Tennessee Stat Book
Wyoming Cowboys
Shortly before 11 o’clock Saturday morning, Tennessee’s players and coaches will walk from the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center to Neyland Stadium.
It’s the same routine before each home game, and it won’t be any different for Saturday’s homecoming game at 1 p.m. against Wyoming (TV: Pay-per-view).
But only six days before, players, coaches and support staff — many angry, many sad, many confused — walked that same route and arrived in the stadium to support their head coach during an emotional press conference in which Phillip Fulmer announced he would not return for an 18th season.
It’s been almost a week since then, but the emotions are still fresh. And players have said those the frustration, the anger and the emotion will all be on display during Saturday’s game, the first of Fulmer’s final three as UT’s head coach.
“We’re going to play with a lot of emotion,” sophomore Eric Berry said Monday. “I think you’re going to see it on the field Saturday. You might see a little tension out there also, a little bit of people frustrated. You might see a new Tennessee team out there.”
The Vols (3-6) certainly wouldn’t mind a makeover on offense against Wyoming (3-6).
Despite ranking 114th in the nation in both scoring and total offense, Tennessee enters as 26-point favorite. In nine games, the Vols have eclipsed that mark just twice in a 35-3 win over UAB and a 34-3 win over Mississippi State.
Tennessee hopes to harness all the emotion of this week and let it out on the field Saturday, but there’s a danger in that for UT’s offense.
“The defense can play with emotion a lot more and can go out there and try to make plays and make big hits,” quarterback Nick Stephens said. “We have to play with emotion also, but at the same time try to contain that to a certain level and try to play smart.”
That didn’t happen for Stephens, who was benched for all but one play in the second quarter of last week’s 27-6 loss at South Carolina after throwing his first career interception – and reacting poorly.
He played the second half and will start against Wyoming, but the Vols need to find a way to manage their emotions offensively better than Stephens did last week.
“I think playing offensive football is always a little bit different than defensive,” offensive coordinator Dave Clawson said. “Sometimes on defense with emotion and hustle and pursuit, all those things can cover up for mistakes. You’ve got to be able to execute. But we’re not going to stop trying to get there, playing a good football game.”
Tennessee’s defense has done that for most of the year. On paper, the Cowboys are one of the NCAA’s worst offenses. Although tailback Devin Moore rushed for 234 yards in a 35-10 victory over San Diego State last week, Wyoming shouldn’t pose much of a threat.
Coping with this week’s events on the field Saturday could be UT’s toughest challenge.
“Playing with a lot of emotion can be good for some people and it can bad for some people,” senior defensive end Robert Ayers said. “There’ll be a lot of motivation for me, but for a lot of guys, it might bring their play down when they get too emotional.
“Early it’s going to be a big factor, but in the fourth quarter, it’s not as much. It’s definitely going to be a lot of motivation, especially early.”
How the Vols cope with their anger and frustration over Fulmer’s ouster is perhaps the biggest question remaining in UT’s final three games of the regular season.
Used properly, it could slingshot the Vols to a 3-0 finish and a bowl berth. But it could go the other way, too, draining a team already frustrated with a difficult season.
“Emotions can only take you so far in a game,” junior defensive end Wes Brown said. “You still have to play your assignments and all that, but I think the guys are focused.”
Sophomore receiver Gerald Jones, for one, isn’t worried about the Vols handling their frustrations in the right way.
“We’re frustrated with the way we’re playing, and I hate to say it, but we’re pissed off coach Fulmer’s leaving because he’s a great coach,” he said. “This is for him. We’re going to leave it out on the line for him and for us. It’s not hard at all. It’s easy.”
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 127
TommyJack writes:
Emotion? I'm not so sure.
UTmama writes:
Just execute!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Colliervol writes:
Are we going to have to listen to this for another month? Just play the game for goodness sake.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
We've got to listen to this as long as the season lasts. If the Vols somehow win out and back into a bottom tier bowl, we'll have to hear it right up until the final seconds then too.
It's sad when the coaching search is more interesting than the last month of the season.
VOLDADDY19 writes:
Right now the coaching search is more interesting. Bottom line is bad football is bad football and thats it. The Vols are favorites by 26.5. That offense hasnt scored 26.5 since when?
AirForceVol2786 writes:
If it truly takes Fulmer getting fired for the team getting up for the game, im very dissapointed. Fulmer deserved to be fired. How about you execute and play because it is what you were given a full ride to UT to do.
VOLDADDY19 writes:
This OFFENSE can get up all they want. However, when you are terrible, you are terrible. Crompton is an insult to Tennessee Football and "Little Nicky" Stevens is not far behind.
CT_VOL writes:
Don't worry, no chance tenn goes to a bowl game. Do you really think anything has changed?
Frank
pdhuff#552644 writes:
How many Cowpunch fans you think will show up?
tnbigg writes:
One comes before the other...but if the scenario were reversed it would then be visa versa...
tnbigg writes:
A hundred and plenty...spurs cued for action...COWBOY UP...
cltvol writes:
Players' reactions make sense. Anybody who has a popular boss fired reacts the same way. All these guys know is what CFP has done for them, not what another coach can do. They will respond to new leadership one way or other. Poorly, if its poor leadership, or good, if its good leadership. Seen it happen in business many time. Group dynamics in sport is no different. Good leadership is not necessarily popularity (see Nick Saban - that hurts - and Bill Belichek). I think Miles and Richt will ultimately see the same fate as CFP. They just lack something on the field, in preparation, discipline, etc. I know Les won a NC last year, but with 2 losses.
Hope we get a great coach. CFP was effective until past 2001, but we need better.
fnfreezn#668088 writes:
does anyone really give a big phooey about these last games? I hope we lose one so we can get it over with. I just hope that one isn't to Vandy.
vol98champ writes:
If the players want to blame someone, all they have to do is take a picture of the offense and place it squarely between their eyes. If this unit had played close to their supposedly abilities Fulmer would be the coach and the stands would be full of adoring fans. I can't remember a Tennessee team I have disliked anymore than this one. 2005 had a qb controversy. This offense doesn't have anything.
givehim6 writes:
We have had enough talk, show us you can walk he walk!
cltvol writes:
I do. Pretty pitiful, but I want us to win out and win an insignificant bowl game, if we go to one. Just a fan. Plus I dislike the idea of KY and loathe to the degree of needing bedrest the notion of the putrid comodores beating us under any circumstances that could ever exist.
blitzshoot writes:
Just in:
Wyoming 0
UT 0
STAY OFF THE FIELD
murrayvol writes:
The over/under is 67. It won't be like Bama.
murrayvol writes:
Agree. Pathetic though it may be I'd still like to see the Vols go down swinging with 4 in a row.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Telling you said go "down" with 4 in a row rather than "out".
Its been that kind of a year.
Cowboy up!
ctexorange writes:
your gonna have to listen to this for a long time. Its our turn now.
ctexorange writes:
your going to listen to this until we have a coach that wins. too bad! You woke up the silent minority! Just like the presidential election, the silent majority has found their voice.
tripper writes:
Sorry my friend, you are silent and you are not the majority. You my friend will never find your voice on this site. By the way, your choice of coaches is an embarrasment to you and your kin.
ctexorange picks:
1. Pete Carrol
2. Chow
3. Saban - pay him $12MM/year
4. Parcells
5. Jerry Jones
6. Weiss
7. Sanders
8. one of the Bowdens
ctexorange writes:
Good one! keep on tippin it to the lips there Tipper. What's the matter with my choices? All of my choices have been in championships. Isn't that what you want my friend? My choice Obama just won a championship of sorts, poor guy. I guess you are right, who would really want the job?
gavol writes:
The perfect fit is Jimbo Fisher. He probably won't be interested. But, you never know since Bobby won't commit to a retirement date. At least with the private firm doing the contacts, it's possible that they will contact Jimbo. As for Sanders, you quickly forget that he had the offense so confused that every other play was a delay of game penalty. Sanders would be a total disaster. He will coach a minor program some day; but, he will never be a major college coach. There isn't one coach on your list that makes any sense.
gavol writes:
As for Terry Bowden, Haslem doesn't have a daughter for Terry to hit on. Terry is out of coaching forever. It will take Tommy awhile to come back.
CoverOrange writes:
It took seven years for Sanders to wind down the offense. Clawson did it one year. While I don't want him as HC, he is not totally incapable as a coach.
gavol writes:
Small time College, fine. Big College, no way; never.
DennisVols writes:
Maybe if the players had played with emotion and leave it on the line as Jones sai this would not have been Fulmer's last 3 games.
I have seen more lake of effort this year than in years past. If the players had caught the passes, blocked the line and made the tackles that they have been taught how to do since they played Pop Warner leagues then maybe just maybe this team isn't 3-6, 1-5 in the conference.
I have not been happy wait all levels of this team and as much as the coach takes the blame the players as just as responsible for this season as the coaches. Stupid penatlies, the turnovers that was done on the field and those mistakes are on thier shoulders as much as it is for the coaches.
DennisVols writes:
Maybe if the players had played with emotion and leave it on the line as Jones said this would not have been Fulmer's last 3 games.
I have seen more lack of effort this year than in years past. If the players had caught the passes, blocked the line and made the tackles that they have been taught how to do since they played Pop Warner leagues then maybe just maybe this team isn't 3-6, 1-5 in the conference.
I have not been happy with all levels of this team and as much as the coach takes the blame the players are as just as responsible for this season as the coaches. Stupid penatlies, the turnovers that was done on the field and those mistakes are on thier shoulders as much as it is for the coaches.
jr8657 writes:
sorry dude no sensebaugh in the second half and no db in the second round...again! i know i was there...not happy here either!
volball7222 writes:
News flash!!
Tradition takes just a little longer than that. Tennessee has fewer losing seasons in 100+ years than UF has had since 1975...put that in your pipe and smoke it.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Phil never did come out and say that this game was one we should win!. He never put the pressure on the players, nor did he have the ability to take it off of them. Maybe he was and is just a figure head. Bobby Bowden is like that, and Paterno. Sometimes people don't want to have to motivate. Giving people reasons to play, to win, to try harder. They should bring that to the table. Is it the FIRE that's been missing? I never considered it before. How much more fire was needed. Heck, if Phil would have won 10 or 12 more games in his career he would have over 80percnet victories. Heck, that would put him Number 1 in the victory column amongst all coaches ever!! Was this the level of our expectations? Or was he not recruiting as well as other people in the SEC? Are we lacking in ability? This Saturday will tell the tale, won't it. If the player's aren't motivated now will they ever be? Maybe if Hamilton fired Fulmer every weekend, and then reinstated him, and then fired him again, maybe that would fire up the troops. I guess then we are saying its passion that is what it takes to win.
tripper writes:
The names Tripper and you are spot on, I do want championships ! What the hell does Obama have to do with anything?
tripper writes:
Amen gavol !!!
invisiblekid writes:
The only thing these guys have to play for is avoiding another embarassing loss and any of the last 3 games would fit that description IMO because KY is still KY and Vandy is still Vandy.
Hate to say it, but I think some of these seniors will mail it in the rest of the year although it may be hard to tell from any other game.
TxVol writes:
Boys I still say you don't go "stupid" over night, but I agree we do need new direction. I pray we don't flounder like some of the other programs. Who would'nt want this, is the question. A program with this fan base, these facilities, and the PREMIERE conference............... Enough said. I still say we won't find anyone with Fulmer's pedigree, but what's done is done, now let's move FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!! Rocky Top You'll Always Be, Home Sweet Home To Me!!!!!
VOLKING writes:
AW, here you are again...geez..after promising to leave after your idol was let go. 3 things a team needs to be competitive: 1-talent, 2-coaching, 3-passion. We have a little of the first, a little of the second, and none of the third. Fulmer is not UT...get that though your deranged mind. It's over and done...move on and deal with your blind loyalty and hatred. It's only gonna keep you locked in the asylum longer.
MidTennVol writes:
PLAYERS:
In honor of Coach Fulmer, carry him on your shoulders through the T.
Walk, don't run.
MAKE A STATEMENT.
cltvol writes:
Denmark, that's a rotten idea.
tlc429#392720 writes:
Dickey never took me to the promised land. Majors never took me anywhere but close to alcoholism. I will always be grateful to Fulmer for not only taking me to the promised land but conquering it and bringing a piece of it back to East Tennessee. I am sentimental but my mind overrules my heart and I know he had to go. I said after game one, bench Crompton and let Nick get experience for next year but everyone thought there was still a chance for this season. I really don't care what happens in these last games. Depending on who our new head coach and OC is will determine how I feel about the up and coming seasons. I'm still leaning towards firing the lot (see the lack of D against SC) and starting from scratch. Some good points have been made on the board. There are still some dreamers mixed in and a few displaced idiots (Gator, don't y'all have any blogs in FL?)!. We will rise again. I just don't know how long it's going to take. Until then, I'm with TexasVol..."Rocky Top You'll ALWAYS BE Home Sweet Home To Me..."
Signed,
A Knoxville bred Nashvillian.
MidTennVol writes:
Thanks -- why?
bluetick writes:
@ss munch. How do you think they should feel? Some things cause emotions and motivations. Don't try to be Gomer Pyle here.
bugola19 writes:
Hey everyone!!!! This article confirms to me and should be to vols fan, why I think "MIKE LEACH" should be the next coach for the University of Tennessee MUST READ!!
Volunteers!!! It's a great article to read. Would love your input and feedback on it!
http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpre...
burpee_von_rotweiler_IV writes:
So all of the sudden the Vols get this can-do attitude? These junior Phil-loss-o-furs (philosophers, aka UT players) make me sick every time they open their mouths. They are all talk without ever backing it up with their actions on the field. Just shut up and play. They would not be in this position if they had done either. I wish Coach had not had to go out this way but it wasn't like he wasn't warned.
orangebloodgmc writes:
dvolfan writes:
"Heard some great news : Morley, Vinson,and Berry are today's Captains !"
Your credibility speaks for itself ... Morely is not even playing in today's game.
orangebloodgmc writes:
I just hope we clear the benches and play lots of young players in these last 3 regular season games, including Donald, Langley, lots of young dbs and all three qbs.
cltvol writes:
Just playing on words,,only kidding. Whatever they want to do pregame is fine with me. Just want to see them win out and win their bowl, if they go to won.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Who is this CFP of whom you speak?
utme1998#216234 writes:
"Tim worked with us for 13 years and is not only one of the best football coaches I've ever coached with, but he's also a great friend. He's a high-energy guy who has gained experience and been a part of winning programs at every level. He's had success as a high school head coach, as an assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator at two major college football programs and coached with two of the best NFL coaches ever in Mike Shanahan and Marty Schottenheimer.”
– Mack Brown, Texas Head Coach
“He can do it all. From a football aspect, he’ll X and O with anybody, but what sets him apart is that he has a personality, he has a vision and he’s a guy who gets the most out of people. He’s smart on how he delegates and he gets the big picture. He’s been around a lot of programs that have won, and I think Minnesota will see in time not only will he recruit, he’ll do a great job with the Xs and Os as well.”
– Mike Shanahan (pictured right), Denver Broncos Head Coach
“I think he’s a terrific football coach. Interestingly enough, I wasn’t exactly sure that pro football was where he would have a chance to grow and advance, but clearly he did, and he is one of the finest coaches I’ve ever been around. He’s a great teacher. He’s a very demanding individual, who gets the best out of his players. Tim also has extensive experience in the administrative aspects of coaching on the collegiate level.”
– Marty Schottenheimer, NFL coaching great
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.