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Tennessee Stat Book
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Before America turned back its clocks to standard time, Tennessee turned back the calendar at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Vols fell behind so quickly in coach Steve Spurrier's presence, it seemed like the mid-1990s again. And it seemed like Spurrier was still coaching the Florida Gators instead of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
The Gators - uh, Gamecocks - drove 82 yards for a touchdown in just five plays and 98 seconds on their second possession. They led 21-0 five minutes into the second quarter.
Fortunately for the Vols, the Gamecocks couldn't maintain their Gators impersonation. Unfortunately for the Vols, they never got out of character in a 27-6 defeat.
UT's season-long struggle has reached historical proportions. The 2008 Vols have become only the ninth team in school history to lose as many as six games in a single season.
That's not to say the Vols have hit bottom. They've got three more chances to tie the school record of seven losses in a season (1977).
But surely, they've already lost too many games to save coach Phillip Fulmer's job. It's just a matter of when and how UT chooses to bring the Fulmer era to a close.
Aside from South Carolina's fast start, the loss wasn't strikingly different from UT's succession of failures this season.
It was obvious from the outset that UT's offense was overmatched. No news there.
South Carolina, which ranks fourth nationally in defense, held UT to 34 yards rushing; sacked quarterbacks Nick Stephens and Jonathan Crompton six times; returned an interception for a touchdown; and set up another touchdown with a 38-yard fumble return.
UT did come up with a couple of offensive surprises. It replaced Stephens with Crompton after Stephens threw his first interception of the season in the second quarter. It also finally managed to capitalize on one of the many deflected passes that have characterized its offense.
Late in the second quarter, a Crompton pass bounced off wide receiver Gerald Jones into the hands of tailback Arian Foster, who gained 26 yards on the play. Just when you thought the Vols were on to something, Crompton's next pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage and fell uneventfully to the ground.
The second half was uneventful as well. Like any other UT opponent with an above-average defense, South Carolina simply had to play up to its capabilities on defense and not produce any disasters on offense.
You know how it goes. You saw it against Florida, Georgia, and Alabama - just to name a few.
Those three teams combined with South Carolina to outscore UT 112-35. In those same four games, UT totaled only 167 yards rushing.
The rushing totals are as embarrassing as the won-loss record for a team that's tumbling toward unimagined depths for a once-proud program.
The Vols went 5-6 in 2005. Three years later, they're 3-6. Only once before in school history - from 1977 through 1980 when coach John Majors began rebuilding the program - did UT have two six-loss seasons in a four-year period.
Now, another rebuilding job is in order. You just don't know who's going to lead it.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 81
FedUpVolFan writes:
FIRST!
ColumbusVol writes:
but do you have anything important to add?
In any event, I am ready for some basketball. UT needs to pull a rabbit out of its hat and pony up some cash for a winner. I don't care if it is Saban-like amount of money, lock in a good/proven coach to take over the program. This is a very proud and wealthy program that deserves the best.
Come on Hamilton, put another feather in your cap with a great football hire!
murrayvol writes:
I gave you more credit.
TommyJack writes:
Sounds about right.
newtonrail writes:
Fulmer needs to go, and don't let the door hit you in the rear Adams. You are one hateful Son of a Buck. I keep waiting for one of the Mikes or Hooker to smack you on your radio show.
steve22043#233791 writes:
We've got plenty of talent on this team (except at center and QB--McNeil wasn't even listening to the coaches when they were trying to talk to him, and he's been totally inept--how arrogant! He's not a Divison IA player anymore than Stephens). Why can't we do more? You have to assume it's coaching and the lax attitude they've allowed the players. Fulmer overall has been good for the program but the attitude of the players that he had ten years ago has steadily fallen off (with his waistline) since then. Give him a great departure but it's time for a change.
murrayvol writes:
Pay attention Vol fans. History is being made.
Good night and good luck. We're gonna need some.
steve22043#233791 writes:
I'm tired of hearing about how our wide receivers haven't performed this year. They're probably one of the strengths of the team but I'm not sure the've been given a chance. I can't see the whole field on TV. Maybe they have been inept at getting separation but I think our passing game is more the result of our offensive line being pourous and we don't pick up the blitzers and our QBs, bless there hearts since we can't protect them, haven't been able to do much even if they were top IA calibre. On the other side of the ball, why do we keep blitzing into a crowd where our players run into each other as well as the other team intead of picking openings and blitzing from the outside?
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Seeing that Adams is their boss, I don't see that happening.
Also Griff standing up for himself? Did you hear his hero Fulmer bust his chops in a press conference and he go write a essay on his love for everything Fulmer? Yeah, I see that one happening.
DogAndPonyShow writes:
Man! SEC team match-ups against Tennessee are little more than spring practices held in the fall, anymore.
Rocky Top crashed in '05, backed into the Atlanta garage in '07 and finally keeled over completely in '08. Apparently the team has been having really good practices and working like heck to get better since... 1999.
And yet the fans still can't figure out what ESPN (and everyone else 60 miles outside of Knoxville) have been telling them for years.
Status quo, Fulmerites. Status quo.
Runningangry writes:
Goodbye Fulmer. Prove your loyalty to UT by resigning your 6mil instead of making us buy you out. Actions speak louder than words, fat buddy.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
You idiots, Fulmer is going to be here another year, both you and Adams can both go to another planet and rest of your laurels for all we care. Winning is not everything, he's got a top 10 recruiting class, and if Hamilton fires Phil, then I for one will quit donating anything else to the program, and quit going to the games, and you clowns can own up to your incontinence.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
Them top recruiting classes are really panning out nicely aren't they?
Resting on laurels? Fulmer knows all about it.
I'm sure all the new money rolling in due to the excitement of a new coach will more than make up for your high rolling donation.
Winning isn't everything tells me all I need to know about your thought process.
I'm starting to think your just doing this for giggles, because your talking points have become down right awful/ ridiclious.
utclassof1992 writes:
So many of you on here heed to pray hard about that hate in your heart. What is losing a darned old football game in the Lord's scheme of things? Love is the only way to bring us back. Support Coach Fulmer as he tries to get the ship right. Love the players; they need it right now. Nattering and negativity is not helpi
utclassof1992 writes:
All you doggone Monday morning QB wannabes just need to be quiet. Good or bad, Phillip Fulmer is our head coach, and you need to support him till the end. All you fair-weather negative nattering nannies need to hush. I will be there Saturday with the REAL Vol fans cheering our team on to a victory against Wyoming. I hope Phillip Fulmer stays for another 5 years. He is a good, Christian Tennessee Vol who is much better for the program than some coach hired gun from Tulsa or Cincinnati. GO VOLS. BEAT THE COWBOYS.
HeckuvaStandpoint writes:
PUH-LEEEESE
Dude....er....Vikki....whatchoo smokin?
Please withhold your donation...you are clearly insane, or doing this for kicks. How can you say winning is not everything? Can't wait to read your next excuse. I wait for you comedic posts in each thread, then enjoy reading how the rest of the posters pick you apart. idjit.
Alwaysthinknnextyear writes:
Best post I've seen today. Fulmerites - Priceless. "Got to work harder". "Need to execute better". "One player didn't make his block". "We will work at getting better". Status quo. Status quo. Hi-Ho Hi-Ho. Whose laughing now....
cltvol writes:
From the Columbia State newspaper:
With a $6 million buyout due him if he is fired, Fulmer will have few financial worries.
Former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie, the color analyst for tonight’s ESPN2 broadcast, recalled speaking with Fulmer before Tennessee played in South Bend in 2001 when Davie was under fire.
“I was kind of going through the same exact thing at that time that Phil’s going through,” Davie said. “I remember standing out on the field talking to Phil before the game and we were kind of joking and he said, ‘Let me just give you some advice. Just make sure you have a great contract.’”
The 58-year-old Fulmer, who is 150-50 in his 17th full season at his alma mater, has sidestepped specific questions about his future. But speaking generally, Fulmer said this week that scrutiny of coaches has intensified with the increased salaries and expectations.
“I think that’s the nature of the beast, instant gratification or the most recent gratification that’s out there,” Fulmer said. “Hopefully, level heads will prevail in those kinds of circumstances.”
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Its really not too bad being a Tenn fan.
There are no expectations under than dismal outings and hand claps when we throw picks.
The highlite was putting in the worst Tenn QB in a while to replace a trying very average QB.
Behind the worst o-line in 20 years.
Headed up by a HC lost like a goose.
06143831 writes:
look, the reason we are so negative is we are trying to get a message across. it is either sh*t or get off the pot. This program has way to much pride to fall this far. I will respect him always no matter what happens, but we have to think for the future, not the past. oh and btw, last time I checked being a christian does not qualify you as a great football coach. We don't hate the guy personally.
utclassof1992 writes:
Sure seem like there is a great deal of animosity and hate toward Phillip. The sad part is that every program has its downturns. Look at Michigan with its hired gun. Look at Nebraska. Phillip is the answer, along with some good Christian prayer and patience. He will lead us back with enough patience.
06143831 writes:
yes, i agree it will be a chance taken. I feel like it is one we need to take. look at phil's stats in the last 8 years. if it wasn't for cutcliffe, i don't think we would have done half as good. look at florida through the zook era, and look at them now. it might be a little wait, but it could pay off huge. I feel if we keep him, the best we will achieve is being an average team in the sec. We have not been ranked higher than 12 since 2002(which we finished unranked) at the end of the season. please take a look at all ap polls for the last 10 years. you will see a steady decline except for last year.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
You're a joke.
mattlock writes:
I really hope you're not praying for our program, its just a game afterall and Fulmer will be just fine once he's no longer coaching our team.
Pray for this country and the direction its headed. Pray for our kids who lack role models, for families out of work and losing their homes, and for the troubling state of the economy. The state of UT football pales in comparison to these and other more pressing issues my friend.
vol98champ writes:
When SC scored the first touchdown I told my wife the game was over. I guess we could have tied it and lost in overtime, but I knew we couldn't score more than 7 points. This is the only team I can remember that we know we have no chance in most games in the first quarter. Did you see the great game? Isn't it amazing what can happen when the offensive line blocks, the quarterback can escape the rush, and the receivers can catch the ball. It may take us ten years to find the right coach, but we have to start the effort.
zipstick2002#563501 writes:
Relax, in 5 or 6 years the Vols will be right up there ... fighting for 3rd place in the SEC East.
dcvolfan98 writes:
It's time for you to go and do your math homework or your mommy might get mad.
TNfanNTexas writes:
I do not care for the performance of the team this year as I did not in 2005, but to make personal attacks against any man who coaches young men who are playing a game is immature and irresponsible. I guess the legions of the damned have never had things go badly beyond their control.
You talk of boycotting the games. Who are you trying to hurt? Coach Fulmer, the other coaches, and the players will all feel badly, but that is momentary. You do damage to the school you claim to honor with your presense.
I am proud of my school. I am not always happy with every decision that is made, whether it be about academics or athletics, but they are family and you don't get to choose family, but you do need to love them.
Whether there is a change at the top of the coaching staff or not is not our decision. It belongs to Mr. Hamilton, who by the way has done a great job. Remember who hired Coach Pearl. I am going to trust him to do what is best for the program and until then I will bleed orange and fly my colors in Texas wishing I were back in God's country every day.
Shame on the majority of you.
volsfannsc writes:
I was at the game and I noticed so many things. For one, the SC fans adore their team. This is a team that barely becomes bowl eligible and it's fans are excited. This is a team whose fans would follow them into the depth's of hell in the midst of a loosing season. Maybe we should take notice. Then again, this team always puts forth the effort- they at least try. Tenn has reached a new low as I watched our lineman Vols with hands on hips watch their running backs get creamed. Special teams go through the motions- they just want to get off of the field. Wide receivers are so complacent to running a route rather than shaking a receiver and catching the ball. This Tenn team has NO ATTITUDE! Is this coaching or players or BOTH? Should Fulmer leave, lets get a 'big gun' to replace him and not mess around. I also think ALL game film should be reviewed and scholarships should be yanked based on performance on AND OFF the field. It's time to drastically shake up this program!
Pullingguard writes:
Vols will probably replace Fulmer, and if you evaulate the results of last few years there is justificaion in trying it anothe way, but, but, mark it down the Vols will become another Nebraska.. No team had more enthusastic fans than Nebraska or a better team at one point, National Champions, and what happened.... Coaching changes, additional coaching changes, and you have a non-winning team and probably no other team has to recruit outside its state borders any more than Nebraska and Tennessee.. Let me repeat, Vols will probably replace Fulmer, but watch the future of Vols football, huge stadium, state of art facilities, led by a coach who cannot recruit like Fulmer and you have a team not competiting for SEC championships, they are fighting for 3rd place as zipstick writes. Storied name and past means little to these recruits who only remember what is happening now.
atlvol writes:
I think UT can do without your donation, however, they can not do without the thousands that will abandon the program if Fulmer is not replaced.
ThurmondEppy writes:
Incontinence? As in an inability to control one's poo poo? Now that's pretty funny, especially if you meant to say incompetence.
rusty_shackleford writes:
Don't want to come to the game? Fine. I'll be there for better or worse, wearing my UT gear, no bag on my head, living and dying with the Vols.
It's better than raking leaves! ;-)
blitzshoot writes:
Let's all stand and hold hands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=velhfq...
blitzshoot writes:
Why do you post everynight between 2am and 2:30am??
Are you restricted from posting at any other time?
tnbigg writes:
Bro'! That was a GoVolsXtra classic! Great post!
tnbigg writes:
Adams...write the column about the history of this coach's ascension to head coach if you want to write about wrong history...
Oh yeah...wait...nothing is worng...
sleiii writes:
Fulmer has been a survivor from the first, a job that fell into his offensive lineman's lap, and he has ridden the program's built-in recruiting and fan bases ever since. Close scrutiny of his 17 years and 150 wins will reveal a huge percentage of wins over non-competitive programs and the opposite against ranked teams. Even the 1998 championship was little of Fulmer's making--individual heroics by UT defensive athletes single-handedly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in both the Syracuse and Arkansas games. Endurance and numbers are the ONLY thing that you can point to about Fulmer as a football coach. He wouldn't even rank in the top two hundred of those who have coached the college football game.
leedsvol2007 writes:
You hit the nature of my fears exactly.
If you go back and look not at the overall records but year by year from 1973 to 1988 we were consistently behind Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Auburn, and Florida in the SEC.
I think it would be far better to find another offensive coordinator, quarterback coach, and recruit a top QB talent than replace the entire coaching staff.
Lets's see how it plays out.
Volalumnus writes:
fulmerisaggreatguy
I don't think you have been praying enough.
AikenVol writes:
I agree in part with the comment, Qb and WR play have both been under the gun. It starts and stops with the O-Line, they are not able to create lanes for runners and get out on blocks. In pass defense, there unable to pick up blitzes....
Production at WR has dropped off in recent years:
2001
K Washington 64 Rec 1,010 yds 5 TDs
D Stallworth 41 Rec 821yds 10 TDs
2004
R Meachum 25 Rec 459 yds 4 TDs
T Brown 31 Rec 388 yds 3 TDs
2008
L Taylor 22 Rec 273yds 1 TD
G Jones 19 Rec 251yds 3 TD
murrayvol writes:
Fulmer says, "Hopefully, level heads will prevail in.....circumstances."
We hope so as well.
murrayvol writes:
I woke up this morning thinking can it really be this bad? A entire season of historic failure?
To paraphrase a current candidate for high office, "yes it can."
vance2002#327500 writes:
Most of the questions have been answered even if they are kept in private to this point...
As mentioned, the problems are much deeper than W's & L's. The team is getting worse and non-comptetitive. The problems go well beyond personnel issues - the future of the program is at stake ...
Many quitely travelled to Columbia to bid Fulmer a goodbye against a USC team that is also not very good.
For many of us, the USC game closes out the '08 season which will also bring an end to the Fulmer reign.
Good luck, Fulmer, and enjoy the down time....
Volalumnus writes:
Just a bad group of coaches.
You do have to wonder if there is some gambling racket or something going on with Fulmer, the AD, and some of the boosters. There has to be some type of personal gain from this because there isn't anything professional about it.
murrayvol writes:
No it's not. Not this year.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
The more you post the more you sound like an idiot. How about the hired gun at ALABAMA. Second season in and his team will be ranked #1 today. FIRE CLAWSON> He is joke has no clue. I can't believe Fulmer hired this idiot.
sbgovols#218409 writes:
WOW - you've been drinking the really really good kool-aid.
sbgovols#218409 writes:
I'm not sure I would publically admit I was at the game - unless you live in Columbia. Otherwise - you just wasted money and time.
ncvol17 writes:
666 666 666 666 Fulmer just might be the anti VOL.....
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