Related
Slide show
Audio
Box Score
Vol Vent Line
Bloggers
Tailback Arian Foster's streak of 23 consecutive games started came to an end in Saturday's 13-7 loss to Wyoming.
Nursing a thigh bruise suffered in last week's 27-6 loss at South Carolina, Foster was a late scratch from the starting lineup, ending his streak one game shy of Jay Graham's record of 24 consecutive starts by a tailback during Phillip Fulmer's tenure as coach.
Fulmer said coaches had expected Foster to start.
"Really thought Arian would go today," Fulmer said. "He was limited some on Tuesday, better on Wednesday, he was better on Thursday.
"Arian's been really a tough guy. If he couldn't go, he couldn't go since he's been here. That surprised us a little bit."
With back-up Montario Hardesty out with a stress fracture in his leg, sophomore Lennon Creer and true freshman Tauren Poole combined for 126 rushing yards.
Still, offensive coordinator Dave Clawson also was a little surprised that Foster didn't play Saturday.
"It just caught us off guard," Clawson said. "We didn't know until this morning. He said it just didn't feel right and couldn't push off it. On top of that, we had lost Montario early in the week. We let go with Lennon and Tauren. I'll have to watch the film, but those guys are good players. We should be able to play and win with them."
Hardesty could be back in time for UT's game at Vanderbilt on Nov. 22. Foster, who remains 226 yards shy of Travis Henry's school record for career rushing yards, will most likely be ready against Vanderbilt.
Coleman Time? UT's coaches said they considered playing redshirt freshman B.J. Coleman after they benched Nick Stephens, who threw two interceptions that led to Wyoming scores.
"We'll have to talk about that," Clawson said. "We discussed throughout the course of the game, but just decided to go with Jonathan (Crompton). It's probably something we need to look at hard. He's practiced well. We'll see."
Fulmer hinted that Coleman could be an option against Vanderbilt.
"Right now, we'll look at anything," Fulmer said, also noting that Coleman has work to do, particularly with his footwork. "We don't think he's the catch-all answer. He's got a really good demeanor about him. I think he's going to be good. He's got some real fundamental things that he needs to get better with. Purely foot work, (not) tripping guards in the run game."
No Field Goal: Facing fourth-and-8 from the Wyoming 19-yard line, Fulmer opted to try for the first down instead of kicking a field goal.
With about 8:30 remaining, Fulmer said he didn't think UT's offense could reach field goal range again.
"I didn't know if we'd get back down there again," he said. "We've been struggling so much offensively. Fourth-and-8's hard, but it's not insurmountable."
Crompton missed Denarius Moore on a pass, giving Wyoming the ball back with a six-point lead.
Secondary Shuffle: With Demetrice Morley serving a one-game suspension, UT moved starting cornerback Dennis Rogan into Morley's spot at free safety. Rogan had a team-high seven solo tackles and recovered a fumble.
Marsalous Johnson earned the start at corner, and Antonio Gaines also played some at cornerback. UT did not play cornerback Brent Vinson, who was suspended for last week's game at South Carolina after a traffic stop resulted in five citations from Knoxville police.
Dave Hooker contributed to this report.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Memorable moments in Pat Summitt's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 55
haus writes:
basketball can't come soon enough... this is the worst season EVER!
jacksfacts writes:
Please don't retain L Scott, S Drayton or D Clawson just for recruiting. Don't really trust their talent evaluations or coaching ability.
haus writes:
did he really say he would have to go and watch the film? omg we are completely clueless......
MikeTheTiger writes:
hmmmmm......"thanks for the memories coach". Please exit stage right and don't forget Vicki.
byrdman writes:
We are playing two QBs that are not getting the job done and Fulmer is worried about footwork. Ask Brett Farve if footwork is the key to playing well. Give B.J. a chance.
byrdman writes:
Hey Fulmer, if your guards were not getting blown back 2 yards by the d-line you wouldn't have to worry about the QB tripping the line.
VolCane7979 writes:
Horrible. Epic failure.
TDTN writes:
Keep the red shirt on Coleman. At this point it would not help us any no matter how good he might play. If he is as good as billed, lets save him and not burn a whole season for two games.
mattlock writes:
This suprises me coming from a guy known for timely turnovers and for yelling at his head coach after picking up stupid penalities. I can't believe he couldn't suck it up and play. Foster, good luck in the CFL next year, hope you like cold weather.
FWBVol writes:
Coleman redshirted last year so it makes sense to give him a chance at some PT. From what I've heard, David Cutcliffe was very high on the kid so there has to be something to him.
zqvol writes:
Not really true. The expenses eat up all of the take from those low tier games. the bowl money comes from the SEC shares.
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
FOSTER IS A SISSY MAN . I HOPE HE DON'T GET DRAFTED .
dwolfcreek#397971 writes:
FOSTER WILL MAKE A GOOD PHARICIST , A STREET CORNER ONE .
khelton657 writes:
Foster not playing had about the same effect as not playing Crompton ....it helped a little....
Bufforange00 writes:
blah blah blah fulmer, foster, clawson, etc.
Fans and media have stopped listening. Foster was a fool to hang around for his senior year. At least in the NFL, he would be making the league minimum as a 4th string 3rd-down garbage-time back.
HeckuvaStandpoint writes:
"Arian's been really a tough guy. If he couldn't go, he couldn't go since he's been here. That surprised us a little bit."
What? What is he saying here? The only "surprise" is that you made it this long a HC. What an IDIOT. How in the world was this guy ever capable of leading, inspiring and motivating players. And how does a former O-lineman and coach allow this kind of performance from our "returning starters" from last year
PUH-THET-IK
UrbanCryer writes:
nothing suprises me with this team. i thought the players were dedicating the last 3 games and the bowl game to cpf? way to so up for you coach you love so much
UrbanCryer writes:
show up not so up!! i cant even type im so mad!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
huh??????, what's a pharicist----tell us without the caps
lomas98 writes:
"I didn't know if we'd get back down there again," he said. "We've been struggling so much offensively. Fourth-and-8's hard, but it's not insurmountable."
WTF??? If he didn't think we would get back down there again, how in the world were we going to win?? With the way the defense played, I think we would have got the ball back. We got it back after the 4th down.
Ironcity writes:
Colemen probably has some flaws but my guess he may act like its not his first game ever at the position. Unlike the other two.
volintexas writes:
Sounds like Foster took a dive. He and Josh the Joker Briscoe are probably partying somewhere on the Strip as I write this.
Ironcity writes:
Based on how Clawson judges talent, Colemen probably is light years ahead of the other two QB's.
kabul_vol writes:
I must admit, before this game I sort of dismissed those calling for BJ Coleman to play. But, after this game, they should give him all the reps and let him play. Whatever happens, happens. I cant imagine he would play any worse than Crompton or Stephens.
And, I am disappointed and a little embarrassed that neither the HC nor OC had any clue that Foster would not be able to go. Obviously, they had their distractions this week. But, wow, how can you defend Coach Fulmer now? And, this is coming from someone who really likes Coach Fulmer. I did think it was time for him to step down. But the ones on here blaming Mike Hamilton for everything and saying let Coach Fulmer stay. Well, is that still your opinion after this debacle?
This team has not improved one iota this year. In fact, they get progressively worse each week. If we had to play UF or UGA at this point in the season, we'd lose by double the margin we lost to them earlier in the season.
And, for the Clawson supporters. I don't know how you can say that he should be retained or given the HC position. The offense has been a complete disaster this year. And, this from a guy that made a statement along the lines of "SEC defenses are simple". Wanna re-think that statement coach? I know its taken out of context to some degree but...
I had hoped that the team would get it together and win out and send Fulmer out the best way it could. But, after this game, I honestly do not think they will beat Kentucky (who should have beaten UGA) nor Vanderbilt. This will be a sweet win for Vanderbilt this year because it will make them bowl eligible. I've never been a Vandy fan, really. But, with our season in the crapper, I hope they are able to get to a bowl game. Hopefully not at our expense.
bobbarbilly writes:
Is this football or dancing? I guess that footwork is more important than getting the ball somewhere in the neighborhood of the receiver. Two 8's and a 9 by the judges will really lightup the ol' scoreboard. Yessiree Bob!!!!
xvolx writes:
"surprised" you should have been "happy" he couldnt play.
xvolx writes:
gud goke. teribel spelin.
xvolx writes:
just wait until foster runs that 5.9 40 for the pros. he can kiss that draft money goodby.
volcop writes:
#1 in 1998; #115 in 2008
tngilmer writes:
While most of the Fulmer worshipers have shut up, a few are still posting. I just hope that when another school takes a risk and hires Fulmer, the University of Fulmer acolytes will follow him. UT does not need him or them any longer.
utclassof1992 writes:
(in a halting Italian accent ala Bruno) Your Cowboy Waltz looked more like you were getting ranch-handed in a rough sort of way. There was no SNAP, no PIZZAZZ, you didn't wow me! Maybe you will do better with the Viennese Waltz! (With a very effeminate flourish of the hands) 2!!!!!!!1
utclassof1992 writes:
Foster reminds me of an Eddie George type of runner without the speed, the talent, or the heart.
ORANGEAVENGER88 writes:
Anybody know how to say "thigh bruise" in Pterodactyl? A. Foster is ATROCIOUS!!!
matrosscbc writes:
Loss for words..Will Overstreet called the players quitters................yep you guys are........
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Lost like a young goose wandering in a strawberry patch. Wanting to eat but can't figure out where to start.
Was their movie Fri nite, "The Gang that couldn't shoot straight"?
Probably wan't see another full page ad of support this week.
rockydog writes:
He can't red shirt. He has already played in a game I think. I believe he played against UAB. Not real sure on the red shirting rules, but I think this eliminates him from being able to do this. Otherwise, you would absolutely be correct.
lomas98 writes:
I thought Coleman was a redshirt freshman this year, meaning he redshirted last year. There is no redshirt to come off this year.
shipperman#280095 writes:
Fulmer surprised Foster couldn't play...Was he surprised the whole team couldn't play?
TommyJack writes:
Exactly. Plus he's already played in a game. They must be thinking of the green shirt. We use those a lot.
G8er_H8er writes:
Good ridance to this whole staff and team. I hate it for Fulmer, but this shows really how bad this program has gotten. Hope they get a legimate staff in here and start demanding more from the players.
HallowedHill writes:
I don't think this team is as bad as they play. But they play like they've lost all hope (and who can blame them). Even our defense, which we know is good, looks like they gave up a few weeks ago. When the coaches tell us the team practices well, and then we struggle to make a first down, I can only blame the coaches for what is (or isn't) happening on the field.
Coach Fulmer, I have a great deal of respect for you. It saddens me for you to be proving your critics right in your waning moments as Coach.
invisiblekid writes:
That handoff in the end zone against MSST really helped his development too.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Foster will make a good WHAT? If by some chance you meant "street-corner PHARMACIST", i.e., drug dealer, I would like to see some evidence besides your gratuitous slam. I surely don't remember any problems he has had with drugs. Heart and guts, maybe, but not drugs. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Beast writes:
To bad we don't have a JV team that we could substitute in for this lousy offense. The Rick Clausen led offense looked all pro NFL compared to these guys. Anytime a player can't play on O THIS year, I actually expect them to be better. Foster would have made know difference, and sad to say, our coaches are always surprised.
diamond_dave35#235769 writes:
Foster just quit before the game..A thigh bruise..come on!!!..Enough said he doesnt deserve to break Henry's record. Even if he plays I still dont think he'll break it. My guess is He'll be 3 yards shy and inside the 5..and whoops another lost fumble
Ironcity writes:
The man has played 23 straight games many of them when he was injured. Every time he went out injured and laid an egg everyone of you guys blasted him for lack of effort and heart. It saddens me that fans of my school have so little respect for the players that play the game. Most of you are selfish slobs that sit behind the computer and look for players or coaches to blast every time someone takes away your rattle. I'm glad I don't know most of you and I wish you would think just a bit before you make an split second emotional post.
blitzshoot writes:
No one showed up to play yesterday. I'm sure Foster had his reason, what was the excuse for the rest of the team?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Coleman has a pine-rider shirt. Who knows what is sitting back there in the caste system?
utkell65 writes:
Give Coleman his shot. At the very least he'll go into next year with some game experience.
JC, please either quit football or transfer to a DII school. I'm sure the new coach would love to have the additional scholarship.
gslaton#227127 writes:
Did you notice how the corner blitzer ran over Gerald Jones (who attempted to block him??)? That's why you have a Foster in there. If he had been in on that particular down, the ball doesn't get knocked out of the qb's hand..which almost cost us a fumble. Once again-running backs aren't all about running. They have to know how to block on passing downs, if necessary.
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.