside of Tennessee might make more sense. Be well! Go Vols!

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18--that was well stated. unfortunately, we did not make hay after '98. for some reason it seems like well, we did it, now lets sit back relax and talk about how good we are.

Posted by vols76 on March 11, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If our Offense is as good as everyone thinks it is going to be, then we don't need Colquitt. Anyone can do the punting if we don't plan on punting until late in the game when we are ahead by 25....

Posted by waterskier3 on March 11, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

maybe i am dreaming that we were every elite in the ranks of football... but in the 90's and even in johnny's last few years we were prepared... mean, compet against top schools.... since 2000 we haven't been... i would just like to get back to where i at least thought we had a chance to win the ball game.... a lot of fans agree with that feeling.... I don't see it as a non fulmer supporter i see it as a person not getting the job done at a school that deserves better.....

I used to always have that excitement of potentially having a special year but not any more..... i would love for that to return to the hill....

Go vols!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by orangebloodgmc on March 11, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerry, with all due respect, how does it support the team if one is constantly doubting and undermining the head coach? How does that contribute to team confidence and morale, bolster the stability of the program, help recruiting? I just don't see it.

Posted by 55Vol on March 11, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Defense ..... focus..... Offense keeps the game exciting but defense wins the championships...always has...always will.

Posted by hueypilot on March 11, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now who's more of the fool? We won both UK and USC. Dumbasses make stupid mistakes and let the other team win. We didn't. In fact we threw the ball repeatedly late in the UK game but several dropped passes gave uk another chance. Any one of those passes would have resulted in a relatively comfortable win. How many years have you coached foolmore?

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore, That is my greatest frustration with UT football for as long as I've been watching it. I don't even think it started with CPF.

I HOPE that between Clawson, the two guys with NFL experience on staff now, Manning, and numerous others... CPF can be convinced that the power of O's in college football today do not allow you to sit on a lead for 2 quarters.

UT should have blown UK and USC out. They should have beaten Arkansas worse than the did.

Your's was a very legitimate criticism of Fulmer's philosophy.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hueypilot, I'm typically more like you but the idea that you can sit on a lead like they used to... is Gone with the Wind.

Hypothetically- if UT were up by 17 in the 3rd qtr against UF and went into the prevent offense like they did against USC... they'll get hammered. You can't put that much pressure on your D with the potency of modern college O's. For every UGA you get away with... you have 5 USC's or worse games you lose.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, another good example is Cal 06. Midway through the 3rd, CPF callled off the dogs... had Tedford had another 8 minutes with the way things were going... it would have gotten much more dicey.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 ,I posted the other day the undeniable problem w/ last yr's O.267 1st & 2nd qrt points, against 154 3rd & 4th qrt points.We only scored more 2nd half points 3 times.Guess which games,VU,LL,and SM.

I think some responsibility falls at the feet of Cut.This wasn't just a problem when we had the lead.We only scored 10 2nd half points against Cal, 0 against Bama,0 against UF(offensively),and 7 against LSU, but the O also gave them their winning score on a telegraphed play.Cut never had problems w/ adjustments before ,but it was evident last season.It was as bad w/ or w/o the lead.

Posted by chefjorge on March 11, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really wasn't commenting on the quality of the reporting, though sometimes I do find it rather shoddy and in the case of some, vindictive. I do have problems with the editing however. The number of misspellings and usage problems is embarrassing. KNS is not alone in this. My other main source of sports information is CBSsportsline and there are plenty of these same issues there. I mean to get one of the player's names entirely wrong, particularly when his name has been plastered across all forms of media is inexcusable; though, I suppose you can't blame the author for wishful thinking. I'd like to see Dustin Colquitt be our punter after the fifth game of the season, as opposed to Britton just after a fifth.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JimR: Of course I support your right to post your dissent. That's what this is all about, my good man.
BTW, Mack Brown, IMO, wins in spite of himself. Talent overcomes coaching. Dr. Fulmer once had this luxury. here we go...

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that has some merit savage but I'm talking more globally right now. CPF specifically and UT generally have been clinging to Neyland as long as I've been watching them... When they get a lead, they try to sit on it rather than keeping the pressure on the opponent.

Last year it could be argued that Cut's options for half time adjustments were limited. They did one thing well with Ainge- the short game. Because there was no deep threat, they couldn't run with the type of run game they'd been putting in place ever since Cut returned- (ie. light OL's, zone blocking, no FB).

If they'd been more of a power team or true west coast team, they might have been able to run better.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on March 11, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

britton colquitt will probably go in the NFL supplemental draft and will never return to UT

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone ever stop and consider where any of the ammo directed at Fulmer has come from?

His slowly sinking results. Leave this good man out of it. His results. Read this slowly - We haven't won the SEC under his guidance in nearly 10 years. 10 years!

And dame fortune will have to smile mightily because # 10 in a coming up with trying to straighten out a 11th ranked defrense with NO NEW LINEMEN. We are going to put out there, guys who gave their best and came up 11th out of 12. What miracle is going to make them that much better? Reality is a cold teacher. I've been waiting for anyone to profer a guess as to how we'll be better on defense. Have read nothing. Nada. Period. Most ignore it. Articles on QBs and WRs and DBs. Think about it. Please.

Then wonder why some try to be realistic. I digress.....

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, the really odd thing about Mack Brown is that when he was at UNC... it looked just the opposite. It appeared that he was getting them better in spite of not really having very good players.

I agree. He's a horrible coach. I'm very surprised he's survived all those losses to OU.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volunteer_cowboy, Is that possible? I've never been able to verify if that was an option.

If they miss the date for declaring their eligibility, can they still be drafted?

Posted by HotlantaVol on March 11, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In an effort to clear the Colquitt name, Dustin takes a leave of absence from the NFL (is he still in KC?) and pretends to be Britton for the second half of next season. Meanwhile, Britton gets locked in a cage in the Colquitt basement and is fed only orange kool-aid and fritters. Voila! The Colquitt name is golden in Knoxville once more. You heard it here first.

Posted by mparker on March 11, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I look for an RB or 2 to be moved to LB, especailly if Poole is very good. Hardesty and Creer may be moved to defense.

I'm somewhat concerned about the LB's. Mayo was great, Karl was subpar. We'll improve over Karl, but what about Mayo??? He wqs one of the best hitters in years.

We better have all 3 qb's ready to go. I just don't have great faith in Crompton. However, he is a good athlette, and might win it.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 ,I can understand your point and in no way am I letting CPF off the hook.Teams knew we couldn't throw deep though.Everyone and their brother on these staffs watch tape 10 times over ,so I don't see why it would take a half of football to figure out Ainge wasn't going deep.Maybe Cut was that good ,and found ways to cover up for it for atleast a half.74

Did anyone ever say anything else about EA's supposed shoulder injury?Just wondering how much that might have affected his deep ball.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, I won't claim that they W-I-L-L be better on D. But if it ends up that they are it will be because:

- The DT's got stronger and their experience payed off. Their best DT was a Soph.

- The DE talent is developed and better than what they lose in Reynolds and Mitchell. I actually think this one is likely.

- The LB's stay level or improve with G Williams as an MLB. Whoever replaces Karl will be more athletic. McKenzie and Myers-White appear to be the top candidates.

- The secondary really comes into its own and avoids injury. No matter how talented they were- Rogan, Berry, and Vinson were freshmen. Kemp was a Soph that hadn't played much. Johnson for that matter hadn't played that much. Willingham played against a completely different level of competition.

The greatest improvement for a player should be between his first and second year of significant playing time- hopefully that will bode well for Williams, Frazier, McKenzie, Willingham, Vinson, etc.

Again, I'm concerned about the D too. Someone HAS to emerge at DT. It isn't optional. The LB's should be OK but if they aren't as good as 06 or 05... it may not be enough.

The secondary looks to be a bright spot. A ton of talent and now some decent experience blended in too.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt: I remember the N. Carolina days. He was an up and comer; hence the TX job. Living in TX, you can't believe the talent on his teams. I'm no Horns fan, but they ought to be in the mix yearly for all the marbles. Mack is like The Professor, though. He will be there for as long as he wants.

Posted by givehim6 on March 11, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OOOH,, The sounds of football once agin. Well i'm hoping now that the mens bball & bruse have shown the fball guys you gotta play from the heart, this will bring a new fresh breeze in. Plus a new offence based on competing for playing time, maybe this will give the off. def. and spe. teams a new sense of purpose.
GO VOLS!

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes. I think Cut basically attributed dependence on the short game to Ainge's shoulder.

I like(d) Cut... but it really disappoints me that JC didn't get a shot while Ainge's shoulder and pinky healed. That looks like a mistake that ended up costing them.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, UT would not be served by moving Creer or Hardesty to LB.

If they can't make something out of Frazier, McKenzie, Wilson, McCoy, Myers-White, Donald, and the others on the roster then a converted RB is not likely to be the answer.

Wilson played well behind Mayo. Depth at MLB could be an issue. I've seen some positive comments about Austin Johnson at there during 7 on 7 drills- maybe from savage. Donald's light could come on.

I am most anxious though to see what they do with Gerald Williams. He was a great JUCO MLB. They've projected him at DE but a 6'4" 250 lb MLB with quickness and speed sounds good to me...

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Foolmore. Maybe that wasn't clear. If Elix starts, I think across the board they'll be about the same as last year. Karl's replacement will be more athletic. Wilson isn't as good as Mayo.

If G Williams comes in capable of playing MLB and isn't moved to DE... he represents an upgrade at that position due to his size and strength. That was my point.

BTW, I wasn't implying he would start. I don't think he will under any circumstance at the beginning of the season.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not crowning Clawson anything, but I like the way he thinks.He goes against a-lot of things UT has done offensively in the past.

Clawson:"I think that a good offense has to be able to adapt to its personnel, and that can change on a yearly basis, and it also can change during the course of the season," said Clawson, who begins his on-field duties as UT's offensive coordinator with today's opening of spring football practice. "I've been places before that we thought we were loaded at wideout, five and six deep, and then the third game of the season, four of the six are hurt. And if your whole offense was based on the ability to line up with four receivers, you better have a Plan 'B' because at the end of the day, I think it's players and not so much plays. And if the ball's not in the hands of who it should be in ...

I don't recall the last time we had a plan b.The offense alone could help the D.It will be better,IMO, but how much and will it be enough is the question.

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 11, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ahhhhhhhhh, the sound of bickering like old blue haired quilting ladies at a pie making contest.

It must be Football Time in TENNESSEE!

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt 1:14 post. That was Cut's worst effort ever, IMO. His failure to not substitute someone who could throw the deep ball is unforgivable. Even an occasional insertion of another QB would have helped. Without the deep threat, a 3rd grader could predict what was coming most times. And on another level, very little game time experience was gained by Crompton, et.al. And on ANOTHER level, his predictable offense put undue pressure on an already overtaxed D.
I was a luke-warm Cut fan until the 07 season. But it was one that turned out to be much less fun to watch that it should have been. Clawson...Bring it!

Posted by rockytop on March 11, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff... The reason we will be better on defense this year is in the defensive backfield. At the start of last year we were very young and because of this we couldn't bring the safeties up to help defend the run or blitz. This put a lot of pressure on the front 7. This year, our d-backs will be able to press cover, allowing the safeties to help in run support and rushing the QB. Having a defensive backfield like we will have will completely change the look of our defense.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore: It would go against his M.O., but maybe he's learned something???

Posted by grvol on March 11, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We can only hope that Clawson burns the Cutsanders' playbook.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes. I believe that Clawson will have control. That is consistent with CPF's style of leadership.

No OC has complete control but he'll have as much as any of them.

Do you think Clawson would be continuing to say things as philosophically different from the way it has been done in the past if CPF didn't intend to let him do it? Do you think that the changes he's already begun to make in formations, personnel, training, and nomenclature would be happening if CPF didn't intend on giving him latitude?

I think he will for a couple of basic reasons. One, he has no choice real choice. His fortunes are tied to Clawson now regardless. It is my honest opinion that MH and CPF hired Clawson with succession planning at the forefront. What better way to transition than to let him install his O now?

Two, there's good evidence that Clawson is already in complete control of the offense. The fact that they are changing the names of plays, routes, and techniques to match his O seems telling to me.

He's not out there regurgitating CPF's offensive philosophy and definitely not that of Cut or RS. He's putting his personal stamp on it. CPF seems to be giving him a strong thumbs up.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rockytop ,Agree.DM will be the biggest reason.When you have 2 safeties who can cover 1 on 1 , and stop the run, it gives you flexibility.Chavis should be able to bring guys from everywhere to help stop the run.If (somehow)the front four can get pressure w/o blitzing then this defense will be very tough.You can run cover 0 w/ help over the top, and if you go over the middle "the hit squad" EB & DM will be out their head hunting.

To me it's all about Bolden.He has the ability, but needs to develop an attitude to go w/ it.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, I completely disagree that it is contrary to CPF's MO. I don't think anyone claims that he's ever dictated to any coordinator but Sanders.

But even if you look at Sander's tenure, there's more evidence that CPF was too hands off than too controlling. If anything he gave RS too much trust, too soon, and too cheaply. Sanders wasn't up to the job and progressively demonstrated it.

The ideal coordinator for CPF is someone who will take control but still be receptive to CPF's suggestions.

The biggest conflicts will probably be over personnel. He's loyal to experienced players.

Ainge continuing to start may have been his call based on that fact.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grvol, from what I've heard, the bonfire is lit.

Someone reported that they're changing the playbook right down to the numbering and names of the techniques and some routes.

I'm sure there'll be some carry over... maybe some significant things. But it sounds like he's got an idea about the way to do things and is getting with it.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not buying Foolmore. It took him 6 years to step in when Sanders was floundering and squandering some of the best talent of CPF's tenure. Clawson is more confident and experienced than Sanders was.

You could be right of course... it would just be inconsistent with CPF's style and pattern.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt: You disagree? What a concept! I still think the only coach The Professor ever trusted was Cutcliffe. Otherwise, his fingerprints were all over the playbook. What we DO agree on is the internship for Clawson to be HC. I think that was in play from day one.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I tend to agree w/ sjt on this one.He doesn't have a choice.He has intrusted the new staff w/ his future.I don't think he was running Cut's off.I think it was the Bama game where we had a 4th and short and Cut called a go route that sailed on EA.CPF heard the call on the headset and didn't veto it.The old CPF would have never let that fly.How many times has anyone went into an interview and argued w/ the CEO?That's what Clawson did, and what impressed CPF about him.

IMO, if he didn't want change Adkins would have been the hire.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, Haven't I been agreeable today? I've even agreed on some big criticisms with CRVol.

Maybe it is a lack of evidence though concerning CPF's level of trust. He really hasn't had many coordinators. Only two OC's, right? Chavis has been DC for 10 years or so. Was there one or two before him?

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I meant entrusted.

Posted by GoVol on March 11, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Make Creer & Hardesty kick-off & punt return specialists. They are quick and know how to make defenses miss them in the open field. I'm sure Clawson will find a way to put them into the slot and get them the ball in the open field as well.
Defense is not where they belong as someone earlier suggested?

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't see Creer/Hardesty playing D.

Posted by bigbluevol on March 11, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Someone explain to me where this notion that Fulmer's fingerprints were all over the playbook? Look at his tenure as OC. We were aggressive, threw the ball down field, ran reverses, had tight ends throw passes off of reverses, threw the ball to the tight end and had effective rushers. I think he has, at times, been more hesitant to take some chances and I do hate it when we sit on a lead. However, against Kentucky we were throwing late and trying to be aggressive, we didn't execute. The South Carolina game is deceptive because when you really analyze that game, you see that the defense gave us field position. The offense was off the whole night. Those 21 points were the direct results of turnovers and great returns (2 by Berry). The offense didn't become stagnant or conservative that night; they never got off the ground. I think Fulmer wants to be aggressive, but he wants to be smart about it. Under Sanders it was clear that, especially towards the end, he didn't think that the right call would be made and he leaned more conservatively. With Cut, round two, he tended to listen and do some things that I don't think he would ordinarily do (pass on 4th and 1 instead of run). I hope and think that Clawson will be able to attain that balance. His previous coaching experience shows he has a deftness for offensive playcalling.

Posted by mparker on March 11, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt118;
sometimes switches work out, sometimes they don't.

I look at these RB's as having good quickness, size, and speed. My point is if they are going to just sit as backup RB's, and they are maybe quicker or faster than the current LB's, then perhaps that move might work out for th team and the young men.

Quite often HS star RB's are simply faster and quicker than everyone else, but don't have great RB skills (seeing the hole, ball security, pass blocking).

Hey, any way it is just a thought. Teams used to do that sort of thing a lot with extra QB's and RB's. QB's made decent wideouts or weak safeties, and RB's could play as LB's or maybe DB's.

Posted by mparker on March 11, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Strong defense??? Not unless that front four gets better.

They played well at times by the end of the year.

Posted by mparker on March 11, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Losing Colquitt;
That is no funny thing. Bad punting can be very devastating for a team like UT. Remember, we suck at special teams as it is.

'Course, hell, if we can only kick it 30-40 yards, maybe we can't outkick the coverage. Better yet, we will just punt it out of bounds.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tommyJack--Like you, i have had to live with Hook 'em Horns for years. Mack Brown sayd, thank God for Vince Young. he is/was an exceptional talent.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore--I actually am embarassed that i read one of your posts because i know what the general idea is going to be. Do you have direct knowledge that Fulmer does not let the OC call the plays? Are you an insider or just a malcontent?

Posted by 99gator on March 11, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

after reading some of this......

tenn is still considered one of college football's elite.... there are layers though. but, the way i consider elite.....if a school plays its best game against someone else who play its best game how many teams are better. if tenn plays its best, there are not too many teams that are better.

right now, there are five schools that over the last five years, you can pretty much pencil in at least 10 wins and more than likely a bcs bowl birth......ohio state, usc, lsu, texas, and oklahoma. everyone else is on a lower level of elite at the moment.

but, i don't know of too many schools that don't take tenn seriously as a threat to beat them.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

foolmore--that damn ball just did not do what you wanted it to do. when he told the ball to go out of bounds it did not do it. stupid ball. Yes, you are more of a fool than i thought.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the biggest key on defense(other than DT) is EB & DM must stay healthy.There is a lack of depth at safety.Parrish,Wardlow,and Hefney are gone.That leaves Kemp(no exp),Williams(no exp + has been a dissapointment),and Rogan whom is getting a look at corner in the absence of Vinson ,and has looked very good.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator--but, i don't know of too many schools that don't take tenn seriously as a threat to beat them.
i do. how about florida

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JimR: Don't go there....

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, Hardesty when healthy looks the best of any RB on the team. His problem has generally been that he can't stay healthy. Creer is very promising.

The only two RB's that could even be considered right now are Hawkins and Vereen... and I don't look for that either.

Posted by chefjorge on March 11, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator. You are a great addition to these forums. It's nice to have the outside-looking-in voice of reason. It tempers some of these gloom and doomers we've got kickin' around these parts. Thanks

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack---go where?

Posted by pdhuff on March 11, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sigh. Come on doldrums. Let's turn our thoughts to baseball (college) and sitting by the creek. Make it thru to fall w/o any players screwing up (too bad) and we'll see what happens.

Watch an occasional Nascar race and then.........

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff--baseball?zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by RocketVol on March 11, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator summed it up well.

Good luck to Vols and new coaches. I think the team will respond, CPF will stand back and watch (after all Clawson is a head coach - he has deep credibility), and the defense will be fine (except maybe sluggish at first up front between the ends).

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage, Which Williams plays safety?

Kemp looked pretty good. Faison will be interesting to watch. Evans turned a few heads last year.

You are right that there's little experienced depth. My guess is that if one of them got injured Willingham would be converted to S.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jimR: Foolmore is like a ginzoo knife. He slices, he dices, he joolianns. As Mr. Monk says, LOL out loud.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore: I'm worried about every phase of Lincoln. By last year's end, he was cold as a Ho's heart on payday.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack--thanks for the information. when people talk about the players and the positions, that is why i joined this site in the first place. you know what i am talking about when i say getting news about tennessee sports down here is about as rare as getting the truth out of Moscow. I have had to endure the Aggies, Longhorns and Cougar High for a long time. I really did not think i was going to run into this buzz saw of anti-Fulmerites. But, all in all, it is still better than watching the weather channel.

Posted by sjt18 on March 11, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes. I'm worried about the kicking game and especially kick offs.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JimR: Yeah, me too. Just having a little fun.

Posted by 99gator on March 11, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jimr07

florida takes tenn seriously. just because one team has won more games than the other doesn't mean the opponent is not taken seriously.

the florida-tenn game is too important to take lightly.

when fsu beat florida regularly in the 90's, i'm sure they took florida seriously.

y'all have to understand.....part of the reason spurrier used to needle tenn was he thought it helped florida win the game. he thought if he got in the fans' heads, the coaches' heads, the players' heads, that it would effect the outcome. but, spurrier took tennessee seriously.

i don't know what the reason was, but i believe in the spurrier years, florida had a psychological advantage.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18, I was talking about Ja'Kouri.I must have missed something on him though.Is he now off the team?I saw him on last yr's depth chart at safety, and on the updated roster he is gone.

Art Evans could probably play either CB or S, but anyone would probably be a drop off from DM or EB.In fact I would love to see Eric return punts, but it just isn't worth the injury risk.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Faison has looked very good as well, and is probably the most physically ready to play S.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator: I think you're right

Posted by bigbluevol on March 11, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

savage, williams and cannon both chose not to come back for their fifth year.

Posted by marc_ash on March 11, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by eb502us on March 11, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm SO looking forward to a new offense under Clawson. My vocal chords still need a rest after having to put up with Cutcliffe the last few years.

Wow, really? I mean people, what do you want? UT had one of the better offenses in the nation over the last 2 seasons and if you compare it to what the O was during the Sanders era it is like comparing the pros to pee wee ball.

Cut did a fantastic job with what he had. He didn't have any of his own recruits in place and worked within the system he was given.

I am excited for Clawson, but for those of you that were down on Cut. just look at his numbers over his tenure vs Sanders. Give the guy some credit.

Posted by 99gator on March 11, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

foolmore

i don't think florida has a psychological edge over tenn in football at the moment. 2005 and 2006 were tight games that either team could have won. special teams cost tenn the game in 2005 and tenn going conservative cost them the game in 2006. i think in 2006, tenn had three or so possessions in a row where they consistently ran the ball on 1st and 2nd down. and y'all know how well tenn ran the ball that night. last year, was a statistical impossibility. how many times is florida going to win 59-20?

that's why i have said before.....the florida game is more critical for tenn this year.

1. it is a home game
2. people will claim there is a meyer monkey on fulmer's back that would have replaced the spurrier monkey. then a psychological thing may take effect.

fulmer does not need to have that floating around. if tenn loses to florida, the negative drumbeats will be thunderous (especially if a coupled with a loss to ucla)

tenn has to win that game for a lot of reasons beyond the norm.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 11, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol ,Thanks.Did they graduate or will they?I hope so.

Posted by bigbluevol on March 11, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that they will graduate this spring. They have just decided to no longer pursue football.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Marc: You can be Cut's advocate, but I'm glad he's gone...without having called one play, I'm glad we have Clawson. Cut's a nice fellow, if not a bit overrated, IMO.

Posted by bigbluevol on March 11, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is all this concern about UCLA coming from? I know they hired Neuheisel and Chow, but their personnel is not very overwhelming. It's a road game across the country and I understand that for those reasons it is a tougher game, but it's not like they've got guys who are just waiting to blow up. Chow has been a good coordinator, but with the exception of vastly superior USC teams, he hasn't been out there dominating the world. He has a lot to prove since he was fired by the Titans and, with the NCAA tournament coming up, there's a distinct possibility that Neuheisel might go the way of Mike Price and be gone before the spring is over.

Posted by bigbluevol on March 11, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommy, I agree with you. I think most of Cut's reputation is built off of his qb coaching more than his play calling.

Posted by TommyJack on March 11, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bluevol: lol who's he pickin?

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Foolmore--the comment coming from you is considered a compliment. You are truly living up to your name as a fool. Where I live, sir, is none of your business and has no bearing on me getting news about tennessee sports. you can say what you want about me and i can only say that you have me confused with someone that gives a s**t.

Posted by bigbluevol on March 11, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope it's not UCLA. That would just be horrible. He'd cost them in two sports.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator--any time you need coaching information just ask foolmore because he knows it all. he is a good man to have around to explaing everything to us. we are lucky to have his positive input.

Posted by jimr07 on March 11, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yes, foolmore because at best
your comments are funny. again, you try to equate my place of living with getting news about tennessee. there is no connection with my love of the Vols and where i live.

Posted by KingsportVol on